There is no doubt that dental implants cost a lot of money. However, the long term benefits should make the cost more than worthwhile.
Most basic dental implants cost around $1,000 for one tooth to be replaced. The most complex dental implants cost anything up to around $30,000 for a full set of teeth. Unfortunately, your insurance will be very unlikely to help with dental implant costs, but your dentist may be able to help with a finance plan.
Dental implants are made up of titanium posts inserted into the jawbone. The titanium post acts like the roots for your teeth. Attached to the titanium post are ceramic crows, which give the appearance of a real tooth. Once the implant is healed, you have a fully working set of teeth and nobody will be able to tell the difference between your implant and the real thing.
If your implant is going to be in an area where the underlying jawbone is good and strong, then the dental implant cost will cover a course of surgery starting with the extraction of the problem tooth, if required, followed by the insertion of the titanium post. Titanium is used because it is known to exist amongst live tissue without causing problems and is extremely unlikely to cause an adverse reaction.
When bone structure is not so strong, if it is damaged or in an area naturally limited in bone, such as below the sinus cavities in the upper jaw, bone grafts may be required. This may add money to the dental implant cost, and will add time to the surgery process.
Some people are suitable for a newer process, where an extraction can be followed directly by the implant of a complete tooth with temporary crown, replaced at a later date once the bone has fused to the post.
Although dental implants cost a lot of time and money, they are a worthwhile investment. Ask your dentist for advice about the options available and dental implant costs compared to other treatments and procedures.
