Dental Implant Cost Factors
Missing teeth can have a negative impact on the health and appearance of your smile. For some patients, crowns, bridges, or dentures supported by dental implants is the ideal solution for their dental health problems. Dr. Thomas G. Zarger, Jr. has helped countless patients in the Knoxville, TN area thanks to implant dentistry.
Dental implants are more expensive than traditional bridges and dentures, though many patients feel that the benefits justify the cost. Below are some factors that affect the price of dental implants, as well as some other cost-related considerations to keep in mind.
The Number of Dental Implants Required
If you need more dental implants for treatment, the overall procedure will typically cost more. This is common sense given the additional oral surgery involved and the work required on the part of the dental surgeon.
The Type of Restoration
A single dental crown will cost less than a full set of upper and lower dentures. The materials used can also have an impact on the overall cost of implant dentistry treatment.
The Need for Bone or Gum Grafting
When people have lost a tooth or multiple teeth, it’s not uncommon for them to suffer from bone loss and gum recession. This occurs because the jawbone and gumline no longer have a tooth root to support. In order to get a dental implant placed in these cases, bone grafting and gum grafting may be required. These additional surgical procedures will add to the cost of dental implant treatment, and it will also increase the overall treatment time by several months.
The Complexity of the Patient’s Case
In addition to bone grafting and gum grafting surgery, patients may have other dental wellness needs that have to be addressed. Tooth extractions prior to placing implants could be required, in addition to restoring any remaining teeth. This increases the cost of treatment.
The Location of the Dental Practice
Location is a key aspect to many facets of our lives. Places with a higher cost of living will typically have a higher cost of dental care than more affordable locations. For example, the cost of dental implants in Knoxville will generally be lower on average than the cost of dental implants in New York or London.
The Experience of the Oral Surgeon and Dentist
Dentists and oral surgeons who are experienced and have good reputations will typically charge more for their services than novice dental health specialists. That doesn’t mean that a high cost of treatment is the sole determinant of quality, but it could be something to consider.
Promotions at an Individual Practice
Some dental practices may have discounts on dental implants in order to attract patients looking for advanced dental care. These promotions are specific to individual dental care centers.
Dental Implants and Insurance Coverage
Unfortunately, health and dental insurance plans typically do not cover implant dentistry. Patients will need to pay for dental implants on their own in the vast majority of cases.
Payment Options and Financing Plans
Since dental implants can be costly, patients may want to consider monthly installment plans to pay for the procedure. The team at our Knoxville dental center will be more than happy to discuss these payment options in greeter detail during an in-person consultation.
Learn More About Implant Dentistry
If you would like more information about dental implants and how they can help enhance your dental health, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. Dr. Zarger and his team can be reached by phone at (865) 693-7631.
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