A perfect smile isn’t just about cosmetics — it’s about confidence, youth, and positive first impressions. Dental implants are popular for many patients who have lost a tooth or need one pulled because they look and feel natural and, in most cases, restore the patient’s bite.
Dental implant specialists have traditionally worked in high-cost urban areas, but now dentists everywhere perform the procedure. For example, dental implants in Indiana are becoming more commonplace and, as such, patients have access to a better smile and restored dental health.
However, dental implants have some downsides. In this article, we’ll examine when and why dental implants aren’t an option and some of the risks involved.
Why Dental Implant Costs Can Be a Shock for Patients
The baseline dental implant procedure generally costs between $3,000 and $6,000, but that can vary depending on any extra work you need, such as bone grafting. It is divided into two distinct steps.
Step one includes the surgery and installation of the post. A screw is drilled into the jawbone to anchor the entire implant into place. It costs between $1,500 and $3,000.
Step two is the abutment and crown, the visible porcelain tooth. The abutment and crown are either glued or snapped securely into place. This step costs between $1,000 and $3,000, bringing the entire two-step dental implant procedure upwards of $6,000.
However, complicating factors often drive the price higher, such as bone grafting ($2,500), tooth extraction ($500), and sinus lift ($3,000). Additionally, some patients want a full mouth of implants rather than dentures. One arch (upper or lower) ranges from $25,000 – $50,000, and in some cases, much more.
Will Dental Insurance Cover My Dental Implants?
In most cases, dental insurance won’t cover dental implant surgery because it’s often considered ‘cosmetic’ rather than necessary, such as pulling an infected tooth. Conversely, some top-tier policies will partially cover dental implant surgery, including the crown, X-rays, and tooth extractions for bone grafting. Even these premium policies will only pay a portion and never 100%. The remainder of the cost you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket in advance.
What Patients Fear Most: Surgical Risks You Should Know
To understand the risks, you need to know the procedure. A dentist or dental specialist makes an incision into the gum where the tooth used to be. The dentist then screws an ‘implant post’ into your jawbone and stitches the gum around the post, which acts as an artificial tooth root. Following the implant placement in the upper jaw or lower jaw, the bone growth process begins, eventually supporting a dental crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Dental implant surgery comes with a few risks, including infection that can get into the gum or bone and cause inflammation. If it’s bad enough, the implant can fail and must be removed. Other surgical complications include nerve damage, sinus problems, and injury to the surrounding teeth and gums.
Dental Implant Surgery Healing Time
The healing time for the ‘implant post’ takes 3-6 months, and, in some cases, up to a year. Dental implant surgery isn’t a one-day process. Your body needs time to heal, so there’s a waiting period before the dentist attaches the crown. The incision site must first successfully heal, and then the bone needs time to naturally fuse with the titanium post, a process known as osseointegration.
In recent years, same-day implants have become popular. The difference is that the dentist applies a temporary crown or bridge when drilling the ‘implant post.’ The healing process still needs 3-6 months before the permanent crown is put in place. While this is a great marketing slogan, same-day implants are temporary, and your mouth and body still need time to heal.
Bone and Gum Requirements
Strong jawbones and healthy gums are the basis for dental implant surgery; not everyone qualifies. Patients need sufficient jawbone density and healthy gums. The bone needs to be dense or thick enough for the implant to fuse with, and healthy gums support the healing and sustainability of the implant. Some patients lack enough bone, and a dentist might suggest bone grafting to build up the jawbone, which is a relatively long and expensive process.
Potential for Implant Failure
Dental implant surgery has an impressive success rate of 90-95% and often lasts a lifetime, which makes implants the most reliable option for replacing missing teeth. However, even with the outstanding results, implants sometimes fail. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, and poor dental hygiene.
Dental implants require a skilled dentist or specialist and ample time for your gums to heal, which can happen quickly with proper oral hygiene.
How to Protect Your Investment in a New Smile
Maintaining your dental implant shouldn’t be too difficult if you’ve practiced good dental hygiene throughout your lifetime. Peri-implantitis is a concern, but it can be avoided with simple habits. Peri-implantitis is triggered by bacteria that build up around the implant, not unlike your natural teeth. The gums get swollen and bleed, especially when you brush your teeth.
Who Should Consider Dental Implants?
Implants aren’t for everyone, but they’re an excellent option for most dental patients who want to improve their smiles and restore dental health.
- Patients missing one or more teeth benefit greatly from implants because of their natural appearance and long-lasting replacement value.
- Patients, especially seniors, are seeking an alternative to dentures. Implants are a permanent solution that provides the stability and comfort they can’t offer.
- Anyone who feels embarrassed by crooked teeth or significant gaps in their smile who wants to feel more confident.
- Patients who are frustrated with dentures that rub uncomfortably and slip and slide around.
Dental Implants are a safe and long-lasting option for anyone wanting to restore their smile and bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Implant Dentistry
Will getting dental implants hurt?
Most patients ask this question first! Dental implant surgery can be uncomfortable during the healing stage. However, when the ‘implant post’ is being screwed in, your mouth is completely numb with local anesthesia. Some soreness is natural after the surgery, which is managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long do dental implants really last?
This is the best bit. Dental implants can last decades and often even a lifetime with proper care.
Am I too old to get dental implants?
Age isn’t a major factor so much as gum health and bone density. Many patients in their 60s, 70s, and 80s successfully get implants after being carefully evaluated.
Will insurance cover my dental implants?
Most insurance plans don’t cover implants because they’re considered elective or cosmetic surgery and not medically necessary. Some premium policies will cover a portion of the dental implant procedure, but patients can expect some out-of-pocket expenses.
Can implants replace dentures?
Yes! Patients tired of dentures slippign and sliding around appreciated the freedom of implants. Many say the difference in comfort and confidence is life-changing.
Are You Thinking About Getting Dental Implants?
Are you weighing the pros and cons of dental implants, including time, cost, and potential risks? Trusted Dentistry provides comprehensive dental services in northern Indiana. We have offices in Goshen, Warsaw, and Fort Wayne, and one of our focus procedures is dental implant surgery.
Before implants, many patients feel embarrassed and hide their smiles. Afterward, we see a transformation in confidence and joy. You can conveniently schedule an appointment online, and when you visit one of our offices, we’ll create a treatment plan on the spot so you’ll know the timeline and costs up front.
For more information, call 833-278-7833. Let Trusted Dentistry help you achieve the confident, healthy smile you’ve always wanted.