Price of a Tooth Implant Vs. Bridge
Bridges and dental implants allow missing teeth to be replaced with permanent fixtures instead of removable replacements like dentures. The cost of these procedures vary widely based on location and individual practices.
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Dental Bridge
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A dental bridge requires the existence of two adjacent teeth and will cost, on average, about $800 for the two cementing crowns (called the abutments) and upward of $1,000 for each pontic (the prosthetic teeth to fill empty spaces). A three-unit bridge can range from $1,500-$9,000, depending on location, but will average to approximately $3,000 at most practices.
Dental Implants
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When a molar tooth is missing, or aesthetics matter most (as in anterior teeth that are visible in a smile), dental implants are a better option. Each dental implant will cost approximately $1,250-$3,000, and the cost for the crown that will serve as the missing tooth is additional. Together, the cost will range from $2,000 upward to over $10,000 if periodontal surgery is needed for implant placement.
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Additional Costs
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When placing a bridge, additional costs such as posts or root canals will be separately billed. With dental implants, the cost of periodontal surgery to replace missing bone tissue can be considerable and should be discussed with your doctor prior to placement.
Included in Cost of Bridge
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A bridge will require a minimum of two visits, with about one week between appointments. The first visit will require the crown preparation of teeth being used as crowns and a mold will be made of the teeth to make the bridge; the second visit will be for bridge placement.
Included in Cost of Dental Implants
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The initial surgery to place the titanium implant into the bone will be your first appointment. After three to six months of regular checkups, you will need to be fitted for a crown, and the last visit will be for the crown placement to fill the missing gap.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Betsy Fletcher
