5 Factors That Impact Dental Implant Cost the Most

It’s no secret that when it comes to dental implant cost, you’re paying more on average compared to dental bridges and dentures. For that reason, you’ll want to think of them more as a long-term investment designed to protect your smile and oral health that simultaneously boosts your quality of life and appearance. However, as a highly customizable dental service, the final cost of your care can vary dramatically depending on your needs. Keep reading to learn about the most impactful factors that will influence the amount you’ll need to pay.

The Number of Missing Teeth

Simply put, the more teeth you are missing, the more dental implants you’ll need to have placed to restore your smile. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you won’t necessarily need a dedicated implant for each new tooth. For example, implant bridges only require two dental implants, yet they can hold a restoration containing as many as four crowns. Implant dentures generally require between four and eight dental implants, yet they can restore an entire arch of teeth.

Necessary Preparatory Treatments

In certain cases, patients require specific procedures before they can be considered for dental implant treatment. If your bone tissue has reduced over time, for example, a bone graft will be needed so the implant can fuse with your jawbone properly. This will increase the total cost of your tooth replacement. Furthermore, dental implants cannot be placed if gum disease is present, which means gum therapy must be completed beforehand.

Location of Missing Teeth

Generally speaking, front teeth are more expensive to replace than back teeth because of the unique angle front teeth sit inside the jawbone. There is less bone to work with when replacing front teeth, meaning the implant procedure will be more complicated and therefore more costly. Dental implants were initially designed to mimic molars specifically, which is why replacing them is typically easier compared to other teeth.

Materials Used for the Implant

Dental implant posts are often made from titanium due to its biocompatibility with bone and soft tissue. However, advancements in implant materials have allowed other options to be considered as well, such as zirconia. You’ll want to speak with the dentist directly about the materials they are using to replace teeth and confirm their cost ahead of time.

Type of Restoration

Replacing more teeth requires more complex restoration to fill the gaps in your smile. Single dental implants are only covered with a crown, but larger gaps or full arch replacements will need a bridge and or denture specifically customized to attach to dental implants. These restorations require more materials, time, and expertise to fabricate.

No matter what type of tooth replacement you need, there are options available to make your care more affordable. Schedule a consultation with a dentist today to learn more about the cost of dental implants!

About the Author

Dr. Shandy Condie is highly experienced in cosmetic, restorative, and neuromuscular dentistry. Following her formal dental education, she expanded her skillset at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. She also partners with local specialists to ensure the most comprehensive and successful implant placement possible for her patients. To schedule an appointment with her office, you can contact her through her website.