San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
When you have a missing tooth, whether extracted by the dentist or by accident, there are several options to replace it. One of the most common long-term replacement options is dental implants. They are the most natural and longest lasting. However, those conveniences come with an added expense. At Glen Park Dental, we want to help you understand why dental implants are so expensive, and why we think they are well worth the investment.
Why do dental implants cost so much?
Each patient has different oral health care needs. Based on your needs, the implant can cost between $2500 to $5000 for a single tooth. Some insurance companies may cover part of the implant procedure. Still, we recommend checking with your insurance provider to verify your coverage, or we are happy to assist you in finding out what it covers.
What am I paying for when I get an implant?
Dental implants consist of a titanium post that is screwed into your jawbone. The titanium post is lightweight, durable, and will last longer than other dental materials. The screw will fuse with the jawbone in approximately 3-6 months. This process is referred to as osseointegration and will help your implant remain strong and stable for years.
The second part of the implant is a porcelain crown that will look like a regular tooth and cover the titanium post. The crown will be custom made to fit the size and shape of your teeth so it will blend in with the rest of your smile.
Finally, keep in mind that getting a dental implant is considered a surgical procedure. There are multiple nerves that must be missed to avoid complications. Therefore, it specific training, studying, and experience to correctly place the implant. It takes a careful plan and precise installation to ensure the work is done well enough to last a lifetime. In the event an implant is not properly placed, you could experience discomfort, pain, headaches, and lost feeling in your face.
What are the long-term health risks of not replacing my missing tooth?
It is understandable to have sticker shock from the cost of dental implants, which could cause you to change your mind about the procedure. However, not replacing a missing tooth can cause so much more damage in the future and cause the expenses to repair the problem to be higher as well. Not to mention, the additional problems you may face from not addressing the situation in a timely manner.
For example, when a tooth is missing, the other teeth surrounding the missing space will begin to shift toward each other to fill in the gap. The natural movement can cause problems with your ability to chew food or cause your teeth to drift and overlap. This could end up causing you to need orthodontics to straighten your teeth.
Missing a tooth can cause issues while eating and chewing your food. If you are unable to chew your food adequately, your body will have a difficult time digesting it, and you will not receive the full nutritional benefits your body needs. Also, when you do not chew your food well, it can lead to acid reflux.
What makes dental implants superior to other tooth replacement options?
Dental implants are permanent and look and function more like a natural tooth than any other option. While a dental bridge or partial denture cost less, in some cases, they won’t last forever, and eventually, need to be remade. And since a dental bridge requires the adjacent teeth to be filed down, this may not be something you want to do to otherwise perfectly healthy teeth. Partial dentures are less expensive but have to be removed and cleaned after each time that you eat. Plus, some people do not feel that partial dentures look natural and may have difficulty adjusting to wearing a denture prosthesis.
Should I get dental implants?
Deciding to get dental implants is a huge decision. The cost alone is enough to make you think through this option quite well before deciding for sure. The best way to know if dental implants are right for you, and to learn more about their benefits, is to schedule an appointment with a dental office in San Francisco that offers dental implants. Glen Park Dental offers dental implants, and you can set up an appointment with us by calling (415) 585-1500. We provide complete dental care to the areas of Marin, Oakland, or San Francisco, California.
