5 Key Factors that Influence the Cost of Dental Implants

Do you have a noticeable gap in your smile from a missing tooth? That gap is more than just an aesthetic problem. Missing even a single tooth can lead to bite problems and increase the risk of gum infection. It’s no surprise then why roughly 500,000 people get dental implants each year. Want to know if investing in implant treatment is the right path for you? Below are five main factors that influence the cost of dental implants in Chula Vista.

#1: Preliminary Treatments

Before getting dental implants, you may need to undergo preliminary treatment to prepare your mouth and jaw. If your jawbone is too weak to support implants, your dentist may recommend a bone graft procedure. Bone grafting transplants bone material to the planned implant site to strengthen the area. Likewise, if you have gum disease, your dentist will first treat the infected tissue before placing dental implants. Preliminary procedures add to overall costs but are critical to the success of implant treatment.

#2: Number of Teeth You Need to Replace

A single dental implant and crown can easily replace one missing tooth. However, implants can also restore several missing teeth at once or even an entire dental arch! Naturally, a single dental implant typically costs less than an implant denture, which utilizes four to six implants to support a row of artificial teeth.

#3: Implant Materials

The most common material for dental implants is titanium, a highly durable and biocompatible metal. However, zirconium is an alternative that’s growing in popularity because of its natural, white color. Ask your dentist which brand and material of implants he or she uses and what the benefits are.

#4: Location in Your Mouth

Front teeth typically require more care to match the angle of the patient’s jawline correctly. For this reason, front teeth are usually more expensive to replace with implants compared to back molars.

#5: Insurance and Flexible Financing

Unfortunately, many dental insurance plans still do not cover the cost of dental implants in Chula Vista. However, your insurance benefits may cover certain preliminary treatments, like gum disease therapy or extractions. In addition, many dentists today offer other ways to reduce dental implant costs, such as CareCredit and In-House Membership Plans.

CareCredit

A trusted dental financing organization, CareCredit enables qualified patients to break down the costs of dental implants into small monthly payments. Many plans come with little-to-no interest, making CareCredit a great fit for almost any budget.  

In-House Membership Plan

For a lifetime activation fee and low monthly payments, you can receive annual preventive care plus unlock discounts on all other treatments. No hassles with insurance paperwork or deductibles!  

While the cost of dental implants can seem sizable at first, the results can last a lifetime. Talk to your dentist to learn more about the benefits of investing in implant treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Eric Barajas has been practicing dentistry in Chula Vista for more than 30 years. A proud graduate of the UCLA School of Dentistry, he stays on top of the latest breakthroughs in dentistry through continuing education courses on dental implants and other topics. For more information on the cost of dental implants in Chula Vista, visit the Village Walk Dental website or call 619-482-7367.