Nearly 50% of the population in the United states is missing at least one tooth. That is 178 million Americans with at least one missing tooth. And 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. These statistics demonstrate the demand and popularity of dental implants. Especially considering that they are the most effective tooth replacement option. While dental implants are popular, the one thing that surprises most people is how expensive they are.So why are dental implants expensive?
Factors that contribute to the high cost of dental implants
There are several factors that come into play and contribute to the high cost:
1- Level of skill and training of the dentist. Dental implants procedures require a high level of skill and training to meet the complexity demands associated with dental implants. A high level of precision when it comes to placing dental implants is required for a long lasting and natural looking outcome. Dental implants procedures include multiple steps. The procedure, for instance, entails the extraction of teeth that are broken or decayed, preparing the jawbone for the implant, adding bone, placing the implant, and giving it time to integrate with the bone. Any errors made during any of these steps could result in expensive issues later on. A multidisciplinary strategy including several dental professionals may be necessary in some circumstances, which can add significantly to the final cost and be higher than usual.
Other factors
2- Geographic area and degree of competition: Another factor that drives up the cost is the location of the clinic and the degree of competition in the area. Larger metropolitan areas tend to exhibit a higher level of competition which drives down the cost. On the other hand, more affluent neighborhoods tend to charge more for their services compared to those in less developed areas. This is because they have to meet higher overhead costs such as higher rent, salaries, and other operational expenses. Dental clinics in areas with high demand such as the case in large cities may charge less to attract more patients. On the other hand, clinics in rural areas may charge more.
3- The type of dental implant material: The materials used including the type of dental implant contribute to the cost of dental implant procedures. Major manufacturers tend to charge dentists a premium price for dental implants due to exclusivity of patents and technology. These implants tend to cost a lot less once the patents expire. In which case the major manufacturers will introduce a new line of implants with new patents to justify their higher cost.
4- Dental restoration material and lab cost: the restoration of a dental implant is made of a titanium abutment and a crown. The abutment connects the dental crown to the dental implant. The cost of materials used to fabricate the abutments and the crowns vary. For instance a custom titanium abutment will produce a much more natural implant restoration as opposed to a prefabricated abutment. Therefore custom abutments are more costly. In addition the restoration quality is important. Reputable dental labs tend to charge dentists higher fees than labs that produce lower quality restorations with lower quality materials.
5- The technology, diagnostic and surgical equipment: Instruments and equipment used during the dental surgery can contribute to the cost of dental implants. Advanced technology such as computer guided implant surgery and 3D Ct scans are expensive to acquire and maintain. However they are necessary tools for accurate implant placement and restoration. Clinics that invest in such technology and equipment tend to charge more for their services to cover the high cost of operation.
“Skill and training of dentist, location of the clinic, dental implant material and restoration as well as the diagnostic and surgical equipment are all factors that attribute to the high cost of dental implants ”
In conclusion, the high cost of dental implants can be attributed to several factors, including the skill, education and training of the dentist, the geographic location, the degree of competition, the type of materials used, the technology as well as diagnostic and surgical equipment employed during the procedure. However, it is important to note that the long-term benefits of dental implants far outweigh the initial cost. Dental implants can significantly improve your dental health, restore your smile, and enhance your quality of life.
