Dental Implant Cost – What You Need to Know

Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement, and they’re an excellent long-term value for replacing missing teeth. While they can be costly, they often pay for themselves in the form of reduced maintenance costs and improved chewing, speech, and smile aesthetics.

Cost of dental implants Harrisonburg VA is based on many factors, including the dentist who performs the procedure and the type of restoration used to support the replacement tooth. In general, the higher your level of health and gum and bone density, the lower your overall cost.

Choosing the right specialist is also key to making sure your investment is protected and that you get the best possible outcome. Generally speaking, specialists are more highly trained and have more experience placing implants than your average general dentist.

The initial price for a single tooth implant can run about $3,000 to $4,000. However, the number of teeth that need to be replaced, and whether the restorations include bridgework, dentures or both, can make a big difference in your final bill.

A dental implant is a metal or ceramic screw that’s placed in the jawbone to hold a replacement tooth, called a crown. It’s usually made of titanium or porcelain-fused-to-metal. It’s anchored in place by the surrounding natural bone to prevent it from moving or shifting, and it’s designed to last for years with proper care.

It is a surgical procedure that can take several visits to complete. In addition to the surgery itself, you may need preliminary evaluations and other procedures like X-rays and bone grafts. These can add $200 to $500 to your bill.

Preliminary evaluations, such as X-rays and CT scans, are important to help your specialist determine where to place your implant and to determine how healthy your jawbone is. These scans can cost $25 to $200 per exam, depending on the type of scan and how many you need.

If your doctor recommends a sinus lift or bone graft, this can add $1,500 to $2,500 to the bill. These procedures are necessary to keep an implant stable and increase your ability to chew food and speak clearly.

Your insurance coverage can help defray the cost of your dental implant cost Harrisonburg VA treatment. Most private insurance policies and some Medicare Advantage plans will cover a percentage of the total cost of an implant-supported crown or bridge, but coverage is not guaranteed.

You can find out ahead of time if your policy will cover the cost of an implant by asking your doctor or calling your insurance company. Most insurance companies offer a dental implants coordinator who can help you navigate your benefits.

It’s also a good idea to look for financing options. Many dentists participate in special programs that allow you to pay for your dental treatments over time with no or low interest rates. You can also use flexible spending accounts or health reimbursement accounts to help pay for your dental work.