Factors That Affect The Cost Of Getting Dental Implants

If you're thinking about getting dental implants, you probably want to know how much it will cost. If you call for a quote, or look online for prices, you'll see a wide range. The only way to get an accurate quote is to have an evaluation by a dentist. That's because several factors affect how much your implants will cost. Here is a look at a few of them.

When A Bone Graft Is Needed

When you lose a tooth, there is no longer a root to keep your jaw bone stimulated when you chew. The lack of stimulation leads to bone loss over time. If you don't have enough bone to hold onto an implant, then your dentist may have to do a bone graft. A bone graft adds to the overall cost of getting implants. Keep in mind, a bone graft isn't always needed, even if you do have some bone loss. Your dentist may be able to position the implants in such a way that they are stable even in areas of thin bone. So, don't let a fear of needing a bone graft stand in the way of getting an initial evaluation for implants.

The Number And Type Of Implants

If you have several teeth missing, you'll need multiple implants. However, you probably won't need an implant for each tooth if they are close together. Your dentist can put implants on the outside teeth and place a bridge or partial denture on them to cover the middle teeth. Even if you want implants to hold onto your dentures, you'll only need a few to hold the plates firmly in place. An implant consists of the implant that goes into the bone, the crown or artificial tooth that sits above your gum, and an abutment that holds the two together. The type of material used for the crown impacts the price of your implant. Resin is an inexpensive material when compared to porcelain. The drawback is that resin doesn't look as natural as porcelain, so if you're getting implants for your front teeth, you probably want to pay more for the porcelain crowns. Also, if you're getting implants for dentures, don't forget to factor in the cost of the dentures too. You might be able to save money by using your current dentures if you already have them.

Any Additional Work Needed

Don't forget there are additional costs that will be added to the cost of the implant itself. For instance, you'll need imaging tests such as a CAT scan or X-ray. You might need to have bad teeth pulled first, which adds to the overall cost. Plus, there is the cost for the anesthetic and office call. Implants usually require multiple office visits to complete since your jaw bone needs to fuse to the implant before the crown can be attached. Be sure to ask about all the associated costs with having the procedure done, so you aren't taken by surprise once the process is underway.

Getting implants may seem like a big expense, but you'll find the cost is worth it if you want a pretty smile and healthy mouth. Implants keep your jaw bone stimulated to prevent further bone loss, and they hold bridges and dentures firmly in place. If you wear dentures, implants can vastly improve your quality of life since you'll be able to speak and eat without them slipping once they are attached to implants. For more information, contact a dentist, like John P Poovey DMD PC.