Dental implants are titanium posts surgically embedded into the jawbone. The posts anchor crowns or artificial teeth. Because implants fuse with bone, it’s the most stable and durable solution to missing teeth. Other truths:
1. Implants are Superior to Bridges or Dentures
Bridges and removal dentures replace missing teeth, but they are inferior to dental implants. A bridge requires cutting down healthy teeth, making them weak and more prone to cavities. Dentures can feel foreign in the mouth and can slip and slide when you eat and speak.
2. Implants are Expensive
It’s no secret that implants are costly. The sky high price is what keeps many edentulous patients from getting dental implants. Implants are rarely covered by insurance and can set you back up to $5,000 for a single tooth. Oral surgeons and prosthodontists with specialized training perform implant procedures, adding to the cost.
3. Implants Come in Many Forms
Studies show that implants made by the original Swedish manufacturer have the highest success rate. Generic implants are cheaper, but their success rate is still undocumented. Before getting fitted, ask your dentist what kind of implant they use at the clinic.
4. Financing Options are Available (And Discounts)
Most dental clinics offer financing options for dental implant procedures. You can also get discounts by joining a discount plan like Brighter.com. There’s an annual fee, but you can get up to 25% discount on implants. If you want to drive down costs even further, get implants at a dentistry school, where students doing implants are supervised by oral surgeons.
5. You Can Time Your Implant Appointment
Schedule your initial implant appointment (consultation and surgery) at the end of the year and the next appointment (fitting of permanent crows) on the following year to save as much as 30% if you use your flexible spending account at work.
