Financial costs comparison between replacing a tooth with a dental implant or with a fixed dental prosthesis or saving the tooth with endodontic therapy in Riyadh and Al-Hasa

Abstract

Background: Extracting a decayed tooth and replacing it or trying to save it is one of the most common chief complaints, and every patient is given a variety of viable treatment options. Cost of each option plays a major role in the patient's decision. Aim: The aim was to compare the costs of three treatment modalities in the private dental clinics in Riyadh and Al-Hasa, dental implants placement to replace a missing tooth or to replace a missing tooth with a fixed dental prosthesis (FDP), or to save the tooth with endodontic treatment and crown lengthening and an FDP. Materials and Methods: An interview-based survey was done in the private dental clinics in both Riyadh and Al-Hasa. Convenience sampling was used to choose the clinics. Results: A total of 52 clinics were surveyed. Average costs of a single ceramo-metal, all ceramic and zirconium FDP were 589, 857, and 1241 S. R., respectively. Average costs of a 3-unit ceramo-metal, all ceramic, and zirconium FDP were 1595, 2329, and 3402 S. R., respectively. Average costs of randomized control trials of anterior and posterior teeth were 507 and 733 S. R., respectively. The average cost of the crown lengthening surgical procedure was 411 S. R. Average baseline cost for a single dental implant was 3907 S. R., and the average cost for placing an immediate dental implant was 2972 S. R. Moreover finally, the average cost for replacing the anterior and posterior teeth with dental implants were 3199 and 3176 S. R., respectively. Patients nowadays are faced with a variety of treatment options to replace or save a tooth, one of the most important factors in this decision-making process in the financial factor. This research's results revealed that the highest discrepancy margin in the price was for the treatment with implant therapy, followed by the replacement with a 3-unit FDP and finally the procedures to try and save the tooth. Conclusion: Treatment with implant therapy in both Riyadh and Al-Hasa is still the costliest treatment modality compared to the other modalities, but by a smaller cost margin compared to what it used to be in previous years.