As we age, it is not uncommon for adult patients to experience tooth loss but just because it's common does not mean that it isn't disheartening. Even if you lose a tooth in the back of your mouth, it is important to replace it to avoid bone loss and further tooth loss. Fortunately, there is a technique available that allows the patient to replace a missing tooth with one visit to the dentist.
Teeth in a day is a treatment procedure that allows a patient to have an implant placed and restored in the same day. Traditionally, an implant is placed and allowed to heal for 3 to 6 months before it is restored with an implant crown or other implant supported prosthesis. With teeth in a day, a temporary prosthesis is placed directly onto the implant immediately after the implant is placed.
The benefit to this process is of course the aesthetics that allows the patient to have a complete and functioning smile in one visit. The only drawback is that the patient must adhere to a diet of soft foods while their implant integrates with the bone structure. That does not mean that you have to live on mashed potatoes and Jell-O for six months, simply that you need to avoid extremely hard and crunchy foods like almonds and popcorn, lest you bite down on a kernel and ruin your implant.
How much do teeth in a day cost?
The biggest factor at play is the number of teeth being replaced. An individual implant, replacing one tooth, can cost between $3000 and $6000 whereas replacing an entire arch can cost up to $30,000. On average, the cost of teeth in a day is about $19,000.
Another cost determining factor is surgeries that may be required to ensure the success of the implants. This includes procedures such as a bone graft, a gum graft, or a sinus lift. The geographical location of the office will also play a role in the overall cost of treatment. Patients who live in a metropolitan area can expect to pay more than those who live in a rural area.
Financial Arrangements
Your doctor will provide you with a treatment plan detailing the estimated cost of treatment. If you have dental insurance, it may cover some of the cost but keep in mind, insurance will only pay a certain amount per year so it is important to understand your dental benefits. You can request the offices to submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company to get an idea of what they will pay.
Additionally, some offices offer in-house financing programs or may work with a third-party financing company that can greatly ease the immediate financial burden.
Teeth in a day can be expensive but the comfort and stability is often worth the time and expense. Dental implants can last a lifetime whereas other options such as bridges or dentures may only last 10 to 15 years before needing to be replaced. Speak with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for teeth in a day.