Many of my patients are surprised to learn that they don't need to see a specialist or oral surgeon to have a dental implant or mini implant placed. Dentists like me, who have gone on to take post-graduate implant training, are able to place dental implants as well as mini implants right in our office.
This is great news to our patients since they can have the whole implant process done in one office, start to finish. Also, dental implant costs are significantly lower when placed by a dentist versus an oral surgeon, making dental implant a more affordable treatment. We can also offer lower cost bone grafts and extractions if needed. We work closely with a specialist for more involved cases.
Below are some videos from current dental implant patients, as well as a video about the implant process. If you find yourself with questions or concerns, please contact us. We are happy to take you through the process, insurance coverage, and can even take a quick look to make sure you feel comfortable and confident with your decision.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?Absolutely. Dental insurance usually covers as much as 50% of the total cost of your dental implant. However, every dental insurance plan is different so we would need to check with yours. Just call or email our office to set up a free consultation appointment. We will give you an insurance estimate of your copay after we make sure you’re a suitable candidate for dental implants.
How Much do Dental Implants Cost?The cost of dental implants or mini dental implants can have a wide range. It is important to find out which procedures you will need before you start comparing prices. Some offices will give you a discount on implants if you have all of the procedures done in their office - implant, abutment, crown etc.
My office likes to give patients one price for implants, inclusive of all the procedures they need - surgery, follow-up visits, abutment, and the final crown. This way, there are no “hidden costs” or surprises at the end. There is not a single price to quote because it depends on many variables. The average cost of a dental implant, abutment and crown is about $3,800* (but can be lower depending upon the number of teeth being treated). If you need bone grafts or sinus lifts, the cost will be different. It may be also be different if you have dental insurance.
What is the Dental Implant Procedure or Process?Many patients are concerned about the process or procedure of placing dental implants. Once they find out how common and well-understood the treatment is, they are able to relax. Most dental implants can be placed in an hour or so. After the implants are initially placed, you will return to our office for a followup visit to make sure everything is healing properly. Then, about four to six months later, we will place the final crown and abutment. Below, I have posted a video from YouTube that illustrates the implant process.
Dental Implants and Dentures, Bridges & Partials Dental implants and mini dental implants can be used to hold dentures, bridges and partial dentures securely in place. Many patients have a hard time keeping their dentures and partials comfortably in place all day. Even more so when they are eating hard, brittle food, or even worse - sticky, chewy food. In recent years, it has become very common to use mini dental implants or full dental implants to solve this problem. The results are amazing. Imagine having your denture or partial locked into place during the day, and then being able to remove it while sleeping and for cleaning. Dental implants can make this possible.
* These are suggested ranges of implants, crowns, bridge units, etc. They are not actual prices are not quotes of our prices. Prices vary with tooth number, location, color, additional procedures needed, aesthetic qualities, etc. Please ask our office for a clinical evaluation and a financial estimate for your situation.
Dr. Sherry Tsai provides dental implants and mini dental implants in Millbrae, San Bruno, Burlingame, San Mateo and the Bay Area