What Goes into the Cost of a Dental Implant?

Do you have an incomplete smile due to missing teeth? If so, you have likely considered some form of a tooth replacement option. While there are more affordable options such as dental bridges or full and partial implants, no tooth-replacement option provides the benefits to patients that a dental implant does. The biggest obstacle many individuals face when considering a dental implant is the cost. Because dental implants require a surgical procedure to be placed, it is the most expensive of the tooth replacement options available. If you are concerned about the cost of a dental implant, you should speak to your local dentist in Thibodeaux, Louisiana. Dr. Jared Palmer and the team at Acadia Family Dentistry would love to talk to you about dental implants. Dr. Palmer offers wellness plans for patients that could help with the cost of your dental implant!

What Factors into the Cost of a Dental Implant?

When you lose a tooth, it can be incredibly stressful. Thinking about what your smile would look like if the lost tooth were in a visible position. Wondering if your bite, or speech will be affected. These can pile on and create a mountain of anxiety for some. The last thing you want to worry about is if you can afford a tooth replacement option like a dental implant. Because of this, some patients opt for more affordable tooth replacement options like a denture or dental bridge. While you may worry about the cost of a dental implant, some dentists do offer payment plans or subscription “wellness” plans that can help with the cost. While deciding on if you want to get a dental implant or not, it may help if you understand what factors into the total cost.

• Doctor: The dentist or oral surgeon you hire will significantly affect the total cost. Some doctors may offer payment plans, while others may have the balance be paid upfront. The expertise of your doctor could also factor into the cost. Those who have more experience could charge more than less experienced doctors.
• Your Oral Health: If you have poor oral health, some work may need to be done on your mouth before you can get a dental implant. This will lead to a more expensive scenario than someone who does not require this extra work.
• Anesthesia: Receiving a dental implant is a surgically invasive procedure, and you will require some form of anesthesia to numb the area. In some cases, patients may even elect to be put under anesthesia. You will need to discuss anesthesia options with your doctor and then factor this into the overall cost of your procedure.

These are just a few things to think about when looking at why a dental implant is more expensive than other tooth replacement options. When you factor these items in, you may be able to start estimating the cost of your procedure would be. The price of dental implants will always vary from dentist to dentist, but, on average, a tooth implant will cost somewhere in the area of $5000, including the abutment and crown.

What are You Getting for Your Money?

We just looked at variables that could factor into the price of your dental implant procedure, but another helpful thing to know is what you are exactly getting for your money. Let us now look at what you are paying for in that total cost.

• Your Doctor: It should go without saying that getting a dental implant is more complicated and involved than, let’s say, getting a routine filling or a teeth whitening treatment. When you elect to get a dental implant, you need to understand this is a surgical procedure. As with any surgical procedure, you will want a doctor who has performed dental implant procedures safely and effectively in the past. Some dentists perform the dental implant procedure themselves, while others refer you to a trusted specialist. The doctor who ends up performing the procedure is just one part of the total cost. You want somebody whom you can trust and who has expertise in the field.
• Consultation: Before you go in for your implant procedure, there will be at least one appointment where an examination will be performed, the doctor will explain the procedure, you’ll be able to ask questions, and any work that needs to be done before getting your implants will be planned out.
• The Procedure: A large portion of the cost will be for the procedure itself. Getting an implant is a surgery. Incisions will be made, holes drilled, and the implant will be inserted.
• Abutment and Crown: Once you have healed from receiving your implant, an abutment will be attached to the implant. Onto this abutment is where your crown (or other tooth restoration) will be placed. Once this is complete, you will have a fully restored smile.

If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, please call Dr. Jared Palmer and the team at Acadia Family Dentistry at (985) 303-2920.