Dental implants are a cost-effective option compared to dentures in the long run
About Dental Implant Costs
When comparing costs for dental implants, it’s important to remember that they are considered “medical devices” and require a team of dental professionals. The placement of dental implants is a combination of art and science, as you are investing in a service that can greatly improve your quality of life by providing you with permanent teeth.
On average, the total cost for a single dental implant, including placement and restoration, ranges from $3,000 to $6,000. The typical price is around $4,500. For full-arch fixed implant bridges, such as All-on-4, the cost can range from $13,495 to $30,000 or more per arch.
While it is possible to find a dentist who offers dental implants at a lower cost, it’s important to consider the skill and experience of the provider. Cheaper options may not always provide the same level of quality and expertise.
What’s Included in Dental Implant Costs
Initial Consultation
The first time you meet with Dr. Sista is crucial as much of the treatment planning will be done during this initial consultation. The dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth and jaw bone, and diagnostic imaging will be necessary. Many dentists now use 3D imaging scans, which provide a detailed view of the mouth and skull. A Cone Beam Imaging System is used to take hundreds of pictures of the face, creating an exact 3D image of the face and jaw's inner mechanisms.
Surgery
Following the initial consultation, you will be scheduled for surgery implantation where the dental implants will be placed, and new teeth will be fitted and adjusted. While these are not your final implants, you will leave the office with beautiful, fixed, functional teeth.
Follow-Up Appointment
After 3-6 months, when the implants have fused to the natural bone, the dentist will take new impressions of your mouth and prepare a final, stronger, permanent set of teeth that are adjusted to fit perfectly. This ensures that the teeth will last for many years and provide maximum support, beauty, and function.
Specialist Care
Dental implants fall under restoration dentistry, with a subcategory known as implantology. Implant surgery can be performed by a periodontist, a dentist, or a dentist with advanced implantology training. Due to the specialized training required, the cost of the procedure may be higher than other dental services.
General Anesthetic
Some patients may opt for a general anesthetic during the dental implant procedure, where the patient is asleep for the entire surgery. This approach is more expensive and requires an anesthesiologist to be present. However, it is more common to use a local anesthetic, where the patient is awake but the areas being worked on are numbed. Patients who are nervous may request a sedative to ease anxiety during the procedure.
Bone Grafts
Patients who have experienced significant bone loss may need bone grafts, which are performed in a separate procedure before the implant placement. The graft will take time to heal and fuse into the regular bone, adding to the overall cost and requiring additional time for healing.
Material
The material used in the crown can impact the quality and durability of the implant. Crowns made of acrylic resin are more affordable but may not look as natural as ceramic or porcelain crowns. Zirconia bridges, made from Prettau® Zirconia, are highly durable and provide a natural appearance that can withstand pressure and resist wear.
Teeth Location
The location of the teeth being replaced can also affect the cost and complexity of the treatment. Front teeth are more challenging to work on and may require more skill to achieve a natural look, making them more expensive to replace.
Dental Implants Are More Cost-Effective in the Long Run
Although dental implants may be more costly than dentures, they are actually a more cost-effective option for dental restoration. They provide a natural, secure, and longer-lasting solution compared to alternatives like tooth-supported bridges, which have a limited lifespan and require replacement. According to the American Dental Association, the average bridge needs to be replaced every 10.1 years, whereas clinical studies have shown that implant-supported crowns can last 20+ years in 95% of cases. One study even reported a 98.8% 10-year survival rate of dental implants, indicating that implants are likely to outlast bridges. Another study from Sweden demonstrated a 98.2% survival rate of implants over 32 months with immediately loaded implants. While the initial cost of implants may be higher, their superior value and longevity mean that you will ultimately save money in the long term.