Replacing a single missing tooth with a dental implant tooth costs the same as a dental bridge.
(prices between offices vary)
- The total price for one replacement tooth is usually $4,500.
- Extraction of tooth – $250ea.
- The surgical placement of one titanium post (the dental implant) from $1,750 to $2,300 each.
- Implant crown is $2,100 each.
In certain cases, additional procedures may be required such as guided tissue regeneration or sinus elevations. Bone grafts (if necessary) are $350 to $2550ea. Each surgeon performing the surgery may charge different fees because the of the different procedures they need to perform to get the person the best fitting dental implant result for them.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
In short, no, and here’s why
Dental implants have been used for several decades now and it is common practice to have a missing tooth replaced with an implant. It might seem that anything which is common practice should be covered by dental insurance, but unfortunately insurance companies choose to categorize implants as being cosmetic dentistry. This means that the vast majority of dental insurance plans do not cover dental implants.
There is no getting away from the fact that dental implants are more costly than the alternatives which include dental bridges and partial dentures, but the advantages of Houston dental implants makes it difficult to view them as being cosmetic, and it doesn’t quite seem right that they are viewed in the same way as purely cosmetic treatments, but the low annual limit provided by most dental insurance plans means that the majority of the cost would have to be met by the patient in any case.
Why choose an implant over a bridge or partial denture?
So what exactly are the advantages of having dental implants as opposed to having a bridge or partial denture? Having a bridge fitted may seem like a viable and cost effective option when compared to an implant but it’s important to remember that the adjacent teeth must be ground down in order for the bridge to be made and fitted and it’s always best to avoid removing material from healthy teeth.
Having a partial denture is an easy way to replace missing teeth and doesn’t involve any modification of healthy teeth, but many people find dentures uncomfortable to wear and are worried about them moving around when they eat or speak. Having a denture can necessitate regular visits to the dental office in order for your dentist to adjust any areas that may be rubbing, and to check the fit. There is also the problem of breakage as care needs to be taken not to drop dentures while cleaning them.
An implant avoids these problems and also helps to keep good bone density in the area where the tooth has been lost, and this is extremely important. It creates the most natural looking and aesthetically pleasing restoration, and with proper care and attention it should last for a very long time. The longevity of implants can actually make them quite an economical solution to the loss in the long-term.
So what does dental insurance cover?
Most dental insurance covers a percentage of the cost of basic treatment such as regular checkups and cleanings. It may also cover a percentage of the cost of dental x-rays and preventative treatment such as fillings, and restorative treatment such as crowns and bridges. Some dental plans require you to choose a participating dentist, so that when you visit the dentist you will only be required to pay a certain percentage of the fee while the plan pays the rest. In general you will find that preventative and diagnostic services will be covered to a higher percentage, while crowns and bridges will be covered to a lower percentage. Unless you have dental insurance through your employer it can be difficult to justify paying the premiums, and it may be worthwhile asking if your Houston implant dentist offers a payment plan so you get the best and most appropriate treatment.