How Much Do Dental Implants Cost: Everything You Need to Know

About one-third of Americans are unhappy with their smile due to reasons like crooked teeth, stained teeth, or even missing teeth.

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so it’s understandable to feel nervous showing your pearly whites. But there are ways to fix your smile.

Dental implants are one way to gain back your grin and more confidence. But how much do dental implants cost, and will it break the bank? Keep reading – you might be surprised.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants involve replacing a lost or broken tooth with a false tooth. This is how they work. 

A dental implant is comprised of three parts: the base, the abutment, and the crown. The base is a titanium screw that’s implanted and then bonds with the jawbone. The abutment connects to the screw and holds the crown – the fake tooth – firmly in place.

The implant then functions and looks like a regular tooth.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of dental implants might deter some, but once you discover the real value, dental implants make sense. 

To breakdown the cost of dental implants, each part is priced, as well as any other procedure you might need. Remember, dental implants are accomplished in one visit to the dentist. Instead, they’re a surgical procedure with several steps, usually taking place in a dentist’s office or outpatient surgery center. It’s an ongoing monthly endeavor. 

As mentioned before, there are several steps to achieving dental implants: a consultation, choosing materials, bone grafts, number of implants needed, x-rays, and the surgery itself, along with any other methods the dentist needs to perform. All that to say, the cost of dental implants will vary from person to person.

Generally speaking, dental implants cost anywhere from $1000-3,000 for the base, and then another $500-3,000 for the abutment and crown. Top it off with all the other possible procedures, and you have a hefty price tag! But there are ways to make dental implants more affordable. 

How Can I Afford Dental Implants?

At first, it might be hard to justify getting dental implants, especially if it seems they’re out of your budget. However, there are a few avenues to take that can accommodate the cost. 

The first step is to contact your insurance agency to see if they’ll cover a portion of the cost. Most insurance companies view dental implants as a cosmetic procedure and won’t cover the cost. However, in some cases, according to your policy, they might include a crown or abutment, for example. 

Ask your dentist’s office if they offer financing or payment plans. They might be will to work with you if you cannot afford the cost upfront. If you’re doing multiple implants, consider asking for bulk pricing to cut your costs. 

Another option is to open a dental savings plan or flexible spending account. These may or may not be available depending on your insurance plan, so check with your company first. 

Are Dental Implants Even Worth The Cost?

Dental implants can be expensive, but is it even worth it to front all the money? Will they fall out or become ruined with regular use?

There are a few reasons why dental implants are worth the cost. 

Dental implants are permanent and should last you a lifetime. Because the titanium base bonds with your jawbone, there’s no worry about it coming loss or lost. Dental implants work like regular teeth. 

They also don’t require any special care compared to other dental restorations like dentures, which need daily scrubbing and soaking. Your regular brushing and flossing routine is enough to keep your implant healthy and functioning. 

Paying for other crowns and dental procedures can add up quickly and become even more costly in the long run. Dental implants last a lifetime, so you avoid other expensive problems. 

Lastly, dental implants improve the look of your smile.

How Long Does the Dental Implant Surgery Take?

One visit to your dentist is not enough concerning dental implants. Here is a basic outline of what you can expect.

First, you’ll have a consultation with your dentist. They will offer their advice and talk about your goals. Next, they’ll take an impression of your teeth so the crowns can be made and possibly receive a bone graft. Depending on what kind of materials for your crown you choose, these are either molded by the dentist or made in a lab. 

Following this, you’ll return in a month or so (however long it takes to create the crown), and the dentist will begin the implants. In all, the procedure can take anywhere from a few months to several. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants seem like a great solution for lost teeth. However, they’re not for everyone. As long as you have a healthy jawbone with no additional health problems, there should be no issue getting dental implants. 

Be sure to discuss your options with your dentist to ensure dental implants will work for you. 

Dental Implants: Are They for You?

While dental implants cost a significant amount of money, the longevity of them should not be ignored. They allow your mouth to function normally, leading to a better quality of life. 

Do you have any more questions or are curious about dental implants? Give our office a call to get all your questions answered!