Posted December 18, 2024 in Dental Implant
Your teeth are essential to nearly everything you do—you need them to chew your food, smile at friends, and provide structure to your mouth. So, when you’re missing several teeth, you’re missing a vital component of your everyday life.
While dentures are often a popular option for addressing missing teeth, the most durable and effective method for replacing teeth is dental implants. However, when considering implants, many patients are concerned with the cost. In this blog, we go over the costs associated with a complete set of dental implants, including what constitutes a “full set” of dental implants, as well as the costs associated with the procedure.
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What Is Considered a Full Set of Dental Implants?
Most adults have 32 permanent teeth, which include molars, bicuspids, canines, and incisors. If you’ve lost some or all of your teeth or need the majority of them replaced, it may seem like a daunting (and expensive!) prospect to get all 32 replaced with dental implants.
Luckily, a full set of dental implants does not consist of 32 individual implants, as that would be costly, time-consuming, and require extensive dental work. A true “full set” of dental implants typically ranges between four to eight, though that number can vary according to your needs and your dentist’s recommendations.
The reason a full set of implants only consists of a few implants is that the implants are used to support full or partial bridges, or arches, of prosthetic teeth. Options include:
All-On-4 Dental Implants
Four implants (two up front and two in the back of your mouth) are used to permanently anchor the arch of prosthetic teeth in your mouth. All-On-4 is an excellent choice for patients with bone loss in their jaw or osteoporosis, as it provides stable support for your new teeth without the need for bone grafts.
All-On-6 or All-On-8 Dental Implants
These dental implant types are similar to the All-on-4 option but use either six or eight implants to permanently anchor the prosthetic teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
If you want the flexibility of removable dentures combined with the stability of dental implants, implant-supported dentures are the solution. Implant-supported dentures typically require four to six dental implants secured to your custom-fitted dentures.
Factors Influencing the Cost of a Full Set of Dental Implants
The cost of a full set of dental implants can vary considerably depending on several factors.
The Number of Dental Implants Required
The number of implants you need to support a full arch of permanent teeth or removable dentures significantly impacts the procedure’s overall cost. For example, if you choose All-On-4, you will need fewer implants than All-On-6 or even removable dentures require.
The Type of Dental Implants
Most dental implants are a combination of titanium posts and porcelain or acrylic crowns. In some cases, patients who are allergic to titanium can get zirconia implants instead, but they cost more. As far as how porcelain or acrylic crowns can affect the total cost of your dental implants, porcelain crowns are generally more expensive, but extremely durable. Acrylic crowns may cost less initially but can be less durable than porcelain, possibly requiring replacement later.
The Procedures Necessary to Prepare for Dental Implants
While some people may not need any preparatory procedures before they receive dental implants, others may require them. Remaining teeth may need to be extracted, and bone grafts may be necessary to ensure your jaw is strong enough to support the implants.
Preparatory treatments also bring with them costs such as X-rays and other imaging, as well as antibiotics to prevent infection after your procedure and the cost of additional appointments and supplies.
The Location and Experience of Your Dentist
Just like with any medical or dental procedure, the cost of dental implants varies by region. Larger cities may have more dentists, so the cost may be lower than a smaller area with fewer options. However, the opposite may be true, as smaller towns may be able to charge less due to a lower cost of living.
The experience and training of your dentist can also impact the cost of your dental implant procedure. Dentists with more experience may charge more because of their more extensive expertise. Additionally, dentists who specialize in cosmetic dentistry procedures may charge more than a general dentist for the same procedure.
Your Sedation Options
Many people have dental anxiety, which can make the prospect of multiple appointments for dental implant placement seem overwhelming. However, sedation dentistry is available to ensure your comfort during your dental implant procedures. The type of sedation you choose may affect the cost of your treatment, as your options range from oral sedation to inhaled or intravenous sedation.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?
In a word, yes, dental implants are worth the cost. They allow you to enjoy the foods you love, restore your gorgeous smile, and maintain the functionality of your jaw. Missing teeth cause bone loss in your jaw, which can lead to changes in the shape and appearance of your face, as well as speech problems and other essential functional concerns.
The best way to determine the cost of a complete set of dental implants is to set up a consultation with a dentist in your area. They will examine you, tell you exactly what needs to be done, and help you navigate insurance and other financial aspects of dental implant surgery.
Learn More About Dental Implants in Las Cruces, NM
If you’re suffering from a significant number of missing or damaged teeth and are looking for a permanent way to address the problem, dental implants are the solution. Dental implants provide a permanent fix for missing teeth with very little maintenance needed. They restore both functionality and appearance and are as durable and strong as your natural teeth. To explore your dental implant options, contact Gentle Care Dentistry today at 575-524-3722 or by completing the online contact form.