We know that dental implants are expensive. And we understand that they are a substantial investment for anyone who needs them.
Our goal with this article is to explain why they have a high price tag so that you can feel confident making this investment in your oral health.
Table of Contents
- Why It’s Important to Replace a Missing Tooth
- Dental Implant Parts
- Factors That Contribute to the Cost
- The Long-Term Benefits of Dental Implants
- Invest In Your Oral Health
- Additional Resources
Why It’s Important to Replace a Missing Tooth
To understand why you should invest in an implant, it’s important that you know why you need one in the first place!
When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area is no longer stimulated, causing it to resorb or shrink. This can result in changes to your facial structure and lead to difficulty chewing and speaking.
The gap left by the missing tooth may cause the surrounding teeth to shift, causing misalignment and potential bite issues.
It’s essential to replace a missing tooth to maintain the integrity of your jaw bone and prevent other oral health problems down the line.
🦷The bottom line: You have 32 permanent teeth for a reason! Each tooth serves a purpose and losing one can affect the functionality and health of your mouth.
Dental Implant Parts
Dental implants are made up of three main parts: the implant, abutment, and crown. Each of these components is necessary for a successful dental implant.
- The implant is a post made from titanium or zirconia that is placed in the jawbone and acts as the root of the tooth.
- The abutment connects the implant to the crown and serves as an anchor for it to sit on.
- The crown is the visible part of the implant and serves as a replacement for your missing tooth. It’s custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth.
When an implant is placed by a skilled and experienced surgeon, it will function exactly like your natural tooth! The technology we have today is so advanced that it’s hard to tell the difference between a natural tooth and an implant.
But, as you can imagine, this level of precision and customization comes at a price.
Factors That Contribute to the Cost
Expertise
You wouldn’t trust your luxury car with just any mechanic, would you? No! If you have a high-end vehicle, you are going to take it to a mechanic that specializes in fixing and maintaining that type of car.
The same goes with your teeth. You shouldn’t trust just any dental professional with your oral health. Dental implant surgery is a complex and delicate procedure that requires specialized training and experience.
Oral surgeons are the most qualified professionals to perform dental implant surgery, and their expertise comes at a higher cost.
Here are a few reasons you should choose an oral surgeon for your dental implant surgery:
- Oral surgeons have advanced education and training in dental implant surgery.
- They have specialized surgical skills and experience to handle any complications that may arise during the procedure.
- They use advanced technology and techniques to ensure a successful and long-lasting implant.
Learn about our oral surgeons, Dr. Daniel B Foley, Dr. Benjamin Foley, Dr. Thao Le.
Procedure and Materials
Dental implant surgery is a multistep process that involves a few different surgical procedures, including tooth extraction, bone graft (not always necessary), and the placement of the implant. Each step requires specialized materials and tools to ensure success.
For example, bone grafting may be necessary if there isn’t enough bone in the jaw to support an implant. This additional procedure adds to the overall cost of the implant.
The materials used in dental implants are also high-quality and long-lasting, such as titanium or zirconia. These materials come at a higher cost but contribute to the overall success and durability of the implant.
Sedation and Follow-Up Care
Dental implant surgery is typically done under sedation to ensure patient comfort and to help the surgeon perform the procedure with precision. This adds to the overall cost of the implant.
You will also require follow-up care and appointments to ensure the implant is healing properly. These follow-up appointments are necessary for the long-term success of the implant but also contribute to the overall cost.
The Long-Term Benefits of Dental Implants
Now that you understand what is involved in your investment, let’s talk about the ‘payment’ you will receive from your investment.
- Improved chewing and speech: With a stable and functional tooth replacement, you can enjoy your favorite foods without difficulty and speak with confidence.
- Preservation of jaw bone: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing resorption and maintaining the structure of your face.
- Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. This means you won’t have to replace them every few years like other tooth replacement options, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
- Natural appearance: Dental implants are custom-made to match your natural teeth, giving you a beautiful and seamless smile.
- Improved oral health: By replacing a missing tooth, you are also preventing potential issues with your surrounding teeth and improving the overall health of your mouth.
The bottom line: While dental implants may seem like a costly investment upfront, their long-term benefits make them a valuable and worthwhile option for replacing missing teeth. You can’t put a price on good oral health!
Invest In Your Oral Health
We hope that this blog has helped you to have a clearer picture of the cost and benefits of dental implants. Remember, your oral health is an essential part of your overall well-being, and investing in it now can save you from more significant issues down the line.
If you are considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced oral surgeons today. At your dental implant consultation, we will discuss your specific situation, go over the cost and financing options, and create a personalized treatment plan that suits your needs and budget.
We recommend that you contact your dental insurance provider before you meet with us to find out exactly how much of the procedure they will cover. Once you know how much insurance coverage you have, you can discuss your financial options with our team. Every dental insurance plan is different, so it’s important that you understand the specifics of your plan.
Don’t let the cost of dental implants hold you back from achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. Invest in yourself and your oral health today!
If you are searching for an oral surgeon in Boulder, CO or a dental implant specialist, call Foley & Le at (303) 444-2255.
Additional Resources
What to Look for in a Dental Implant Specialist
What Anesthesia is Used for Oral Surgery?
