Cost Of Dental Bridge Without Insurance

Welcome back, smile enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a topic that many of us might find daunting – the cost of dental bridge without insurance. But fear not, because I’m here to break it down for you in a way that will make you smile!

Why Dental Implants?

First, let me share a bit about my personal experience. Growing up, I didn’t take good care of my teeth and ended up with a crooked smile. Then, in college, I accidentally cracked one of my already damaged teeth while eating watermelon seeds. That’s when I started wearing dentures. However, dentures came with their own set of problems – discomfort, regular removal and cleaning, and the potential for other teeth to deteriorate.

After years of living with dentures, I decided it was time for a more permanent solution. That’s when I discovered dental bridges. A dental bridge involves using existing teeth as support to replace missing teeth. However, this solution wasn’t ideal for me as it required altering healthy teeth to become abutments for the bridge.

The Search for Dental Implants

Unsatisfied with the bridge, I consulted another dentist who recommended dental implants. These implants are essentially artificial tooth roots that provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth. But here’s the catch – dental procedures in Japan, where I was living at the time, are not covered by health insurance and can be quite expensive.

The Cost in the Philippines

So, I decided to look into dental clinics in the Philippines, where prices are more affordable. After contacting several clinics and comparing prices, I found that a single dental implant, including the implant and crown, ranged from 50,000 to 100,000 pesos. As I needed three implants for my missing teeth, the total cost was significantly lower compared to Japan.

Additionally, due to bone loss in my jaw, I had to undergo bone grafting, which cost an additional 40,000 pesos. This procedure involved placing a material to replace the lost bone and covering it with a membrane. It was an essential step to ensure the success of the implants.

The Procedure and Timeline

The dental implant procedure consists of two stages: implant placement and placing the final crowns. The first stage typically takes 7 to 10 days, during which the implant is drilled into the bone and temporary crowns are placed. After seven days, the sutures are removed, and temporary crowns are worn until the second stage.

The waiting time between stages varies depending on individual circumstances. In my case, due to the bone grafting, I had to wait for a total of 6 months. For the second stage, abutments (which hold the final crowns) are placed, followed by the creation and placement of the final crowns. This stage may take anywhere from 5 to 14 days, depending on the clinic.

The Result: A Beautiful Smile

After completing the procedure, I finally had my new smile. In total, I had three implants with zirconia crowns, four abutment teeth with zirconia crowns, and an additional tooth made into an abutment to blend in with the new crowns. This resulted in a total of seven new crowns.

The cost of the crowns varies depending on the material used, with porcelain fused to metal being the cheapest option at 10,000 pesos, and zirconia being the most expensive at 23,000 pesos. Additionally, I chose to be unconscious during the surgery, and the cost for conscious IV was 15,000 pesos.

Conclusion: Worth Every Penny

In conclusion, while the cost of dental implants without insurance can seem intimidating, exploring options in countries with more affordable healthcare can be a game-changer. My experience in getting dental implants in Manila was not only cost-effective but also gave me a brand new smile I can confidently show off.

So, if you’re on the fence about dental implants, don’t let the cost deter you. Consider your options, do your research, and remember that investing in your smile is investing in your happiness.

For more helpful tips and information to make you smile, visit Make You Smile – your go-to source for all things dental care and beyond.