If you have missing teeth, you have likely looked into getting dental implants. Dental implants are considered to be the gold standard for tooth replacement by many dental professionals because of their permanent and natural-looking quality. However, dental implants often come with a steep price point. In this blog post, our team at Saskatoon Smiles Group discusses the ins and outs of dental implants and breaks down why they cost so much.
What Are Dental Implants?
To understand why dental implants are so costly, you need to understand what dental implants are. Dental implants are composed of three main parts: a titanium implant post, an abutment, and a dental crown.
The implant post is surgically inserted into your jaw to replace your tooth root. An abutment is placed onto this post and used to connect the dental crown to it, which is what replaces your actual missing tooth.
Dental implants in Saskatoon are the only restorative dental treatment that replaces both the tooth root and actual missing tooth. This means that they not only appear like natural teeth, but they function almost exactly the same way that natural teeth do as well.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Dental Implants?
To get dental implants, you will have to visit a dentist in Saskatoon several times. The preparation starts with a consultation and examination. Next, you will have to undergo the surgical placement of the implant posts and then the healing process. Finally, you will need to get the abutment and dental crown placed. The entire process can take several months.
Multiple factors influence the cost of dental implants, including:
- The type of procedure- there are two main kinds of insertion of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal implantation. With endosteal implantation, the implants are screwed into the actual jawbone, whereas implants are placed just above the jawbone with subperiosteal implantation.
- The dentist- some dental professionals offer less costly treatments than others, but typically, the more experienced the dentist, the more expensive their treatments cost. Consider this point when choosing a dentist in Saskatoon.
- The insurance plan- not everyone has dental insurance plans, and not all insurance plans will cover the cost of dental implants. It is important to speak to your insurance company to determine how much they will cover.
- The material- dental implants can be made from titanium or zirconia. Titanium is most commonly used and lasts longer than zirconia. Zirconia is fairly new but increasing in popularity.
How Much Do Dental Implants Typically Cost?
While the cost of dental implants varies based on the factors mentioned above, you can typically expect to pay anywhere from $900 to $6000 for a single implant. Sometimes, the quality reflects the price, and sometimes it doesn’t, but generally, the average cost lies around $3000.
The Bottom Line
Dental implants are a popular, safe, and effective way to replace missing teeth. However, they are very expensive, and most insurance companies will not cover the cost of implants. If you are considering dental implants, do not feel discouraged. Inform yourself about the different prices in your area and work with a dentist to find the right treatment for you.
Dental implants are a permanent decision, so you will want to be fully informed about what you are getting yourself into before moving forward with the procedure.