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!

Don’t Sweat It: The Right Dental Insurance Will Have You Covered!

If you’re feeling stressed and anxious over the thought of shelling out thousands of dollars for your dental implant, rest assured that the right insurance will have your back so you don’t have to break the bank. With a Spirit dental plan, major services like dental implants will be covered* from day one—no waiting necessary. Phew!

Bottom line: dental implants could be expensive, depending on what you need to have done and which dentist you choose. But there are so many great benefits that come with dental implants. They aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they also feel just like your real teeth, and you can brush and floss them just like real teeth. So it’s no wonder that so many people opt to get dental implants whenever they need to have one or more teeth replaced. It’s a wise investment into your oral health that you won’t regret.

* NOTICE: This provides a very brief description of some of the important features of this insurance policy. It is not the insurance policy and does not represent it. A full explanation of benefits, exceptions and limitations is contained in the Individual Dental Policy Form Indiv. 9000 Rev. 07-16 and/or Vision Policy Form Indiv. 9000 Ed. 07-16-V. Premium rates may change upon renewal. This policy is renewable at the option of the insured. This product may not be available in all states and is subject to individual state regulations.

Sources:

• http://drstonedds.com/average-cost-dental-implants-need-know/  
• https://www.authoritydental.org/implants-cost
• https://askthedentist.com/how-much-are-dental-implants/
• https://beautysetter.com/dental-implant-cost