Jumping into dental implant treatment can seem overwhelming, especially because there are so many moving parts to this process, which typically takes place over about a year. However, most people who have completed the treatment will agree that it’s well worthwhile!
At your consultation with your implant dentist, they will discuss a variety of details with you if you’re a good candidate, like materials that will be used, how many implants you’ll need, and more. Each of these has the ability to impact the overall cost, so it’s important to consider your budget and work with your dentist to put together a plan that works for you. Read on to learn three factors that can affect the price of your procedure.
Do You Need a Bone Graft or Sinus Lift?
Preparatory treatments like bone grafting or sinus lifts are a common need for some patients who may not be good candidates for dental implant placement right away. If you have lived with missing teeth for awhile or you’re looking to switch from traditional dentures to implant-retained ones, a bone graft may be necessary. This is because as time passes, the lack of stimulation and blood flow to the jawbone (caused by missing roots) can lead to bone erosion, meaning there wouldn’t be enough support for the implant posts.
Sinus lifts are also a common preparatory procedure. For those that have low maxillary sinuses, which are located just above your palate, placing dental implants in the upper arch could lead to a higher risk of complications. Gently lifting the sinuses out of the way of the implants will prevent these complications from occurring.
How Many Dental Implants Do You Require?
One detail that will play a large role in the cost of your treatment is how many dental implants you’ll need to have placed. This will largely depend on how many teeth you’re missing and their locations, determining what type of prosthetic you require. For reference, to secure a denture within the mouth, between four and eight dental implants are typically needed.
Where is Your Implant Dentist Located?
Another factor that many people don’t often consider is the location of the implant dentist that they’re seeing. In larger cities, just like with groceries, the cost of dental treatments can be higher. For example, if you live in the heart of Denver, it’s likely that you would pay more for dental implants than if you went to an implant dentist a little further from the city, like Lakewood. However, if you know that the convenience factor of choosing a more costly dentist that’s closer to you will be worth it, then go for it!
With these three factors in mind, you can be better attuned to how the details that your dentist shares with you at your consultation will impact your treatment’s price tag. From there, you can ask the questions that really matter and have a clearer picture of the financial impact that investing in dental implants will have on you.
About the Author
Dr. Carole Emanuel started her career as a dental assistant, eventually pursuing her dream to become a dentist. Now, she has been practicing for over 25 years, providing her patients with high-quality, custom-tailored treatments and beautiful, lifelike results. When it comes to replacing missing teeth specifically, Dr. Emanuel partners with local specialists for the surgical part of the dental implant procedure and restores them to perfection. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Carole Emanuel, DDS’ website or call 303-986-0090.