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WHAT COSTS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DENTAL IMPLANTS?
There are four general areas of care associated with dental implants. The fees listed are those currently used at the Dental Implant Source in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The diagnostic phase is the first and most important phase of treatment. Implants that are placed without regard for the final restoration often require substantially more to restore. Sometimes, improper planing can result in an implant being useless. This phase requires a review of the patient's medical and dental history. Evaluation of the musculature of the neck and face as well as the bony support is required. Full mouth x-rays including a panoramic view of the jaw are essential. A C.T. scan may be required to determine the location of vital nerves or to evaluate the quantity and quality of the available bone. Surgical templates may also be used, especially if the teeth are to be made by someone other than the implant surgeon. An examination and x-rays will cost about $140. A C.T. scan will cost $250. A surgical template may cost between $100-200.
The surgical phase may require initial bone grafts if there is insufficient bone. In the past, many patients simply were unable to have implants placed because of insufficient bone. Now with advanced techniques implants are again a viable option. If grafts are required an additional period of four to twelve months may be required before placement of the implants. Once the implants are surgically placed in the bone, they must remain undisturbed for four to twelve months. The length of time depends upon the quality of bone available. The average patient usually takes Extra Strength Tylenol or Advil for the postoperative discomfort. With proper management the discomfort is usually minimal. Bone grafts may cost between $500-3,000. The placement of the implants may range from $650-1300 per implant. Some dentists will reduce the cost of additional implants after the first one or two. The lowest cost implants are the new Mini-implants.
After the implants have been placed the person's dentures can be modified so that they can continue to be worn. If just some of the teeth are missing a temporary plastic partial may be worn. This solves the short term appearance problems that may exist. Once the implants have bonded to the bone the process of preparing the implants for use begins. Often an existing denture can be modified to fit over balls that are attached to the implants. These provide great stability and comfort for very little money. Crowns or bridges may be attached to the implants. The complexity of this part of the procedure magnifies with the number of implants. This may require more specialized treatment and higher costs. Temporary dentures or partials may cost between $600-2500. Modifying a denture to fit after surgery or over implants may range from $85-1000. Crowns on implants may range between $1200-2000 per tooth. Snaps usually cost about $1000 each.
The final phase is the maintenance stage of the process. Dental implants can last more than thirty years if properly maintained. This requires good cleaning skills to be learned by the patient. Maintenance visits are usually scheduled every three months. Once the patient has demonstrated a good track record the interval may be lengthened. If a denture is being supported by implants, the jaw bone may continue to dissolve in the areas away from the implants. This is a natural process and sometimes requires the dentures to be relined or remade. Maintenance visits usually cost $25. Cleanings range between $60-200 depending on the difficulty of the process. Replacement screws or attachments may range from $25-1000.
As with any type of service the fees may vary depending upon the complexity of the treatment or the skill level of the dentist. To improve communications, always discuss the total cost involved with treatment. Make sure that you know approximately what the costs will be. There are things that can make the treatment more expensive and may be beyond the control of the treating doctor.
To schedule an appointment for a consultation, call 877-367-4121 or e-mail us at brooksby@bigfoot.com.
Do you have more questions? Send us an e-mail question and Dr. Brooksby of The Dental Implant Source will gladly respond.
