Not all dental implants cost the same so it is important to do your research carefully when considering getting a dental implant. Dental implants are among the most popular tooth replacement options in America, for two major reasons: they look and function just like your natural teeth, and they are also designed to last a long time, and with good care and consistent check ups, possibly even a lifetime. If you have a tooth that is beyond repair or you lost a tooth in an accident or for any other reason, your dentist might recommend getting an implant to restore your beautiful smile. But the question remains: how much will the dental implant cost? The dental implant surgery is a very intense procedure that often takes months of recovery and the use of a skilled expert to perform the surgery correctly. To help with your research, here’s some facts about the dental implants that can give you an idea of what you can expect if you decide that dental implants are right for you.

Factors that Play into Cost

It is important to realize that your individual case is possibly to be far from the average. There are a number of factors influencing cost, from the extent of the work needed, to other factors, such as how much your insurance covers, to the cost of living of your area. The below factors will deal with the usual cost of a dental implant. Where you are located can have an influence on the cost of the implant. This may surprise you, but in regions in which the rent is higher, the dentist may require to charge higher rates to cover their overhead. If your dentist purchases dental implants from a supplier that charges higher prices, the cost of that may pass on to you too. Another factor is how many dental implants you will need. The more, the higher the price. In such cases, your dentist may suggest a bridge which can be an economical and better solution for those who need to replace multiple of their teeth. Your dentist can also opt to use an implant that uses high quality materials like a zirconium crown or a titanium implant. These materials, and the materials used in the other parts of the implant, will have an influence on the price. Be sure to talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of the various materials that can be used in your implant so that you are able to find the best option for quality and for price. Any preparation your dentist may need to do will influence the final cost of the procedure. For example, if you need a tooth extracted or a bone graft, this will have an influence on the cost.  Additionally, the dentist’s level of expertise might influence how much they charges. Your choice in dentist may play a role in the size of your bill.

What then can you expect to pay?

There are many factors that will influence the cost of the dental implant, but the average cost generally ranges between $1000 to $3000 for just one implant. But there is more, as you still need to add the cost of the abutment and the crown, which can cost between $500 to $3000. That means that your implant can range between $1,500 to $6,000. That is a big range to have to consider. If you need more than one dental implant the cost can range between $3000 to $30,000. And if you want to avoid a full set of dentures, then you are looking to be paying the top end of htt range, or even up to $90,000. So in one example, if you need just one implant you could spend $2000 for the implant to be placed, plus possibly $400 for the abutment, and another $2,000 for the crown, bringing the total cost up to $4,400. The need for x-rays, extractions, bone grafts, and other extras, can increase that total significantly.

Why such a high cost?

Why is it that dental implants cost so much? You must remember that this is a surgical procedure, so it is best to see a dentist who has received the proper training. A dentist with this speciality, known as implantology, a prosthodontist, or an oral surgeon are a few of the specialists that you would want to see to be sure that the implant is installed properly. You also should expect to see the expert for a number of times. Here is a basic outline of what the steps of getting an implant is:
  • Initial Consultation: The dentist will check your mouth, get some x-rays, and give you a diagnoses of the condition of your jaw to determine if you are a good candidate to receive an implant.
  • Insertion of the Implant: During the appointment, the dentist will drill into your jawbone and insert the implant. You may get a temporary tooth during the procedure.
  • Placement of the Abutment: After your gum has healed from the implant placement, it’s time for your dentist to screw the abutment in your implant. The abutment connects the implant to the crown.
  • Placement of the Crown: Lastly, the dentist will be able to remove the temporary crown and then replace it with a permanent crown.
The right dental insurance will often help with the cost of these procedures. Be sure to check with your insurance to see what they cover and what options are open to you. If you are interested in learning more about the process and cost of getting a dental implant, give Golden Smiles Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA a call at (909) 481-8990 to schedule a free dental implant consultation today.