Why Dental Implant Costs Vary: Answers to Patient Questions
Dental implants are an excellent solution for patients who are missing teeth. During consultations with patients, we often receive questions about dental implants cost. The cost of dental implants can vary from patient to patient because each patient’s needs are so different. As a general rule for dental procedures, the simpler the case, the less expensive that procedure tends to be.
The team at our Edmonton, Alberta dental care centre would like to go over some of the factors that impact the cost of getting dental implants. You may be surprised by a few of these. As for the cost of your own treatment, we can go over that during an in-person consultation.
The Number of Dental Implants Needed
If a patient is just missing a single tooth, only one dental implant will be required. The loss of most or all of a patient’s teeth could require four, five, or more dental implants. Since additional surgery is required to place multiple implants, patients who need multiple implants will pay more.
The Type of Restoration Required
Related to the number of implants, the type of restoration can play a role in the cost of care. Full dentures cost more than a single dental crown. Dental labs must do additional work to create a sturdy full arch restoration, and they deserve to be compensated fairly for their craftsmanship and quality.
The Need for Bone Grafting or Gum Augmentation
Following tooth loss, the lack of a tooth root often leads to bone loss and gum recession in the area of the tooth gap. In order to get dental implants, patients need sufficient bone density and gum tissue density. To achieve this, hard and soft tissue augmentation procedures can be performed.
These additional surgeries add to the cost of implant dentistry treatment. They also add to the overall procedure time; patients must fully heal from grafting procedures before the implants themselves can be placed.
The Complexity of the Treatment Involved
Beyond the need for bone grafting and gum augmentation, patients may have some unique issues that increases the complexity of their case. If a patient is getting dental implants on their upper arch, for example, they may need a sinus lift to make sure the implant does not press right up against the sinus membrane.
Various complexities require additional care, and that care will add to the price tag of treatment.
The Need for Additional Restorative Procedures
Dental implants are often part of full mouth reconstructions. These kinds of multi-treatment procedures address tooth loss, gum recession, tooth decay, TMJ disorders, and other severe dental problems. With that much extensive work required, the cost of treatment will be higher.
Are Dental Implants Right for My Price Range?
Dental implants may be prohibitively expensive for some patients. We do offer dental care financing, which can help put treatment back in people’s price range. However, if you would prefer to avoid dental implants because of the costs involved, we will happily discuss alternatives that would be more affordable.
Learn More About Implant Dentistry
For more information about dental implants and if they are an ideal treatment option for you and your needs, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry centre. We look forward to your visit and discussing these matters in greater detail.
