Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost
Since their introduction in the 1960s dental implants have become the gold standard for tooth and teeth replacement. The procedure is not necessarily easy though with many factors that come into play. These factors contribute to the wide range in cost when you consider replacing an entire arch of natural teeth with full mouth dental implants. Our mouths are as unique as our fingerprints, so each application will indeed be different. Let’s review the procedure for one dental implant, expand that into an entire arch, and then identify those factors that contribute to costing swings. We conclude with the list of benefits from choosing this replacement solution.
What’s Involved with a Single Dental Implant
When you are replacing just one tooth the dentist will surgically drill a small hole in the jawbone in which will be placed a titanium post. The surgical site will be sutured closed and the post will be allowed to fuse to the bone. Now, acting as a root, an extension or abutment is added to the post and then an artificial crown is affixed to the abutment. Just like that you have a replacement tooth that looks and acts like a natural tooth.
The Procedure for Dental Implants for the Entire Arch
The procedure does become more complex. Several weeks are spent in diagnostic analysis of the density of your jawbone, the health of your soft tissue and finally a plan for your smile. Then either six of eight posts are placed in the upper arch with usually four or six posts used in the bottom arch. Abutments are added such that temporary bridges can be applied to the posts giving you teeth during the necessary healing period. Once it is determined the posts are solid the final bridges will be added to the posts.
The Contributing Factors that Affect the Final Cost
The range of costs for full mouth dental implants can range from as little as $3,000 for just one tooth to as high as $50,000 for an entire arch. The factors start with the bone density of the jawbone and if bone grafting will be necessary. The number of posts used is an obvious material factor. The number of x-rays or CT scan images will add costs to the diagnostics. The time involved with the surgical implants, anesthesia necessary and then the quality of crown material used. The actual national average for one arch of full implants is about $34,000.
The Benefits of Full Mouth Dental Implants
Not only will you begin your day with a very healthy smile, but the posts deliver pressure feelings as you bite and chew. They will also help you feel hot and cold sensations. They are a permanent solution and not removable. You only need to treat them as they were your natural teeth with good oral hygiene practices at home. With twice a year checkups the evaluations will watch the wear and tear on the porcelain crowns. With normal habits you should see around a 15-year life expectancy. Now you ask yourself what is the value of this life changing improvement to your smile?
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