Dental implants are the preferred solution for missing teeth these days, but even though the benefits of implants are clear, it’s common for patients to be concerned about the costs involved. This is certainly understandable—after all, dental implants are a significant investment!—but we’re confident that you’ll be pleased with the outcome. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the frequently asked questions about the cost of dental implants in Westport.
What do dental implants cost in Westport, CT?
The cost of dental implants in Westport can range from roughly $3000 to $6500 for a single-tooth implant. The actual out of pocket cost is determined by several factors, including the cost of the surgery at a specialist (usually an oral surgeon or a periodontist) for placement of the implant into the bone. Because different specialists charge different fees for an implant, and because the implant surgery can vary in complexity and may require additional supportive procedures depending on the condition of the surgical site (eg CBCT scans, sinus lift, bone grafting) it is hard for the restorative to quote an exact price. Generally, the total cost of an implant will take into account the dental implant itself (the post or screw that is placed in the jaw, and any other needed surgical procedures), the crown that replaces the visible portion of your missing tooth, and the abutment piece that connects the two. As a restorative dentist, the latter two procedures (the abutment and the crown) are an exact number we can give you; usually around $3000. If you have dental insurance, your actual out of pocket expense will depend on your group’s coverage. We will be glad to assist you with determining your actual benefit and final out of pocket expense.
From there, determining the cost becomes more complicated. Single-tooth implant restorations are fairly straightforward, but there are a number of other dental implant procedures that address a wide range of needs—in addition to crowns, dental implants can support bridges and several types of dentures. Other factors that impact the cost of dental implants in Westport are the type of material used to create your restoration, the number of teeth being restored, and whether tooth extractions or bone grafting are needed prior to implant surgery.
Ultimately, the only way to know what dental implants will cost for your unique situation is to schedule a consultation.
Why are dental implants so expensive?
If you’re comparing the price of a traditional bridge with an implant-supported restoration, it’s natural to wonder why dental implants cost so much more. The answer is because bridges and dentures only replace part of a missing tooth—the section you see above the gum line. Implant-based restorations address tooth loss above and below the gum line and in order to accomplish this, a surgical procedure is needed.
Because dental implants require oral surgery, it means there’s an increased cost for materials, time involved, extra appointments, and the planning needed to ensure successful results. The good news is that dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. While you may need to replace the restoration attached to your implants at some point, the dental implants themselves are a permanent replacement for the roots of your missing teeth.
Is there a less expensive alternative to dental implants?
There’s no other procedure that accomplishes what dental implants do by replacing the roots of teeth to prevent bone loss in the jaw. You may want to consider a denture or bridge as an alternative, but they only replace the parts of the teeth you can see, not the portion below the gum line. They do replace much of the function of natural teeth and they’ll improve the appearance of your smile, but they don’t have the stability and feel of implant-supported restorations.
Does insurance pay for dental implants?
More dental insurance companies are starting to cover some of the costs of dental implants, but it’s far from the standard. A common type of coverage would be your insurance plan paying for the restorations that attach to your dental implants, but leave you to pay for the implants themselves. Other times, you might have coverage only if you’ve already experienced some degree of bone loss. If your tooth loss was the result of oral cancer, radiation treatments, or an accident, your health insurance may also provide coverage.
Are dental implants worth it?
You can probably guess that our answer to this question is an emphatic yes, but our dental implant patients are also thrilled with the results of their restorations. There’s simply no other option available that looks, functions, and feels so much like natural teeth. Because dental implants preserve the bone density in your jaw, you’ll have a more stable restoration, a stronger bite that lets you continue eating your favorite foods, and even a more youthful appearance.
Learn More About Dental Implants in Westport, CT
Wondering how much you can expect to pay for dental implants? Contact us today at 203-227-6338 to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Roisman.