How Much do Dental Implants Cost in Houston, TX?
One of the most common adult dental issues is missing teeth. There are several reasons for this problem:
- Genetics
- Inadequate oral hygiene
- Limited access to dental care
- Trauma
However, no matter what the cause, there are lots of oral and overall health issues that come with missing teeth. Therefore, it’s important to consider tooth restoration options, including dental implants.
Dental implants look, feel, and function more like natural teeth than other options. This means that it is one of the most expensive treatments. On average, you can expect to pay $4,800 for an implant with a porcelain crown.
The team at A Dental Care in Houston has the experience and expertise to restore your smile with a variety of restoration procedures, including dental implants. Here’s what you need to know about dental implants cost.
Factors Affecting Dental Implants Cost
There are several factors that impact the dental implants cost, including:
Number of Implants
You may get a dental implant for a single tooth, or you may need several implants to replace an entire arch. The more implants you need, the more will be the dental implants cost.
Experience/expertise of the provider
Typically, implants are placed by a provider with implantology training, such as an oral surgeon, prosthodontist, or periodontist. In some cases, a general dentist may also have undergone this training.
Professionals who have been practicing for a long time will typically cost more than a dentist that is just getting started.
Location of the provider
The cost of living is higher in some areas than others, which can impact the cost of your dental implant. You’ll pay more in a major city than in a rural or suburban area.
Type of implant used
The quality of the materials used impacts the cost. The implant body is usually made of titanium or zirconia. Titanium is the more affordable option.
Porcelain crowns look more like natural teeth than composite resin, but they are also more expensive. Plus, composite resin crowns are considered temporary since they only last about 5 to 7 years before they must be replaced.
Diagnostic tests
Imaging such as CT scans and x-rays are used to create your personalized treatment plan and determine implant placement. The cost of these is above and beyond the base price for the implant procedure.
Preliminary procedures
Some patients require additional procedures such as extractions, gum disease treatment, or bone grafting. These charges are also above and beyond the base price of the implant procedure.
Anesthesia
Typically, local anesthesia is used to numb the area and keep patients comfortable during the procedure. This is included in the base price for the procedure. If you are having extensive work done or you suffer from anxiety, general anesthesia may be used, which will cost more.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants Cost?
Some dental insurance plans will cover a portion of expenses related to dental implants or at least cover certain steps in the process. Insurance providers are much more likely to cover the procedure if it is medically necessary to restore the health of your teeth and gums than they are if it is purely cosmetic.
Our office staff will be happy to discuss your coverage with your insurance provider. If you do not have adequate coverage or you do not have insurance at all, we do offer financing options.
Here’s what you need to know about dental insurance and implants:
Private insurance
Full coverage policies typically pay up to 50% of major services. Some plans explicitly cover implants. However, if yours does not, it may cover certain aspects, such as the crown but not the implant body or abutment.
Medicare
Original Medicare doesn’t cover any dental care. Medicare Advantage typically at least covers basic dental care. Your policy may cover more- our office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage.
Medicaid
At this time, 39 state Medicaid programs offer coverage beyond emergency services, but none cover implants or crowns. However, some may pay for a set of dentures.
Why are Dental Implants a Worthy Investment?
Dental implants are one of the most expensive tooth restoration options because they look, feel, and function more like natural teeth. Still, many of our patients at A Dental Care wonder what makes dental implants a worthwhile investment. Here’s what you need to know:
Comfort
Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, which means they are secured in place and do not shift like dentures and bridges.
Maintenance
Since dental implants are permanently secured in the jawbone, you do not have to do anything special to care for them. Simply brush and floss as usual- and visit the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning.
No food restrictions
Dentures and bridges can be damaged by foods that are hard or sticky. Dental implants are secured in the jawbone, which restores approximately 90% of your natural bite force, meaning that once you heal, you can eat anything you like.
Long-lasting
Restorations like dentures and bridges must be adjusted or replaced over time. Dental implants, on the other hand, will last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
If you are missing one or more teeth and believe that you may benefit from restoration procedures such as dental implants, schedule your appointment today with the team at A Dental Care. We have 4 offices in Houston and one in Spring to serve you.
