Oral health care and dentistry have never been more modern, thanks to the late 1900s discoveries of implant materials compatible with the human body. However, advances in implant technology also mean that more factors affect the full mouth dental implants cost.
For instance, such advancements bring with them many components that make up the whole, as each treatment has its respective idiosyncrasies about factors such as materials and usage that make customization possible but also add to the eventual financial load of the treatment. For example, the technology used in the diagnostic part of the process costs, as well as the operators of such intricate machinery. In this blog, we’ll dive into each cost factor of full-mouth dental implants and briefly assess costs for your upcoming consultation with the dentist.
Understanding Full-mouth Dental Implants
Full-mouth dental implant aims to replace a full arch of teeth in the jaw, either in the upper or lower area, or, in some cases, both. This procedure is ideal for patients with multiple missing teeth and depends on the placement of implants in the jawbone, which are surgically drilled inside and require specific surgical drills.
These implants are made from a biocompatible material (the body deems it noninvasive and welcomes it inside the body). For our purposes, titanium is usually used. The bone in the jaw will fuse structurally with this implant in an osseointegration process, providing a level of force of fusion that is almost as strong as natural teeth.
Unlike traditional implant dentures or implant bridges, which are bulky, inefficient, and usually known to slip and slide under heavy biting loads, full mouth dental implants promise better, more consistent stability and functionality that few other alternatives provide today. Full mouth dental implants also provide a permanent treatment solution that countless studies have proven to last decades in most cases since their inception. This longitudinal study, performed in 2017, reports that the rate of success for dental implants is as high as 95% over 10 years.
In terms of aesthetics, dental implants look very similar to natural teeth, and only upon a close and exacting examination can one tell the difference between the two. This level of resemblance can be increased even more if the patient opts to use materials that resemble the natural tooth enamel even more, such as zirconia, which is known for its ability to mimic the aesthetic characteristics of teeth the most.
The Impact of Dental Implants On Quality of Life
There is a significant and profound effect on the patient’s life after their implants are placed in the mouth, especially after the osseointegration process has been completed. The regained chewing and biting function, the upgrades to speaking abilities, and the self-confidence that entails are all a mere portion of the impacts experienced by patients.
Patients upgrading to these after using traditional dentures or braces feel the most impact. There is no slipping and sliding of the prosthesis in the mouth, nor is there an unpleasant risk of displacement, especially in public, where the added social discomfort adds to the negative experience. A more varied diet also comes along with these implants, which, as we mentioned before, act very similarly to natural teeth. Therefore, a whole world of foods can open up for patients, increasing the level of nutrition and health that they have at their disposal now.
Due to modern dental implants’ stability, common issues with traditional dentures, such as sore spots and uncomfortable adhesives, have also been eliminated. In addition, enhanced clarity of speech is also part of the upgrades offered, which can revitalize a person’s sense of self and thus improve intrapersonal connections.
Factors Affecting Cost of Full Mouth Dental Implants
It is difficult to put a generalized number on the whole treatment process of dental implants as the factors show a high level of variance and are specific for each case, but breaking down the individual elements can offer us a chance to choose what fits us best and help us have a more productive conversation about costs with the dentist during the consultation.
Clinic Location
One of the primary factors contributing to the cost of full mouth dental implants is the clinic you have applied to is located geographically; for example, the cost of implant placement can be higher in metropolitan areas than in rural ones. One of the reasons for this could be due to the level of expertise and experience that is provided, as dentists who are more experienced and have a good track record are in higher demand, and thus, getting an appointment can be more expensive.
Type And Brand Of Implants
This is an important factor that can also affect the costs. As with most products, there is a variance in quality and affordability here, such as in the case of titanium and zirconia. Titanium is cheaper and more sturdy, but zirconia is expensive and aesthetically more pleasing at the slight cost of sturdiness (although the difference isn’t that huge).
Diagnostic Procedures
X-rays and CBCT scans are key to the overall cost assessment. These technologies are relatively modern and thus bring with them the need for a higher level of technical costs of operating these devices. Furthermore, these machines also require more delicate maintenance thus increasing their fees for upkeep for both technicians and patients
Additional Treatments
Procedures such as sinus lifts and bone grafting may also add to the costs, which can add complexity to the procedure and increase the financial load. They also have their own high level of variance that is determined by their respective options and customizations for each individual case. Furthermore, the type of prosthetic teeth used, whether made of acrylic or porcelain, can impact the cost, with porcelain generally being more expensive due to its durability and natural appearance.
The initial investment in dental implants may be quite substantial, but it is important to note that this treatment has a high cost-to-benefit ratio and provides good long-term value. Your decision to invest in full-mouth dental implants should be weighed against their significant health benefits.
Conclusion
In this blog, we talked about dental implants and their impact on the overall health and quality of life. We also talked briefly about the factors that add to the final cost of this remarkable treatment.
If you’re looking for further information about dental implants or a more comprehensive and individualized cost breakdown performed by industry-leading and highly experienced dental professionals, please contact us or visit the Bayarea Implant Dentistry in Fremont, California. Please schedule a consultation with us today and reap the benefits of better oral health!