Missing teeth can have a significantly detrimental impact on your oral and overall health, which can affect your quality of life. Therefore, tooth replacement is highly recommended, especially if you are missing all of your natural teeth.
The best option for replacement is dental implants. A traditional implant consists of three pieces:
- Implant screw- inserted into the jawbone to create a stable base for your prosthetic teeth
- Abutment- connects the prosthetic teeth to the jawbone
- Crown- sits on top of the implant screw, above the gum line to replace the visible portion of the natural teeth
The cost of full-mouth dental implants ranges from around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on several factors, such as:
- Type of implant (titanium, zirconia)
- Type of teeth (acrylic, porcelain, zirconia)
- Removable or fixed
- How many implants are needed
- Location of dental clinic
- Experience/expertise of the dentist
The best way to determine the actual cost of full-mouth dental implants is to schedule a consultation with the team at Mount Zion Dental. In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know to determine the cost of full-mouth dental implants.
Implant Dentures vs. Full-Mouth Implants Cost
You have a couple of different options when it comes to full-mouth restorations- removable or fixed. Here’s what you need to know:
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Removable Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are removable and secured in place by 2 or more dental implants. These are also referred to as “snap-on” or “snap-in” dentures. They must be removed at night for cleaning and to allow your mouth to rest. On average, the cost of implant dentures ranges from around $25,000 to $35,000.
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Fixed Implant Dentures
Fixed implant dentures are fixed in place with 4 or more dental implants. They typically feature zirconia teeth, but acrylic or porcelain may be available for patients who are on a budget. The average cost ranges from around $45,000 to $55,000.
This cost includes sedation, extraction of remaining natural teeth, and both temporary and permanent prosthetic teeth.
These prosthetic teeth are permanently fixed in place. Only the dentist can remove them for cleaning and exams. This option is often referred to as All-on-4 dental implants because an entire arch can be supported with only 4 dental implants. However, if you have a larger jaw or have some jawbone loss, you may need 5 to 6 implants.
Dental Implants are a Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth
Replacing missing teeth with conventional dentures will restore some appearance and functionality. Unfortunately, it does not address the issue of jawbone deterioration, which means that your facial shape will continue to change. Conventional dentures should only be a temporary, last-resort option. The best way to avoid these issues is to have implants placed as soon as possible.
Dental Implants Improve Appearance and Functionality
The aesthetic benefits of dental implants are obvious. After all, they allow you to create the perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of. You can have your teeth made exactly like you want, as long as they fit in your mouth and allow you to chew, speak, and smile properly.
Full-Mouth Dental Implants- An Alternative to Conventional Dentures
While conventional dentures do replace missing teeth and can improve some functionality and appearance, they are not always the most convenient option. Full-mouth dental implants are often the superior option because they:
- Improve chewing ability
- Restore appearance
- Prevent jawbone deterioration
- Improve speaking ability
- Long-lasting, does not require adjustment or replacement
Removable vs. Fixed Full-Mouth Implants
The primary disadvantage of dental implants is the cost and, unfortunately, many dental insurance providers will not cover much- if any- of the cost. Typically, conventional dentures are more affordable, and many patients are not too bothered by the disadvantages of this tooth replacement option. However, many others prefer a more stable, aesthetically-pleasing, functional option.
If cost wasn’t a factor, most patients agree that they would choose fixed full-mouth implants because they don’t require any special considerations when it comes to cleaning. However, most people instead opt for removable full-mouth implants because they can save some money.
Full-Mouth Dental Implant Procedure
If you are interested in full-mouth dental implants, here’s what you can expect:
- The first step to any of the dental procedures at Mount Zion Dental is the initial consultation. During this visit, the dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, including X-rays. We will discuss your expectations for treatment. If it is determined that you are eligible for implants, you will decide if you want fixed or removable teeth and a treatment plan will be created.
- Next, you will return for the procedure. We will start by administering anesthesia. If needed, sedation will be provided. This will ensure that you stay relaxed during the procedure. If necessary, any remaining teeth will be extracted, and bone grafting procedures will be performed. After these procedures, the implants will be placed. After closing the incisions, a temporary denture will be placed.
- Over the next few months, your jawbone will begin to heal around and fuse with the implants, securing them in place. This is known as osseointegration. You will return at this time to determine if the implants have healed properly. At this time, the temporary prosthesis will be removed, and an impression will be made. This will be sent to the dental lab for the fabrication of your permanent teeth.
- Fabrication takes a few weeks. Once the office receives your permanent prosthesis, you will return. The dentist will remove the temporary and place the permanent. As long as it fits properly, you will have your permanent set of teeth.
Dental Insurance and Payment Plans
Some dental insurance providers will cover a portion of the cost of dental implants, while others will not cover anything. Our friendly office staff will work with your insurance provider to determine coverage. Even if they do cover, they usually do not offer full coverage, which means with costs ranging from $25,000 to $55,000, you could end up paying thousands of dollars out of pocket.
The good news is that we do offer several financing options including CareCredit, LendingClub, and in-house options. In addition, we offer a program for military veterans known as Lifetime Smiles for Veterans.
Factors Impacting Full-Mouth Dental Implants Cost
There are several factors that impact the cost of full-mouth dental implants, including:
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Anesthesia and sedation
– most of the time, local anesthesia is included in the cost- but if you require sedation, there will be an additional fee
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Implant post
– the type of implant post, as well as the brand, has an impact on the cost of the device.
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Fabrication of prosthetic teeth
– different labs have different costs, depending on the location
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Bone or gum grafting procedures
– these require time, special skill, and special materials.
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Number of implants
– Typically, we recommend 2 or more dental implants for snap-on teeth and 4 or more for permanent teeth.
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Materials used for prosthetic teeth
– prosthetic teeth may be made of acrylic, porcelain, or zirconia. Acrylic is the cheapest but doesn’t last as long. Zirconia, on the other hand, is the most expensive but extremely durable.
Schedule Your Full-Mouth Implants Consultation
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, schedule your consultation with the team at Mount Zion Dental in North Miami Beach today. Our dentists have the experience and expertise to help you decide which option is right for you.
We are located on Northeast 167th Street. Our office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Sunday for emergencies only.