How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are a type of artificial tooth restoration that can help you replace lost natural teeth. In recent years, dental implants have become popular alternatives to dentures and bridges, and for good reason. Dental implants are extremely durable and can last a lifetime, which makes them worth the cost for those who qualify.
Since dental implants provide such a high-quality tooth replacement, the process does include a couple steps and can take longer than replacing missing teeth with a bridge or denture. Dental implants can also have a higher cost than these other tooth replacement options, although they provide a lifetime of use.
How much do dental implants cost, exactly? Here we review what goes into the cost, whether your insurance will cover the procedure, and how you can manage out-of-pocket expenses for dental implants.
What Goes Into the Cost of Dental Implants
Dental implants consist of a few different parts. There’s the actual implant, which is typically made of titanium or ceramic. The implant is what your Asheville dentist will insert in your jawbone in a surgical procedure. Then there’s the abutment, which is the attachment that will connect your implant to your dental crown.
The final part of the implant is the dental crown, which will be custom-made for your smile and attached to the end of the crown after the implant is fully healed in your jaw. Once your dental crown is placed, the dental implant will be finished. During the healing period, your dentist will typically fashion a temporary crown to help maintain the appearance of your smile before the permanent crown can be placed.
However, some patients may require a bone graft prior to their dental implant procedure. When you lose a natural tooth, your body will begin to absorb the jawbone surrounding that tooth, with most of the bone loss happening in the first few months after the tooth loss. Less bone in the area of the missing tooth can mean your jaw won’t support a traditional dental implant.
Fortunately, you can qualify for dental implants by getting a jawbone graft. A bone graft is a separate procedure during which natural or synthetic bone will be placed to help build up the bone in the area where the missing tooth was. Once this area is healed from the graft, your dentist can begin the dental implant process.
These components of the dental implant don’t include other aspects of the procedure, such as dental x-rays and CT scans you may need to ensure the dental implant is properly placed or the actual surgery for the implant or bone graft, which can also add to the cost.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Some insurance policies will cover dental implants and others will not. Your dental plan may also only cover a portion of dental implants, which can mean you’ll need to pay some costs out-of-pocket for the procedure. Since there are generally cheaper options available to restore your smile, many insurance companies won’t pay for the full cost of the dental implant procedure.
If you’re planning on getting dental implants, it can be helpful to look for a dental insurance plan that will help cover at least some of the costs. Some insurance plans may cover up to 50% or more of the cost of the procedure, which can help minimize any out-of-pocket expenses you’ll need to pay.
As dental implants are one of the more expensive tooth restoration options, having dental insurance can be a big help when it comes to covering the costs so you can get a durable, secure, and natural-looking tooth replacement for as little as possible.
Managing Out-of-Pocket Costs
If you’d like to consider dental implants but are concerned about managing the out-of-pocket costs, Saunders DDS is here to help. We want to help you get the treatment you need at a price you can afford. In addition to dental insurance plans, we also accept CareCredit, which is essentially a credit card that lets you pay off dental work through third-party financing.
Should you have any questions about what your insurance will or will not cover or how you can manage any additional costs of dental implants you may be responsible for, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable team at Saunders DDS. We can help you determine the potential cost of your procedure, which insurance benefits may apply, and how you can manage any out-of-pocket costs with us.
The Long-Term Benefits of Dental Implants
When properly placed and maintained, dental implants act as a lifetime tooth replacement. The dental crown that’s attached to your implant will need to be replaced at some point; however, the actual implant post will naturally integrate with your jawbone and remain there for life.
Unlike bridges, dentures, and partials, dental implants can help you maintain jawbone density in the area where your tooth was lost. Healthy jawbone can not only help maintain the natural alignment of your teeth and bite but can also help prevent facial sagging or a sunken appearance that can happen over time as the body absorbs bone from a lost tooth.
Since dental implants are so secure in your jaw, they allow you to have all the functions of a natural tooth. You’ll be able to bite, chew, speak, and smile without worry that your implant will shift or become loose in your mouth. When you consider that dental implants give you a permanent and secure tooth replacement, they are well worth the cost.
Your dentist in Asheville, Dr. Saunders, will fabricate your dental crown to perfectly match your other teeth so your dental implant will look natural and become a seamless part of your beautiful smile.
Learn More About Dental Implants in Asheville
Want to find out more about dental implants, whether you qualify and if your insurance will cover them, or how to get started with the process? Contact Saunders DDS today to book a consultation for your dental implants at (828) 277-6060 or reach us online through our contact form.
To receive an accurate quote for dental implant costs and dental services in Asheville, NC, schedule a consultation with us today. Dial (828) 277-6060 to set up your appointment.