Dental implants are usually the preferred treatment for those who need to replace teeth; however, when patients need to replace many or all of their teeth, the cost of full-mouth dental implants may be a deterrent. It also might not be the most cost-effective way to replace a full mouth of teeth.
Dental implants are durable, secure, and easy to maintain. Patients love that they look and feel like natural teeth. Your implants can also last a lifetime with the proper care, making them a permanent solution to your missing tooth problem.
If you’re one of the 120 million Americans missing at least one tooth, you probably have many questions like, “Are dental implants really necessary” and “What is the cost of full mouth dental implants?”
In this article, we’ll dig deeper into dental implants, the average price for full dental implants, and how to determine if they’re the best option for you.
We’ll also take a look at common questions, like:
- What are dental implants?
- When is/are dental implants necessary?
- What are the benefits of dental implants?
- How much does an implant tooth cost?
- What’s the cost of dental implants for several missing teeth?
- What’s the cost for 3 dental implants?
- How much do full-mouth dental implants cost?
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial replacements for natural teeth. Your dentist inserts the dental implant body into the jawbone, where it will create a solid foundation for an artificial tooth.
While there are different types of dental implants, the Endosteal (or Endosseous Implant) is the most popular. These implants are either screw or cylinder types and are known for their strong fusion to the bone.
If you’re a candidate for dental implants, your dentist will recommend whether you need a single dental implant, multiple dental implants, or full-mouth dental implants. Here’s a quick summary of each one:
- Single dental implant: The most common use for patients is a single dental implant to replace a single missing, broken, or severely worn tooth.
- Multiple dental implants: If you have a few teeth that require replacement, multiple dental implants can be an alternative to crowns or bridges.
- Full mouth dental implants: Though in some cases full mouth dental implants refer to the replacement of an entire mouth of teeth, the term usually refers to a grouping of implants (typically 6 on the top and 4 on the bottom; or 2 on the bottom for an overdenture that’s removable and a regular denture on the top). These implants often act as anchors for partial dentures or bridges, which your dentist can use to fill in any remaining gaps. A full set of implants would be incredibly expensive.
Are Dental Implants Really Necessary?
Though many patients feel dental implants are the best aesthetic option, others still wonder, “Are dental implants really necessary?”
Here are some reasons implants may be the best option for you:
- You’re missing one or two teeth: Dental implants are a great option if you’re simply missing one or a few teeth. Implants provide a secure and permanent solution to tooth loss, and they also help prevent any further bone deterioration.
- Your dentist can’t repair your teeth with other treatments. If your teeth are in poor oral health (i.e., severe decay), they may require total extraction. In that case, dental implants might be the best option for replacement.
- You have difficulty wearing dentures. Dental implants might be an option for you if you have difficulty wearing dentures. Dentures can be uncomfortable and often don’t fit well. Implants are a more secure solution that feels natural and fits perfectly alongside existing teeth.
If you want a missing tooth replacement option that is permanent, incredibly durable, and looks and feels like a natural tooth, then dental implants might be the best fit for you.
How Much Does An Implant Tooth Cost?
Whether you need to know the cost of a single implant or a full-mouth implant’s price, it’s important to do your research and check with your dentist for their prices.
The average price for full dental implants varies depending on several factors. Here a few of the things that can affect the cost:
- The type of implant: There are different types of dental implants, and the cost varies depending on the type your dentist recommends.
- Additional procedures: If you need additional procedures done before an implant is put in place (e.g., extraction, bone grafting), then your cost will be higher.
- The implant’s location: Implants placed in more challenging areas (like the back of the mouth) may cost more.
- The dentist’s experience: A dental implant specialist may charge more for their services, but not always.
- The materials used: Zirconia implants, for example, cost more than titanium implants. The type of anesthesia used during the operation can also affect the full mouth implants price.
- The number of implants needed: The cost of full mouth dental implants, for example, is higher than the cost for 3 dental implants.
- The pre-op exams required: Some dentists may include the costs of the pre-op examinations and any 3-D imaging required in advance of the treatment.
Depending on these factors, the cost of dental implants can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per implant.
What’s The Cost of Full Mouth Dental Implants?
For multiple implants, the price can easily multiply depending on the number of implants you need. So, if you’re trying to estimate the cost for 3 dental implants, for example, figure it will likely be up around $10,000 or more (depending on your dentist’s price).
The average price for full dental implants can be difficult to estimate as it really depends on how many teeth your dentist is considering replacing. An entire full mouth implants price can run you from $50,000 to $60,000.
If your dentist gives you a cost estimate for your implants and your reaction is “Wait, how much for full teeth implants?!” it’s understandable. The full mouth dental implants cost is definitely more expensive than alternative treatments. However, if you take care of your implants and have regular checkups and cleanings, they should last for a lifetime. Plus, insurance can often help offset the cost – and some dentists offer payments plans.
All that said, because the price of full-mouth implants is so high, dentists will often suggest getting four implants (two on the top of your mouth and two on the bottom) and then getting a bridge or partial dentures to replace the remaining missing teeth. This method will cost you much less but still provide you with a strong, natural-looking set of teeth.
Northside Dental Co. Can Help With All Your Implant Needs
Dental implants are a permanent and preferred solution to tooth loss. While the cost of full-mouth dental implants is usually more expensive, dental implants are one of the longest-lasting and most natural-looking treatments for replacing one or a few teeth.
In addition, dental implants:
- Can be brushed and flossed around like natural teeth
- Provide much more chewing function than other restorative option
Once the procedure is complete, you will have a new, beautiful smile that no one will ever know contains a few dental implants!
If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants and the cost of dental implants for several missing teeth or an entire mouth, contact Northside Dental Co. today! Our team of experienced dentists is happy to answer questions like:
- When is/are dental implants necessary?
- How much does an implant tooth cost?
- What’s the average price for full dental implants?
We’ll help you determine the most effective and affordable course of treatment to achieve your dream smile.
Book your appointment online or give us a call at 804-767-3410 to start the process today.
