Many of us wonder why dental implants cost so much!! I personally think that dentists see an opportunity to take advantage of the public by charging exorbitant prices for pure greed.
Dentists are very much aware of the benefits that implants offer for those who are missing teeth as compared to dentures. Understanding that, dentists expect potential patients who want the feel and look of real teeth will just suck it up and pay their asking price. After all, as one dentist stated to me if people pay $1000 for an Apple iPhone, then they can surely pay for dental implants. Along with this, getting implants can have a great positive effect on one’s overall oral health.
Are They Worth It?
Dental Implants are usually titanium replacements that are surgically placed into the jawbone and allowed to infuse with it for a stable result. They have replaced the impractical and unsafe use of dentures in having a complete set of teeth once again. Though dentures were able to provide an appearance of having a complete set of teeth, using them poses problems especially to the adjacent teeth. Moreover, dentures are difficult to work with especially with the need to use glues to keep them stable.
The cost of dental implants may vary and it can also change depending on how many teeth you need to be replaced. But compared to dentures, you don’t need to buy adhesives every now and then. You also don’t need them to be adjusted, which is a bit costly if you choose to wear dentures.
With this information, it is quite apparent that implants are better, but why so high of a price?
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implant
Here are a few factors that can affect the cost of dental implants.
1. Material – the material to be used for the implant can directly affect the cost. The cost is dictated by the quality of the material to be used. At present, the most common material used is titanium. This is durable and can be trusted to last a very long time.
2. Number of Teeth To Be Replaced – the more teeth you need to be replaced, the higher the cost of dental implant will be. Most clinics bill the cost of per tooth basis so you can already have a rough idea of how they get the total.
3. Dental Provider Location – different dental centers have different rates. Choose the one that gives the lowest rates. Schedule a free consultation, and ask how long the provider has been doing dental implants
4. Insurance – Some health insurance may cover a portion of dental the surgery. If yours does, you can cut down the amount you need to pay. Check your dental insurance policy to see if dental implants or oral surgery is covered.
5. Surgery Needs – some patients need other surgeries prior to the implant procedure. This is determined during consultation. Common surgeries are bone grafting and sinus lift to obtain a larger area where the implant can be placed. If you need other surgeries, expect the cost of dental implants to be higher.
6. Check other places outside of the US, for American trained dentist overseas or Mexico where the cost is a lot cheaper.
7. Start a petition to lobby others to start a cause that focuses on forcing dentists to lower their cost.
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