FAQ’s About Implants
“How much do they cost?” Because cases vary tremendously in difficulty and cost, a face to face, complimentary consultation at our office is the best place to start. We can review your condition and your options, then determine your next steps.
“Can you at least give me a ballpark?” There are some dental offices which are advertising dental implants for under $1000. The real range of costs for a single tooth implant ranges from $4000 to $20,000, with most cases finishing for around $5-7k per tooth replaced. When comparing costs, any complete estimate has to include exam fees, x-rays, lab fees, bone grafts, membranes, surgical placement of the implant, temporary crowns or dentures, abutments, and the permanent crown. We recommend you discuss things with us at length, and to examine all their options before making an informed decision.
The second crown from the top is a dental implant by Dr. Le.
“What if I have insurance?” The common PPO plan may cover some, but not all of your costs. Most plans still do not cover the dental implant at all, but they may cost some of the other procedures involved: extractions, bone grafts, and the crown are often covered. The annual maximum is typically $2000 or less, which will not cover most of the costs. This is best discussed face to face with the office manager or case coordinator of your dentist or specialist’s office. When necessary, we can send a request for a pre-determination of benefits from your insurance company. Often, the fastest way is to simply call the insurance company yourself and ask them if a given procedure is a covered benefit. The specific codes to ask the telephone representative are printed on your treatment estimates.
“Do you take payment plans?” Yes, our office will do everything we can to make it easier for you to have the best dental care possible. This can include accepting all major credit cards, phasing treatment over time, or paying monthly with reduced interest. We may require a credit check to approve payment plans for you. Our office works with CareCredit and other companies to make dental care affordable for as many as possible.
“Does it hurt?” The surgery itself is done under local anesthesia, so it does not hurt. Sedation is available at the oral surgeon’s office if you are anxious. There can be some minor swelling and pain after the procedure, lasting for no more than a few days in most cases. You can greatly reduce the amount of post-operative pain by following the instructions you will be given.
“How can I start?” The first and most important step is to contact our office today for a free consultation. We’ll assess your situation and develop an individualized treatment plan to fit your specific needs and budget.
Can you guess which tooth is the dental implant crown? It’s the second one from the left on the lower arch.