Many people are intimidated by the price of dental implants. But it’s important to weigh the cost with the quality of life that implants provide you, as well as other features that make the price of dental implants worth it. Dr. Robert Gauthier of Apex Dental, a dentist in Northborough, MA, discusses the cost of dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. They’re the only option that replaces the tooth root as well as the crown. Implants are made up of three different parts. First, a titanium post gets placed in your jawbone. Next, a piece called an abutment is attached to connect the post with the final restoration. The final restoration is usually a dental crown, but implants can also support a fixed bridge or denture.
Determining Your Cost
The cost of dental implants is different for everyone. There are many factors to take into consideration. First, the number of missing teeth you have determines how many implants you need. The location of the implants can also change the price, depending on how difficult it is to provide implants for that location.
Implants require you to have a certain amount of bone tissue. It’s crucial to make sure the implant is stable and successful. Sometimes, bone grafting is required to make the area suitable to receive implants. If your teeth are infected or broken and still stuck in the socket, those will need to be extracted before proceeding.
Lastly, the size of the dental implant and the type of restoration that will be used factor in. If you’re getting a single dental implant, a dental crown will be used. For multiple consecutive teeth that are missing, a dental bridge is usually recommended. A fixed denture can be used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth.
Dental Implants Vs. Other Methods
Many other tooth-replacement methods are cheaper than dental implants. Removable dentures and bridges are both quicker and cheaper upfront. So why choose dental implants? First, the cost of implants upfront may be more expensive, but you don’t incur more costs down the line because the implants replace the tooth root.
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone deteriorates. With other methods, the deterioration continues. Removable restorations require replacement or readjustment every 5-15 years. Dental implants replace the tooth root, stopping the deterioration of the jaw. Implants can even help to reverse the deterioration that’s already taken place.
Implants both look and feel the most like natural teeth as well. Removable restorations don’t feel the same. They also require more maintenance. They need to be removed and cleaned regularly. Dental implants just involve you brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist like normal. If you keep up with your oral health, implants can last for decades!
Dental Implants at Your Northborough, Massachusetts Dentist
Do you think dental implants are the right choice for you? Call us or schedule an appointment online.