What Are Dental Implant Fees?

Unfortunately, there isn’t one number that works for everyone when it comes to dental implant fees. They are going to be different for every patient. They’ll range in price based on how much bone density your jaw has, how big the city you live in is, what materials are used, as well as a couple other factors. If you’re asking yourself “what are dental implant fees?” you need to find a prosthodontist, tell them what you need done, and then rule it in or out.

What is a prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a dentist who has specialized in dental prosthetics. They’ve spent three or four additional years studying their field. This makes them experts when it comes to creating, placing, and fitting crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures, and implants.

You can always talk to your family dentist before finding a prosthodontist. But just like your family doctor, your dentist will recommend you to a prosthodontist when work is needed outside their regular scope. Just like how your family doctor won’t perform heart surgery on you, your dentist isn’t going to place your dental implants.

Why shouldn’t I get dentures?

Dentures are cheaper than full mouth dental implants, but there are a couple other factors you need to be considering when you make such an important decision. Although dentures cost less up-front, they lead to deterioration in the jaw, and the cost over the long run adds up when you have to account for all the cleaning supplies and the new dentures when the old ones break.

The most important thing in all of this is your health. With dental implants, your jawbone is going to build around the new implants, staying strong and healthy, a process called osseointegration. This doesn’t happen with anything but implants, and you can see the “sunken look” in the faces of those who choose dentures. Risk of infection is also much higher for denture wearers than for those who choose implants.

Finally, dentures can be uncomfortable, to say the least. They slide and can create sores, and they taste strange from all the chemicals used to try to keep them clean. Implants are going to stay in your mouth without you doing a thing, and they are going to taste much like your original teeth.

Why do I have to pay more in a big city?

One of the major factors involved in pricing is location. You are almost always going to be paying more if you find work in a large city versus if you find a prosthodontist in a small town. Why is this? In big cities, your prosthodontist is going to have to pay more for their rent or lease, and unfortunately some of that price has to be relayed to the patient if they’re going to keep their business open over the long run.

Many of the most experienced prosthodontists in the country have moved to large cities in order to reach a wider clientele. You can find some of the best educated and most experienced prosthodontists in large cities, but because you only have one chance to get it right, you will pay a little more for that expertise.

Is there a way I can pay for implants over time?

Yes. Many prosthodontists have options to pay for your new work in monthly installments. Here at Dr. Stone’s, we work with CareCredit to find a payment plan that works for you and your wallet.

According to the Dental Implant Cost Guide, the average cost for one dental implant is $4,000. As you can already guess, this number grows significantly higher if you need more than one implant. All-on-Fours can range anywhere from $25,000 to $93,000. We understand these numbers can be intimidating, which is why there are options to pay it off over time.

You should also check if your insurance covers the procedure. In the past, dental implants were considered unnecessary. Over time dentists and patients are seeing the health benefits of implants, and because of this some insurance companies have taken the cue and now offer some help.

Complimentary consultation

At Dr. Stone’s practice, we offer complimentary consultations to new and prospective patients. We believe the information you need to make important decisions regarding your oral health should be free, so we’ll never charge you to come in and start the conversation.

If you’re considering dental implants, stop by and tell us what you need. You’ll have a much clearer picture after sitting down with the person who will perform the operation. Dr. Stone has been practicing for over thirty years, and would love to help you figure out how he can help. Schedule your appointment today.