Affordable Dental Implants

When your dentist tells you that you need dental implants, it’s never a thought to be excited about, especially when your wallet is feeling thin. The first question you may ask is, “How much do they cost? Is there really such a thing as affordable dental implants?” The truth is, no four-digit number is going to sound affordable, particularly if you need multiple implants placed. However, affordable implants are more than just a dream – with the right research, insurance and maybe a bit of haggling, they can be yours.

English: CT Scan for Dental Implants. This shows eight dental implants superimposed over the lower jaw in areas of maximum bone and four teeth that will be extracted. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Types of Dental Implants

After you ask about the price, you may want to ask about the procedure. What exactly are dental implants? A dental implant replaces one or more teeth with fake teeth that look and feel completely natural, and can be used just as normal teeth. The kinds that last the longest hold individual teeth, but more affordable dental implants can just as securely hold one or two fake teeth each and still last you several years.

There are two common types of dental implants: Endosteal and Subperiosteal.

Endosteal

Just like other implants, these are rooted within the jawbone. Endosteal implants however use specific medical-grade cylinders and screws to hold in place a single post that will support a number of fake teeth. As these are the most affordable implants and are able to hold dental bridges as well as dentures firmly in place, this is a very popular choice among the population.

Subperiosteal

This kind of implant is typically used for patients who do not have sufficient bone structure to support the implant screws. A titanium framework is placed on the jaw surface before the posts are placed so that the jaw integrity is not compromised. Because this procedure is more extensive and difficult to perform, their cost is higher. If you don’t have enough bone structure but can’t afford a Subperiosteal implant, a traditional dental bridge may be the next best option.

Procedural Differences

The procedure processes for dental implants are much the same no matter the price difference, mainly differing in the length of time they will take to perform and complete. A traditional procedure can be performed and completed in the same day, while more affordable dental implants may require two or more appointments before completion. While it may seem that multiple appointments will cost more, the cost may often be cheaper depending upon the machines used and whether or not there is a dental lab at your dentist’s office.

When you arrive for the procedure, you will be given an anesthetic before the dentist makes a small cut in your gums. He will then drill a 4-7mm hole in your jaw bone and insert the metal post. For less expensive implants, this will be allowed to heal for 2-3 months, after which your jawbone will have adhered itself to the metal and you will be able to get your permanent crown at your second appointment. For costlier same-day implants, a titanium screw will be inserted into the hole in a way that it will already be secure enough for the crown to be placed that day.

If your jawbone is not strong or thick enough, a bone graft may be necessary in order to insert the post. This will increase the price of the total procedure. However, the titanium screw implants would be most cost-effective in this case, as they will require less bone structure than others.

The best advice would be to talk to your  dentist about your price options. He will be able to help you know what is best for your situation, and may be able to work out a reduced price or payment plan to give you more affordable implants.