If you are considering dental implants, cost is of course an important consideration. However, a medical procedure like dental implants is not like a bag of chips with a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP). Your dental implant cost depends on the specifics of your situation, including the number of implants you need, the type of restoration used, and whether you need bone grafting or other supportive treatments. What we can say is that the overall cost of dental implants is often comparable to other alternatives, and the benefits lead to an improved quality of life that makes dental implants worth the investment.
If you would like to have a discussion about dental implant costs in Orange County, please call (949) 551-5902 or schedule a consultation with an Irvine implant dentist.
Factors Affecting Dental Implant Costs
Dental implants are customized to your specific situation. That means there are many different approaches that can be used, and how they are employed will dramatically impact the cost of your dental implant procedure. These include:
- The style of implant used
- The style of restoration used
- The number of implants used
- Complexity of the procedure
- Bone grafts, gum disease treatment, or other supporting procedures required
Because of the complexity of factors, we don’t feel comfortable publishing a ball park figure, but this site records reviews and costs reported by patients across the country. During your consultation, we will talk about these factors and perform a comprehensive evaluation. You will receive a good estimate of the dental implant costs before you commit to the procedure.
Dental Implant Costs vs. Benefits
Compared to other options for replacing one or more missing teeth, dental implants are a great investment.
Dentures are obviously the least expensive tooth replacement option, but they come with some serious limitations. Unless they are anchored by a dental implant, dentures are not very effective for chewing. They can lead to digestive problems. Dentures can also slip out of place when talking or smiling, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing in social situations. And dentures don’t support your jawbone, which will atrophy, resulting in a shrinking jawbone that can make you look old.
Dental bridges, on the other hand, are very similar to dental implants in terms of some benefits. They are fixed, allow you to eat most of your favorite foods, and look highly attractive. But they don’t support your jawbone, either, and they can be a little harder to clean. Although dental bridges may be less expensive initially, dental implants are actually less expensive in the long run because they tend to last longer.
The only alternative to dental implants that is better in cost and offers equivalent benefits is saving your natural tooth with a root canal. A root canal can be less expensive than a dental implant. A tooth with a root canal can last as long as or longer than a dental implant. However, not everyone is a good candidate for a root canal.
If you want to learn what is the most cost-effective tooth replacement option in Orange County, please book an appointment at Rice Dentistry in Irvine.
