Everything There Is to Know About the Cost of Dental Implants

Each year a half million people receive dental implants, and it's easy to see why the treatment is popular for replacing missing teeth.

A dental implant functions like a healthy natural tooth, allowing you to chew food and enjoy eating. Unlike a bridge, it doesn't require dental work on adjacent teeth to hold it in place. And once it's completed, it can last up to a lifetime with good at-home oral care and regular dental checkups.

So what's the downside? Implants can be pricey, depending upon how many you need, your gum health, and if you have enough bone to support one.

If you've been wondering about the cost of dental implants and what you can expect to pay for one, read on.

There's No One Price Fits All

It's really difficult for any dentist to give a general cost for a dental implant because there are so many factors involved other than the cost of the implant itself. It depends upon what type of missing tooth is being replaced (an implant to replace a molar, for example, often costs more than one to replace a missing incisor.)

Also, not everyone's dental insurance covers the cost of implants, or a plan may cover part of the procedure (usually up to 50%.)

And whether or not your dentist can perform the procedure or if you have to visit an oral surgeon can affect the price as well. Some patients also need a bone graft or gum surgery before they can qualify for an implant.

But, I can tell you that the general range for a dental implant runs between $3,000 and $5,000 per tooth. If that gave you sticker shock, understand that the procedure itself is considered oral surgery. It involves a little more than receiving a routine filling.

Why Are Dental Implants Expensive?

Dental implants require more dental visits, more materials, and more training than having a cavity filled. A dental implant itself consists of three components: the implant, an abutment, and a crown.

Implant: This part, usually made from titanium, looks like a screw and is inserted into your jawbone. You can think of it as acting as the "roots" of a tooth.

Abutment: This connects the crown portion to the implant. It is usually screwed onto the implant. Sometimes it gets placed the same type as the implant and sometimes the gums need to heal first before the dentist or oral surgeon places it.

Crown: This is the part that looks the most like a natural tooth, and it sits above the gum line to function as one of your shiny new pearly whites.

While some dental clinics offer same-day implants, generally a dental implant requires a few office visits. You'll need to return to the dentist or oral surgeon who performed the procedure for a follow-up. You'll also schedule an appointment to have an impression taken so the crown can be made.

If the crown needs adjusting, you'll need to return after the dental lab makes changes for the final fitting.

Although there's a lot involved, many patients will tell you the procedure itself is totally worth it. A dental implant feels like a tooth was never missing to begin with.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Implants

There are a few factors that can drive up the cost of a dental implant. One of these is the health of your gums. If gum disease has caused you to lose a tooth or several teeth, the disease needs to be treated and reversed before you can receive an implant.

Another concern is if there's enough jawbone to support the implant. Advanced gum disease can lead to bone loss, so the two often go hand-in-hand.

In these cases, the patient will be required to receive a bone graft to build the jawbone back up. Otherwise, the area won't be able to hold onto a dental implant.

Anesthesia options can also increase the cost of your dental implant procedure. While the surgery itself is usually no more uncomfortable than receiving a filling, some patients may request sedation dentistry. This can drive up the price.

There are also instances where a patient is receiving a dental implant to replace a front tooth. They may want a temporary crown or fake tooth to hide the gap until the implant's crown is placed.

A dentist must complete implantology training to perform dental implant procedures. If not, they will often recommend you to an implant specialist or oral surgeon. This can affect the overall price of your implant.

No two patients are alike, and only your dentist can truly give you an accurate quote for a dental implant. A consultation will reveal what's involved and if your mouth is currently healthy enough to receive an implant right away.

Easing the Cost

Once you've been quoted a price and given an overview of everything involved with the procedure, check with your dental insurance provider. It's possible that some aspects of the treatment are at least partially covered by your insurance.

Second, most dentists are more than happy to work out a payment plan with their patients. You're usually not required to pay for the entire cost upfront, but check with your dentist's front office to learn what options you have. Your dentist may be also running a dental offer on implants for new patients.

Make an Appointment with Us for a Dental Implant Consultation

As noted, there's nothing like the freedom and improved quality of life that dental implants provide. They allow you to chew, smile, and speak with confidence—truly a miracle of modern dentistry!

If you're interested in this procedure but are concerned about the cost of dental implants, contact us for an appointment. We can tell you if you make a great candidate for an implant and walk you through payment options.