Dental implants are really popular, and for good reason. Not only do they look and function just like real teeth but they’re also designed to last a long time too. So if you have a tooth that is beyond repair or you lost a tooth in an accident, your dentist might recommend getting an implant to restore your beautiful smile.
But, wait, how much is a dental implant going to cost you? After all, this is a pretty intensive procedure that takes time and a skilled expert to get the job done right. To help answer this common question, we’ve broken down the cost of dental implants below to give you an idea of what you can expect when you take the plunge.
First Thing’s First: Not All Dental Implants Cost the Same
Before we dive into the usual cost of a dental implant, it’s important to note that the price of your particular implant might be far from average. That’s because there are a few factors that could play a role in the cost of your procedure.
- Believe it or not, where you’re located might have an influence on the cost of your dental implants. Regions where rent is higher, for example, may force a dentist to charge higher rates to cover his or her overhead. Plus, if your dentist purchases dental implants from suppliers who charge higher prices, you may end up spending more as well.
- The number of dental implants that you’ll need could also be another factor in the final price of the procedure. If you need more than one implant, the cost will be higher, and your dentist might suggest an alternative option, such as a bridge, that might be more affordable.
- Your dentist could opt for implants that are constructed using zirconium or titanium. These materials, along with the materials available for the crown, could affect the price of your implant. Talking to your dentist about the pros and cons of various materials is a good idea so you can choose the option that gives you both quality and an affordable price.
- What your dentist needs to do prior to actually placing the implant might also influence the final cost of the procedure. So, for example, if you need to have a tooth extracted first, you will need to cover the cost of that procedure as well.
- Finally, a dentist’s level of expertise might influence how much he or she charges. Therefore, where you go for your dental implant may play a role in how big your bill will be.
Okay, but What Can You Generally Expect to Pay?
Sure, there are several factors that could influence the cost of a dental implant, but the average cost that you could expect to pay ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 for just one implant. Hold on, though, we’re not done. Then you have to add in the abutment and crown, and those could cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000. That brings the total cost of your dental implant to anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000. Wow, that’s a big range!
If you are in need of more than one dental implant, the cost could be anywhere from $3,000 to $30,000 (yes, you read that right). And if you want to avoid dentures, you could opt for a full set of implants that could cost upwards of $30,000, with the price potentially going up as high as $90,000. Whoa!
So, as an example, you might end up spending up to $2,000 for having one implant installed, plus another $400 for the abutment, and another $2,000 for the crown, bringing your total cost to $4,400. But if you need x-rays, extractions, bone grafts, and other extras, you should expect to cover additional costs for those procedures as well.
What’s the Deal with the High Price of Dental Implants?
Why does getting a dental implant have to be so pricey? Well, you need to keep in mind that this is a surgical procedure, so it’s best to see a dentist who has received the proper training. A dentist who has training in a branch of dentistry known as implantology, a prosthodontist, or an oral surgeon are a few of the specialists that you could see to ensure your implant will be placed perfectly.
On top of that, getting a dental implant isn’t a “one and done” type of procedure. You should expect to see your dentist several times before your implant is complete.
Here’s a basic breakdown of what is required when you decide to get a dental implant:
- Consultation: This is the appointment during which your dentist will check your mouth, get some x-rays, and diagnose the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if you’re a good candidate for an implant. If you wish to proceed with an implant, your dentist will then take an impression of your mouth to get you started on the road towards getting your smile back.
- Insertion of Implant: During this appointment, your dentist will drill a hole into your jawbone and insert the implant. If necessary, you will also get a temporary tooth at the end of this procedure.
- Placement of the Abutment: After your gum has healed from the implant insertion, it is time for your dentist to screw an abutment into your implant. This is basically the piece that will connect your existing implant with your future permanent crown. At the end of this procedure, you might get a temporary crown as well.
- Placement of the Crown: Finally, your dentist will be able to remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent crown that will look like a real tooth. Your dental implant is complete!
No two patients or their customized dental implant treatments are exactly alike, so the number of appointments, procedures and cost of dental implants varies depending on the person. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants are highly customized for your teeth and mouth – that is why they look so natural.
That said, the cost of dental implants tends to compare very favorably to other tooth replacement options because dental implants can last so long, even an entire lifetime. Importantly, you will want to use an experienced, credentialed implant dentist so your implants last and look good. Other teeth replacement options may appear to have a lower up front cost, but you will continue to pay that cost over and over, making them expensive compared to dental implants.
The cost for a dental implant to replace a single tooth is estimated to be in the range of $3,000 to $4,500, according to The New York Times. However, the key for you to get the lowest possible cost is to check with a credentialed dental implant expert.
What if you see ads with exceptionally low prices for dental implants? Do you think these dental implant prices sound too good to be true? Well, you know what they say about something sounding too good to be true…. So the key is to ask the right questions of an implant dentist you know you can trust: Does the price include bone augmentation, soft tissue treatment, extraction – if needed, the abutment, crown, and a provisional, immediate load? Ask where the crown is manufactured, what the size of the implant is, and anything else that comes to mind. Your dentist should be happy to answer your questions. That is why the AAID Credentialed Implant Dentist was created, so you can get the answers you need, and trust your implant dentist to plan the treatment that is safe and best for you both now and in the long term.
The emphasis here is the credentialing. Any dentist can offer implants, but a credentialed implant dentist has verified experience to find the best approach for you, which minimizes your cost both up front and long term as the implant lasts and lasts.
That’s why you should always ask an implant dentist: “Are you AAID credentialed?” They won’t mind, and you’ll sleep better at night if you ask the question.
After an initial appointment and assessment, your dental implant expert should provide you with a treatment plan including the estimated number of appointments and cost, and then notify you if there are any changes during the process.
If you are quoted a cost for dental implants before seeing a dental implant dentist, you should be careful. A one-price-fits-all approach may give you a higher cost than you would receive after being seen by a qualified, experienced dental implant expert who can design a personalized plan for you.
Because your teeth affect everything from your smile and confidence, to your ability to eat, speak and participate in the activities you enjoy, and because there is no better option to restore missing teeth, dental implants are an investment you’ll love. Find an implant dentist near you to explore options right now.
Dental implants are a long term investment. To ensure you are using a qualified, experienced implant expert, it is important that you ask your dentist, “Are you credentialed by AAID?”
Dr. Elisha Brings Expertise and Quality
With Over 30 Years of Experience
Dr. Jacob Elisha is a highly-regarded UCLA trained Board Certified Los Angeles Dental Implant Specialist & Periodontics with over 30 years of clinical experience. Our Los Angeles Periodontal and Dental Implant center is equipped with cutting-edge technology. Dental Implants Los Angeles
With Dr. Elisha’s 30 years of experience and research in the industry, our patients are treated with the most advanced techniques offering the best dental experiences and highest quality periodontics and implant dentistry available.
