Dental implants are a viable treatment option for tooth loss caused by a variety of factors, including periodontitis, decay and trauma, and the long-term natural looking solution they provide make them an increasingly popular treatment option. Durable, attractive and comfortable, implants are now considered the “go-to” solution for missing teeth, and millions of patients are discovering more beautiful, healthy and strong smiles because of them, but just as many factors may cause tooth loss. This makes calculating the average cost of dental implants difficult. Every patient has their own unique needs, and patients can only get a full and accurate picture of the costs of dental implants by having a complete consultation with their dental health professionals. A patient looking for a single tooth implant, versus an individual needing a full mouth replacement, can see their cost vary by many thousands of dollars.
The cost of dental implants will be affected by the complexity of an individual patient’s situation and treatment needs and the type of implant restoration being used, such as a denture, bridge or crown.
Wondering about the cost of dental implants is normal, as the treatment plan represents an investment in your long term oral health, but it is also important to consider the cost of not getting dental implants when needed and recommended by your dentist or prosthodontist. Your oral condition has a significant affect on your overall health, and the cost of not getting implants may be more missing or failing teeth, pain and the need for further and more intensive dental treatments.
Dental implants are an investment, and the results can be dramatic.
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The longer a tooth is missing, the greater the risk becomes of suffering adverse health effects. When a tooth is missing for a long period of time, bone re-absorption may result. When this occurs, the jaw thins over time, affecting facial appearance and making it more difficult to later insert an implant.
Missing teeth can also cause misalignment or shifting of the remaining natural teeth. When a missing tooth leaves a gap behind, the remaining teeth shift toward the space, and this movement may affect the way your jaw closes and opens, causing further pain and damage. The longer this condition exists and progresses, the greater the effort, and potential cost, to correct it with dental implant treatment.
Each one of these side effects of missing teeth requires further treatment to avoid even more consequences. In the long run, investing in dental implants now is likely less expensive than the cost of treating these problems in the future, and will give you that great natural looking smile that much sooner.
So discuss the treatment options and associated cost with your implant dentist, and also inquire about financing or in-office payment plans they may offer, as these can help you to manage the cost and enable you to work dental implant treatment within your budget.