When faced with decayed or damaged teeth, it’s natural to question whether it’s worth investing in tooth restoration procedures such as root canals, crowns, and fillings. In such cases, the idea of getting dentures and replacing all the teeth at once might seem appealing.
Full dentures are typically fitted when all of your upper or lower teeth need to be removed. The denture is designed to fit snugly over your gums and jawbone, providing a functional and aesthetic replacement for missing teeth.
In some cases, your false teeth can be fitted immediately after the removal of multiple teeth. While this ensures that you won’t be without teeth during the healing process, it’s important to note that the gums and bone will undergo changes in shape relatively quickly. This may lead to the need for denture relining or even remaking after a few months to ensure a proper fit.
However, it’s important to recognize that there are certain disadvantages of tooth extraction, plus getting dentures will come with its own set of challenges. There are instances where it’s necessary to allow your gums and bone to heal and change shape over several months before fitting dentures.
This ensures a more stable and accurate fit for the dentures, promoting long-term comfort and functionality. As such, this decision should be approached with realistic expectations.
Costs associated with getting dentures
When considering dentures as a tooth replacement option, it’s important to understand the associated costs and factors that can affect the overall expense.
Generally, the expenses associated with your treatment are not limited to several simple tooth extractions at $150 per tooth, followed by standard dentures at about $500 per plate. There are many factors that may come into play following tooth removal, such as the cost of extraction and bone grafting, or the cost of implant placement to support your dentures.
Moreover, dentures are not a one-time investment of time and money. Instead, they require ongoing care and maintenance throughout your lifetime, usually with annual denture checkups or emergency denture relining and repairs when the need arises. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t be much different from an individual with all natural teeth visiting the dentist every six months for professional teeth cleaning and examination.
Here’s a simple guide to provide you with an overview of the costs involved in getting dentures, including additional procedures that may increase the total cost, such as tooth extraction, implants, and grafting.
Tooth Extraction Cost
Tooth extraction costs vary based on complexity. Simple extractions can range from $75-$450 per tooth, while surgical extractions can cost $150-$650 or more per tooth. You may also need to consider the cost of tooth extraction and grafting.
Denture Cost
The total cost of getting dentures depends on the number of teeth to be pulled, as well as the type of dentures you intend to get. This can range from $1,500-$20,000 or more for a full set (uppers and lowers).
a. Basic Dentures
A basic denture typically starts at around $300-$500 per plate or $600-$1,000 for a full set of upper and lower teeth. However, these models have limited warranties, may not last as long, and may have a more artificial appearance.
b. Mid-range Dentures
Mid-range dentures cost approximately $500-$1,500 per plate or $1,000-$3,000 for a set. These offer a more personalized fit and come with a 1- or 2-year warranty.
c. Premium Dentures
Premium dentures can cost $2,000-$4,000 per plate or $4,000-$8,000 or more for a set. These dentures provide a personalized fit, use high-end materials for a natural look, and come with a longer warranty of 5-10 years or more.
Cost of Additional Procedures
Dental Implants
Two to six dental implants supporting a removable denture plate can cost $3,500-$30,000 or more, depending on the number and type of implants, denture materials, and additional procedures required.
Grafting
If bone grafting or other preparatory procedures are necessary, such as treatment for receding gums or periodontal disease, the cost can increase further.
Denture Maintenance
Dentures may require repairs, which can cost $50-$200, and relining to adjust the fit, typically priced at $250-$450.
DIY repair or reline kits to reline your dentures at home are available for $10-$50.
Insurance Coverage and Discounts
Dental insurance may cover 15%-50% of denture costs, up to the plan’s annual limit.
Final Thoughts
Choosing dentures as a solution for bad or missing teeth requires a realistic understanding of the long-term investment that comes with them. While dentures provide a functional and aesthetic replacement, they necessitate ongoing maintenance, relining, and potential adjustments over time, not to mention the preparations done to ensure optimal stability and retention.
Understanding these factors and discussing them with a dentist or prosthodontist can help you make informed decisions about the most suitable and cost-effective denture option for your needs.
