While dentures are replacement teeth, tooth implants are replacement roots.
Tooth implants are screwed into the jaw bone in preparation for the mounting of dentures (false teeth), a crown or a bridge.
There are several types of dental implants and they are categorized according to their placement.
The most common tooth implant is the root form endosteal implant also known as the root form endosseous implant.
As the name suggest, the implant is screwed into the jaw bone. Bone grafting may be done to widen the jaw for this type of implant.
If the jaw is too narrow and bone grafting cannot realistically be done, a plate form implant may be used. The plate form implant, also known as a blade form implant, is also screwed into the bone.
In cases where the root form or plate form implant cannot be used perhaps due to bone loss, a subperiosteal implant is used. This implant is placed on top of the jaw bone, underneath the gums.
The tooth implant cost is quite high. However, it will vary depending on a number of factors.
The cost will depend on the amount of reconstruction work that the dentist has to carry out before placing the implant. There may be need for complementary procedures such as bone grafting, gum grafting or sinus lifting.
These Extra Procedures Will Definitely Increase the Tooth Implant Cost
The tooth implant cost includes several other elements such as x-ray fees, CT scans, consultation fees and the cost of extra dental treatments.
The extent of extra treatments will depend on the oral hygiene of the patient, his age and the state of his jaw.
Tooth implant cost is high because the process involves a great deal of time and dental expertise on the doctor’s part. The process has several stages and may involve a number of surgeries.
The actual tooth implant procedure in many circumstances will involve a full surgical team made up of a general dentist, an orthodontist and a prosthodontist.
Typical Tooth Implant Cost
Basic teeth implants will cost about $1500 to $3000 but the cost can be as high as $30,000 depending on whether or not other complementary procedures are carried out.
Tooth implant cost does not vary greatly with the greatest variation being in the doctor’s fees. Veneers cost anything from $900 to $1500.
Tooth implants and veneer are quite different not only in price but also in procedure.
Dental veneers are placed in a minimally invasive procedure while implants on the other hand are put in a surgical procedure by a skilled and highly qualified professional. Veneers can be put on by any dentist, which is another reason in the difference in tooth implant cost.
