When you are missing teeth, you have several options for replacing them:
- Dentures
- Dental bridges
- Dental implants
While all of these options are effective, dental implants are the only ones that restore appearance, feel, and full functionality. Dental implants have been called the “gold standard” of tooth replacement.
Since they do restore the look, feel, and functionality of natural teeth, they are among the most expensive options. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about the cost of dental implants at Wolf Schwartz Dentistry in Boca Raton. Dr. Schwartz is one of two certified implantologists in the area.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a restorative dental device that replaces the entire structure of a missing tooth. Traditional implants are made up of 3 parts:
- Implant screw: inserted into the jawbone, replacing the tooth root
- Abutment: attaches to the implant, secures the crown in place
- Crown: sits on the gumline, attached to the implant screw, replacing the visible portion of the tooth
Factors Influencing the Cost of Dental Implants
The average cost of a single-tooth dental implant is around $5,000. This only covers the implant and the surgery to place it.
Type of Dental Implant
Typically, the implant screw is made up of titanium. Unfortunately, there are other metals used to fabricate titanium screws, which some patients may be allergic to. In this case, we would recommend a zirconia implant, which can be more expensive.
Number of Implants
The number of implants plays a major role in the cost of dental implants. A single dental implant costs approximately $5,000. If you need to replace all of your teeth, it can cost you up to $56,000 for full-mouth dental implants.
Type of dental abutement
Cost of Dental Exams
Most dental clinics offer a free consultation exam. However, there are some that charge for these services. If they charge, each exam will increase the cost of your treatment.
Pre or Additional Procedures
If you need additional procedures such as extractions, gum disease treatment, bone grafting, or sinus lifting, you will be charged extra for those. The good news is that most dental insurance providers will cover a portion of these treatments.
Post-Operative or Maintenance Cost
You may incur costs for follow-up exams or medications, such as prescription pain medications and/or antibiotics. However, once you heal from the surgery, you should not have any additional costs.
Material Cost
The crown may be made of composite resin, porcelain, or zirconia. Composite resin is the most affordable- but will also wear out sooner and need to be replaced. Porcelain is a bit more expensive but will last longer than composite. Zirconia is the strongest and most expensive but lasts about as long as porcelain.
Expertise of Implant Dentist
A dentist that is newer to the field of implantology may charge less than one that has been in the industry for some time.
Dental Implants Insurance
Unfortunately, many dental insurance providers classify dental implants as a cosmetic, and therefore elective, procedure. However, there are some providers that will cover a portion of the treatment. Our office staff will be happy to work with your provider to determine your coverage. If you do not have insurance or your provider does not offer coverage for this procedure, we’ll be happy to review our financial options with you.
Location of Dental Implant Clinic
A dental clinic located in the heart of downtown will charge more than one located in a more rural area. This is because the one downtown is more visible and can garner more business. Clinics located in more rural areas must reduce their prices to entice patients to use them.
Types of Dental Implants and their Costs
One of the major impacts to the cost of dental implants is the number of implants needed:
- Single-Tooth Dental ImplantThe best option for replacing a single missing tooth is with a single implant. On average, a single implant costs $5,000.
- Full-Mouth Dental ImplantsThe most expensive option is to replace each tooth with a single dental implant. You can expect to pay up to $90,000 for this option. However, this does allow the dentist to preserve any remaining healthy natural teeth.
- Denture ImplantsDenture implants are a hybrid solution that allows the patient to take advantage of the affordability of dentures and the security of dental implants. The average cost of denture implants is around $12,000 per arch, or $24,000 for a full set. This is often referred to as All-on-4 because it uses 4 dental implants to secure the entire arch.
- Mini Dental ImplantsMany patients choose mini dental implants because they are much more affordable. In fact, the average cost of mini dental implants ranges from a low of $500 to a high of $1,500. This can result in significant savings, especially for patients that need to replace an entire set of teeth.
- Same-day Dental ImplantsImmediate-load, or same-day, dental implants cost between $4,000 to $5,000. The advantage of this option is that you leave the office with your new teeth. You don’t have to wait several months for osseointegration and the fabrication of your new crown. It is important to note that same-day teeth will need to be replaced with permanent ones once healing is complete.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation at Wolf Schwartz Dentistry
Missing teeth can cause a variety of oral and overall health issues. Therefore, if you are missing one or more teeth, it’s important to schedule a consultation with the team at Wolf Schwartz Dentistry to learn about your options for replacement. We will evaluate your condition and help you determine if implants are right for you.
Dental Implants FAQs
Below, we have provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions at Wolf Schwartz Dentistry in Boca Raton. If you have any questions or concerns, we will be happy to address those with you.
Does Medicare cover dental implants?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not offer coverage for most dental services, including dental implants. However, Medicare Part A may cover some dental services received as part of a hospital stay or in conjunction with other medical treatments.
Why no dairy after dental implant surgery?
You should avoid dairy products immediately following dental implant surgery because it has been proven to cause irritation of the surgical site. In addition, it has also been shown to trigger nausea and vomiting. All of these things can impact your body’s ability to heal and may cause the implant to fail.
Does dental insurance cover implants?
Unfortunately, many dental insurance providers classify dental implants as a cosmetic dental procedure, so they will not cover any part of it. However, there are others that will cover up to 50% of this procedure. The good news is that even if your provider does not cover the implants, they may cover any additional procedures you require such as extractions and gum disease treatment.
Do dental implants hurt?
Many years ago, oral surgery in general could be painful. However, thanks to advancements in technology, we have reached a point where dental procedures are much easier and virtually pain-free. You will be given local anesthesia to numb the area prior to the surgery. You will be awake but will not feel pain. You may have some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, but this will resolve over the next few hours.
How long does a dental implant procedure take?
The entire process of getting a dental implant takes a minimum of a few months, depending on how your body heals. The actual placement of the implant only takes about an hour, depending on how much work needs to be done.