Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost? Consider These Benefits
Tooth loss has an obvious impact on the smile’s appearance, but it also has serious effects on oral health and functions. Left untreated, missing teeth weaken the bite, compromise speech, and lead to jaw bone degeneration. Dental implants are among the most highly recommended missing teeth treatments because they address all the problems associated with tooth loss.
One drawback to dental implants is the expense of treatment. When individuals from the Boston, MA, area come to Stein Esthetics and ask our dentists if dental implants are worth the cost, we discuss the benefits that set this restorative dentistry treatment above other solutions for missing teeth.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Patients considering dental implants for tooth loss are usually eager to learn how much treatment costs. Dental implant treatment is customized to our Boston patient’s unique needs and preferences, so the expense of treatment varies from patient to patient. Some of the factors that impact dental implant costs include:
- The number of implants
- Implant materials
- Restoration type (dental crown, bridge, or dentures)
- Additional procedures required to complete dental implant treatment (x-rays, bone graft, sinus lift, etc.)
A single dental implant placement generally costs between $3,000 and $4,500. A full set of dental implants can range from $20,000 to $45,000.
Why Are Dental Implants More Costly than Other Missing Tooth Treatments?
Patients often question why dental implants cost more than other missing tooth treatments. Dental implants are more expensive than traditional crowns, bridges, or dentures because treatment involves oral surgery and requires multiple procedures.
During the initial implant treatment, the dentist makes small incisions in the gums and inserts implants, which are small titanium screws, into the jaw. The implants fuse with the jaw as oral tissues heal, creating a stable anchor for dental restorations. After recovery from implant surgery, patients undergo additional procedures to place abutments and dental restorations.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?
Dental implants are a worthy investment due to the many benefits they offer our Boston patients. Dental implants fill gaps left by tooth loss and restore the bite to enhance oral functions and aesthetics. They also provide additional benefits that set them above other tooth loss treatments.
Stability
Oral tissues heal around dental implants, making them a part of the jaw. When recovery is complete, dental implants are essentially permanent. Their position does not change so they provide superior stability to the dental restorations they anchor down. Patients can bite, chew, and speak confidently, knowing dental restorations will remain secure.
Durability
We use dental implants fabricated with strong, durable, and long-lasting materials. The longevity of dental implants makes them well worth their cost. With proper care, dental implants can last the patient’s lifetime. Other missing teeth treatments have limited lifespans and typically require replacement within 10 years or less.
Jawbone Preservation
As previously noted, jawbone degeneration is a complication of tooth loss. When a tooth falls out, the root system is lost as well. Tooth roots are responsible for stimulating the jaw bone and promoting tissue regeneration. Dental implants are the only tooth loss treatment to address the loss of a tooth’s roots. Implants act as artificial tooth roots and provide stimulation to preserve jawbone tissues.
Contact Us
The cost of dental implants can be intimidating initially, but the benefits make them a worthy investment in a patient’s oral health and functions. To learn more about dental implant treatment and whether you may be an ideal candidate for the procedure, contact our dental practice and schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.