A dental implant is an artificial tooth that looks and functions like an authentic one. During the implant surgery procedure, the root of the missing tooth is replaced with a metal post, to which the artificial tooth is connected. Instead of unrealistic or uncomfortable dentures, dental implants enable you to continue functioning as if your tooth had never been lost in the first place!

The Dental Implant Process

In order to begin the process, you will need to determine if you are a suitable candidate for implants. This involves consulting with your dental surgeon who will take 3D scans and x-rays of your mouth. This will help the surgeon to determine if you have enough bone for the dental implant to be latched onto. Prior to surgery, your doctor will also inquire as to your medical history, including any medical conditions you may have and medications you take. This will help them to prescribe any necessary antibiotics prior to surgery.

Once being prepped for surgery, an anesthetic may be administered to you. This could be local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the option that your medical team believes is best for you.

Normally, the dental implant surgery process is comprised of numerous stages, all of which are performed at separate times. These are:

Removal of the damaged tooth (if necessary)
Jawbone preparation
Placement of the dental implant
Bone healing
Abutment placement (the piece that the tooth will screw onto)
Artificial tooth placement

Dental Implant Cost

On average, the total cost of a dental implant can range from $3,000 to $4,500, sometimes exceeding this price range in rare cases.

This general price estimate includes the cost of the surgical procedure itself (often costing between $1,500 and $2,800), as well as additional costs such as CT scans, X-rays, tooth extraction, bone grafting (if necessary) and pre- and post-op care.

Unfortunately, dental implants are not covered by most health insurance plans, meaning that you will have to pay entirely out of pocket for your procedure.

Can I Get Affordable Dental Implants?

While costly, dental implants are entirely worth their price tag, especially when compared to less effective tooth replacement options such as dentures. There are, however, some strategies that you could adopt to get yourself more affordable dental implants.

Instead of solely relying on Medicare or Medicaid for your health insurance needs, you should consider getting dental insurance. Unlike regular health insurance, dental insurance often provides coverage for dental implants, sometimes paying as much as 50% of the total cost!

There are also several dental practises that partner up with insurance companies to provide dental savings plans. By signing up for one of these plans, you will benefit from discounts on a range of dental procedures, including implants.

Just one example of a dental practise that offers a dental savings plan is Sage Dental, which has numerous offices across Florida and Georgia. Make sure to do thorough research online to find the best dental savings plans in your area. Through meticulous research, you’re bound to find several affordable dentist that offer affordable dental implants thanks to their membership programs.

In Conclusion

If you’re longing to replace your missing tooth, then getting a dental implant is a decision you won’t regret. Not only will this procedure enable you to chew your food like normal, but it will also restore your million dollar smile!

What Is A Dental Implant?