Tuesday, April 27, 2010

What Would Four Dental Implants Cost

What is the cost for 4 implants in the front of my mouth?
I have a removable bridge at the present time, which I hate.


Wow --- what a loaded question. There are many variables on this question. Anterior esthetics are important and are a prime consideration in how to handle this situation. When there is ample bone present, it is much easier to place implants and restore them esthetically. Oftentimes the cause of anterior tooth loss is traumatic – a blow or fall – or periodontal - and this often compromises the amount of bone present. With inadequate bone, there are options of adding bone by grafting, placing smaller implants, or not placing implants at all…it just varies.

The only way that we can give you any kind of answer as to what we advise is to see you personally and get proper photos, x-rays and visual exam. Even with adequate bone present, there are times that we place 4 implants, as you envision, and there are times that you can get a more esthetic result with less than 4 implants. You don’t necessarily place one implant for each tooth lost. We will also have to evaluate the rest of your mouth to see what is appropriate and logical for you.

Please consider making an appointment for an implant consultation so that we can give you our opinion of what is the best advice for YOU.

Chuck Campbell, DDS
Dale Brant, DDS
(713) 795-5905

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Monday, February 1, 2010

How Much is a Dental Implant Per Tooth?

I have very bad teeth and I was wandering the cost of the dental implants per tooth? My dental insurance only covers $1500 per year and I know it's going to cost more than that.

Thank You!--Patrick

Hi, Patrick… thanks for the inquiry.

The cost of a dental implant is usually about $1800. When we work with implants, however, we don’t figure one implant for each missing tooth, if that is what you are thinking. We have to make a decision as to how strong the existing natural teeth are and how many implants fit in any given situation. For instance, if you are missing all of your teeth, we don’t multiply by 32 to replace every single tooth with an implant – not necessary or practical.

The only way I can really teach you is for you to come in for a consult appointment. We will take photos and complete x-rays and possibly even study models to understand your need and your options. There is always more than one choice of what to do. Diagnosis from afar is not recommended.

In general, dental insurance is reluctant to cover dental implants. Some policies will cover, and these are getting more common now that the use of dental implants is becoming more routine. It will all depend on your need, but there are usually enough other things being done that you can get most of your insurance benefit, or we can sometimes stretch treatment over the end of a year to get you two annual benefit amounts. We can help you to understand what your policy will cover.

Give us a call when you are ready. It is an interesting process, and a formal consult is the only way you can really understand your options.

Chuck Campbell, DDS
Dale Brant, DDS
(713) 795-5905

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