Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option for most people. They look and feel like natural teeth. But if you're considering dental implants, you may be concerned about the cost.
Read on to learn more about dental implants and how much they cost in St. Louis, MO.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that support replacement teeth, crowns, bridges, and dentures. They’re designed to fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone and act as anchors for artificial teeth. The procedure is usually completed in two or three visits to your dentist. In most cases, the dental implant requires a minimum of four months to integrate with the bone and become stable.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Since dental implants are designed to replace a tooth root with a new artificial root, this gives the patient a sturdy anchor for their replacement tooth. Dental implants are most often made of titanium, a strong metal that can withstand chewing forces.
Dental implants have advantages over other types of restorations, including:
Durability — Dental implants last longer than bridges or dentures because they are anchored into the jawbone, which offers more support than the gums or soft tissue.
Appearance — Many people find that dental implants look more natural than other restorations because they resemble healthy teeth in color, shape, and size.
Factors that May Affect the Cost of Your Treatment
Several factors can affect the cost of dental implants. These factors include:
The type of implant you need. Several different types of implants are available and each has its own price range. Your dentist can advise you about the best options for your specific case.
Location. Where you live can impact the price of your dental implants. In areas with a high cost of living, the cost of dental implants will likely be higher.
Your insurance coverage. If you have dental insurance, your insurance may cover some or most of the costs.
Your dentist's experience and reputation. A dentist in a state-of-the-art practice with extensive dental implant experience may charge more than a dentist just starting their practice.
What Is the Cost of Dental Implants in St. Louis, MO?
Because so many variables impact the cost, It’s difficult to precisely pinpoint a price.
A recent study indicates that the average cost of dental implants in St. Louis, Missouri, is $3,862, less than the national average of $4,716 and lower than the state average of $5,270.
Dental implants can vary by as much as $1,200 per implant based on several factors, including the type of surgery needed, whether bone grafting will be needed to reinforce the jawbone before the procedure, the location of the implant in the mouth, and whether more than one implant is required.
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
Dental implants are effective at restoring your smile and your confidence. They can improve your oral health and your overall health as well.
Dental implants can help prevent bone loss, make chewing easier, promote better oral hygiene, improve facial aesthetics, and help prevent pain due to poor bite alignment.
In addition, dental implants can be used in conjunction with dentures to improve their fit and stability, which makes them more comfortable to wear all day long.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Dental implants are an investment in your long-term dental health, and they can last for a lifetime. To learn more about dental implants and whether they’re right for you, contact us today at 314-432-5544 to schedule a consultation.