What is perceived value? It’s understanding the quality, craftsmanship, and long term viability of your investment.

Think Rolex compared to Casio. One is referred to as a “watch” and the other is known as a “timepiece.” Dental implants are suited to these criteria. After all you’re considering a surgical procedure that places a medical device into your body.

Even so, today’s market is saturated with low cost options for dental implant treatment. And as the saying (or personal experience) proves you often get-what-you-pay-for.

Dental implants have a higher perceived value than an alternative treatment such as a tooth supported bridge. As they should, because they provide a more effective long term solution for your overall dental health.

You have two standard options when you lose a single tooth. You can replace it with a tooth supported bridge or with an implant supported crown.

The ADA (American Dental Association) reports that a bridge has an average lifespan of 10.1 years. Compare this to clinical studies that indicate dental implants have a 95% success rate for 20+ years.

Do the math:

Conservatively speaking, let’s initially price a tooth supported bridge between $3,000 and $4,000. Next, consider the estimated 10 year replacement costs associated with a bridge that requires a secondary investment of another $3,000 to $4,000.

Then add another $3,000 to $4,000 of replacement costs at 20 years. Your total investment in a tooth supported bridge for 20 years is conservatively estimated at $9,000 to $12,000.

Now, let’s run the numbers for an implant supported crown. Again, these are conservative estimates considering market and expertise.

Estimate your dental implant placement between $2,000 and $3,000 and your implant crown at $1,500 and $2,500. Your total investment for the same 20-25 years is now $3,500 to $5,500.

Either estimate could be reduced depending on your dental insurance coverage for a tooth supported bridge or an implant supported crown. You can see the significance of the perceived value when investing in the implant versus the bridge.

Ask questions:

It’s important to ask questions about replacing your missing tooth or teeth. Questions about cost estimates, treatment procedures, expertise, insurance coverage, ongoing maintenance, etc. are all fair and necessary.

Remember you’re trusting the long term viability of placing a medical device in your body. It’s entirely appropriate to inquire about your costs and the overall treatment process for your dental implant.

In fact, we expect it.

What’s important to you when weighing the option of dental implant treatment? Cost? Expertise? Treatment procedure?