Dental implants are simply artificial roots used to anchor replacement teeth. Unlike dentures, these implants are typically permanent. To fix these implants, a dentist or surgeon typically inserts a titanium screw into a patient’s jawbone to act as the anchor for the artificial teeth. With that in mind, here is some more information about dental implants cost:

Costs

According to the New York Times, dental implant expenses range from $1,000 to as much as $45,000. More specifically, the cost of a single titanium dental implant, for example, generally costs anything from $1,000 to $3,000. Additionally, the cost of a crown ranges anywhere from $500 to $3,000. In general, the average total cost for a single dental implant would range anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000. To replace a full or partial set of teeth, dentists typically charge anything from $20,000 to $45,000.

Factors affecting dental implant expenses

There are factors that contribute to the relatively high cost of dental fixtures. First and foremost, the procedure of fixing these dental fixtures usually involves more than one medical expert. For instance, a dentist diagnoses a patient’s oral health problems and prescribes the relevant treatment. If a dental implant is necessary, a surgeon may be involved in the treatment. Secondly, several dental office visits may be required to insert an implant and add a prosthetic tooth. In some cases, additional procedures may be necessary even before a dentist can insert an implant. For example, if one has a damaged jawbone, bone grafting and modeling may be necessary. These additional procedures may push the cost of dental implants even higher. Some of the other factors that affect cost of implants include a dental surgeon’s specialty as well as the quality and brand of both the implant and the crown.

A good investment

Although dental implants are somewhat expensive, they do have some inherent advantages that make the cost worth it. To start with, dental implants will enhance your ability to chew food. Secondly, they look and function just like normal teeth. Thirdly, unlike dentures, they require less maintenance. Fourthly, they do not typically require the modification of the adjacent teeth. Fifthly, they will improve your smile, which is particularly important for certain careers such as sales and marketing. In fact, a study carried out by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that a job candidate’s physical appearance can influence the candidate’s chance of being hired. On a similar note, another study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics found that people with crooked or decayed teeth were judged as non-attractive, not intelligent, unpopular, and unfit to hold leadership positions.

In conclusion, although the cost of dental implants is relatively high, they are largely a good investment. For example, consider a person who loses a job opportunity worth $120,000 annually due to decayed or missing teeth. For such a person, a $5,000 dental implant tab would make good financial sense. Some of the other benefits of having implants include improved ability to chew food and its permanency.

For more about how much dental implants cost, take a moment and contact us today.