Maybe you’ve heard how stable dental implants are and how you can eat your favorite foods without worry. Or perhaps you have a friend or family member with dental implants, and you love the way their smile looks. And even though you feel like dental implants would be a great way to replace your missing teeth and restore your oral health, you can’t seem to stop worrying about how much the procedure will cost and whether it’s worth the investment.
Well, the truth is that dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, and I tell my patients all the time that although the initial cost may be more than some other treatment options, I think you’ll find that the benefits outweigh the costs, and your insurance may even pay for all or part of the procedure!
What Is a Dental Implant?
Often referred to as the gold standard in tooth replacement, a dental implant is a titanium post that replaces your missing tooth’s roots. It stimulates your jawbone and keeps it from deteriorating, and once it heals, I’ll add a dental crown to complete the process.
The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect
Many of my patients don’t understand that the dental implant process is broken up into numerous steps and that the entire process takes months to complete. However, I believe the results are well worth the wait!
Here’s what you can expect if you decide dental implants are right for your smile:
- Examination and x-rays — When you visit my office for a consultation, I’ll thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to ensure they’re free from tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues. Then, I’ll take digital x-rays to help me see your tooth’s roots, jawbone density, and other oral structures.
- Implant placement — On the day of your procedure, I’ll completely numb your mouth before placing a titanium post into your jawbone. If necessary, I’ll remove your tooth and/or perform a bone grafting procedure before this step. I pride myself on providing pain-free numbing, and I am one of the only general dentists in the entire area who is licensed in all forms of sedation dentistry. You can rest assured that your implant procedure will be painless and stress-free.
- Abutment placement — Over the next several months, your implant will fuse with your jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. Once healed, I’ll place a connector onto the implant. This will eventually hold your dental crown.
- Crown placement — The final step involves placing a custom dental crown onto the abutment. I will attach the crown, check your bite, and ensure the crown blends seamlessly with your other teeth.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Once you’ve invested the time and money, you’ll want to make sure you take good care of your dental implant; that way, it will last a very long time.
You’ll care for your dental implant much the same way you care for your natural teeth:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste two times each day.
- Use an electric toothbrush or soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss around each tooth at least once a day.
- Avoid biting down on hard objects.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco.
- Visit my office every six months for a routine exam and checkup.
What Costs Are Associated With the Dental Implant Process?
Before beginning any dental treatment, I always discuss the costs with you; that way, there won’t be any surprises. I understand that cost is an important factor for most of my patients, so I’m transparent about pricing, and I post most prices on my website.
- The cost for the dental implant itself is $2,027.
- A custom abutment costs $949.
- A dental implant crown costs $1,387.
Fortunately, your dental insurance may pay for part of this treatment cost, and we will happily file those claims on your behalf. We’re not an in-network provider, but you can still utilize your benefits.
We frequently file with these insurance companies:
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Guardian
- Medcost
- Metlife
- Lincoln
- Principal
- United Concordia
- United Healthcare
Different Ways to Pay for Your Treatment
I have many patients who don’t have dental insurance, so I offer numerous other ways to pay for your dental implant or other treatments, including the following:
- Financing plans — To make it possible for you to budget for your dental treatment, we offer 3-month or 6-month financing plans through our office. That way, you don’t have to worry about a third-party financing company.
- Lending Club — If you prefer, you can apply for 12-36 month financing through Lending Club. As the largest personal loan platform in the U.S., Lending Club offers personal loans for up to $60,000 with approved credit.
- Cash pay — Some of my patients prefer to pay with cash or check, so I offer a 5% discount if you don’t have dental insurance and choose to pay with cash.
- Office membership plans — Although this plan is focused on preventive care, not dental implants, I think it’s definitely worth mentioning. You can make a convenient monthly or annual payment to cover your preventive treatments, including dental cleanings, exams, x-rays, and fluoride treatments.
And we also offer a paperless payment option so you can quickly and easily pay through our internet portal.
Dental Implants in Winston-Salem, NC
For more information about the cost of dental implants in Winston-Salem, I hope you’ll reach out to my experienced dental team! We’re committed to answering your questions and providing transparent pricing before beginning any treatment plan, and we hope you’ll trust us to restore your smile’s function and beauty.
If you’re wondering if dental implants are right for your smile, or if you’d like to learn more, please contact my office at (336) 760-1277 for a consultation or appointment.
I look forward to hearing from you!
