Dental implants are costly for several reasons. Modern dentistry equipment is expensive. Additionally, a qualified implant dentist requires years of training and hands-on experience with different dental implant cases. And finally, the implant process requires multiple appointments for implant placement, abutment placement, and recovery.
Dental implants are often perceived as costly for several reasons. Here are some factors contributing to their expense:
- Materials Used: Dental implants are made of biocompatible materials, usually titanium or zirconia, that are designed to fuse with the bone and function like natural tooth roots. These materials, especially titanium, are durable and non-reactive in the body, which justifies their cost.Our crowns may be made up of three different materials:
- Acrylic/resin: least expensive
- Zirconium oxide: also known as “ceramic steel” due to strength and durability
- Porcelain: most durable, but can cause wear/tear to natural teeth, typically most expensive
- Skill and Training Required: Implantology requires specialized training. Dentists often pursue additional postgraduate courses to learn the techniques required for placing implants. This advanced training, combined with the precision and skill required to place an implant, contributes to the cost.Dr. Kwok earned his Washington State License in the year 2000. He has been practicing since 1996 and has worked in the area since 2011. He offers a range of treatments, including wisdom teeth extraction, root canal therapy, botox, tooth jewelry, white fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, gum treatment and full-mouth reconstruction. He has also been trained on providing clear aligners for patients, for patients, such as Invisalign. Our dentist is also a current member of the ADA®, Washington State Dental Association, Seattle King County Dental Society and Misch Dental Implant Institute Alumni.
Dr. Kwok has prioritized furthering his education and attends dental lectures and courses quarterly to stay up to date with the industry. He participates in a dental study club where he collaborates with other dentists on the latest dental treatment techniques and developments. He also does volunteer work and provides dental care to migrant workers’ children in Washington state and oversees. When he is not providing dentistry services, Dr. Kwok enjoys spending time with his family and friends and participating in outdoor sport activities.
As a dentist, Dr. Kwok strives to treat patients based on their dental needs, as well as prevention. He will give each patient options for a dental treatment plan that will fit their time and budget.
Dr. Baptista Kwok, BS, DDS offers high-quality dental implants at Covington Complete Dentistry. At our clinic, Doctor of Dental Surgery Baptista Kwok, BS, DDS use advanced dental technology such as Intra-Oral Camera, Planmeca Promax 3D Max CT Cone Beam Imaging, glidewell.io™ fastmill.io™ In-Office Mill.
- Surgical Procedure: Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure that demands a sterile environment and specific equipment. Costs associated with maintaining such an environment, the surgical tools, and other disposables can be significant.
- Laboratory Procedures: A dental implant consists of multiple parts, including the implant itself (that goes into the bone) and the crown (the visible tooth part). The crown is often custom-made in a dental laboratory to fit the patient’s mouth and match adjacent teeth. This customization requires skilled technicians and expensive materials.
- Duration and Number of Visits: The implant procedure typically involves multiple visits spread out over several months. The initial phase involves placing the implant, and after a healing period (osseointegration), the final crown is placed. Each of these visits involves time and resources.
- Advanced Imaging: Proper placement of a dental implant often requires advanced imaging techniques, like cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, to ensure safe and accurate placement. These imaging techniques can be more costly than traditional dental X-rays.
- Follow-Up Care: After the placement of an implant, there may be follow-up visits to ensure everything is healing well and there are no complications.
- Overhead Costs: Dental practices have operational costs, including rent, utilities, staff salaries, insurance, and equipment maintenance, which are factored into the pricing of procedures.
- Geographic Location: The cost of dental implants can vary significantly based on the region or country. In areas with a higher cost of living or higher operational expenses for dental clinics, implant costs may be higher.A single dental implants cost is $1995 in Covington, WA. Here, At Covington Complete Dentistry, an experienced implants dentist, Dr. Baptista Kwok, BS, DDS offers dental implants using advanced dentistry technology.
Covington Complete Dentistry is located near Druids Glen Golf club. The distance is around 4.1 miles. The dental office offers a variety of services such as dental implants, dental fillings and teeth whitening. Here, At Covington Complete Dentistry, an experienced implants dentist, Dr. Baptista Kwok, BS, DDS offers dental implants using advanced dentistry technology.
- Longevity and Success Rate: Dental implants have a high success rate and can last a lifetime with proper care. When you factor in the long-term benefits and compare them to other tooth replacement options that may need replacement or adjustment over time, the cost may seem more justified.
It’s essential to note that while dental implants might seem expensive initially, their durability, appearance, function, and potential for preventing further dental problems can make them a cost-effective solution in the long run. However, it’s always a good idea to discuss costs, benefits, and alternatives with your dentist to make an informed decision.