If you’re thinking about replacing your missing teeth, you’re doing a great service not just to your smile, but your long-term oral and overall health. There are many factors to take into consideration, including which type of tooth replacement you’d like. If dental implants sound appealing to you, it’s important to have a detailed discussion with an oral surgeon beforehand so you can get a better understanding of what you’ll need to pay. These five dental implant cost factors should be at the top of your mind ahead of your next visit.
Number of Missing Teeth
The most impactful cost factor will be the number of teeth you need to replace. If you have a single missing tooth, replacing it with an implant crown will be much more affordable compared to replacing several teeth throughout the mouth or an entire arch. As a result, you’ll need a more complex restoration to cover the dental implants. Implant dentures or bridges require more time, labor, and materials to create, therefore increasing your final cost.
Need for Preparatory Procedures
In certain cases, you may need to complete certain procedures before you can be eligible for dental implant treatment. For example, if you have existing dental issues like tooth decay or gum disease, these will need to be addressed before surgery can occur.
Additionally, it’s possible that you may need a tooth extracted ahead of your dental implant procedure (especially if you are getting a dental implant because of the failing tooth). If you’ve been missing teeth for a very long time, a bone graft could be necessary to restore your bone density and make dental implants viable.
Location of the Implant
Certain teeth are more difficult to replace than others, so the location of your new implant can have a large impact on your costs. For example, replacing molars is generally easier compared to replacing teeth closer to the front of your mouth. In fact, dental implants were originally designed to replace molars, so it makes sense that they would require less time and expertise to complete treatment.
Materials Utilized
While many dental implants are made from titanium thanks to their biocompatibility, it isn’t the only material used for prosthetic roots. Some practices offer zirconia as an option as well, opting for a metal-free solution. The same logic applies to dental crowns, which can be made from acrylic or zirconia. Keep in mind that acrylic is not ideal as a long-term solution.
Dental Expertise
The more expertise the person has, the higher your costs will likely be. However, when it comes to treatments like tooth replacement, it’s better to receive care from someone who has been performing dental implant treatment for many years already. One of the best professionals to visit for dental implant placement is an oral surgeon since they hold specialized training that you aren’t likely to get from a general dentist.
It’s best to save up as much as possible for your dental implant treatment, but the only way to know for sure what you’ll need to pay is by scheduling a consultation!
About Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery
The oral surgeons at NOVA are highly experienced in dental implant placement and board-certified, which means they’ve gone above and beyond to prove their abilities and are very knowledgeable within their fields. Whether you need a single implant placed or a series of implants to rebuild your smile from top-to-bottom, you can trust them to make your tooth replacement as comfortable and comprehensive as possible. To schedule an appointment, you can contact them through their website.