How Much Do Dental Implants Really Cost?

How Much Do Dental Implants Really Cost?

When considering replacement of missing teeth, dental implants have quickly risen to the gold standard in the dental field. Unlike other options such as a bridge or partials, dental implants replace the lost root structure of the tooth and provide a natural replacement in terms of function and appearance. This permanent tooth replacement option can give you back the ability to eat the foods you want when you want and look identical to the rest of your smile. The cost of implants is often the limiting factor in many individuals decision to get dental implants and where the cost really lands is based on a number of factors that you should be educated on before entering the dentist’s office.

Average Cost of Just the Implant Post

Dental implant posts are made from high quality, biocompatible materials, and they are precision crafted to unique specifications. This biocompatibility is essential as this is the part of the implant that fuses with the bone within the jaw and without proper “osseointegration” the implant will never provide the functionality that sets it apart from other options. This is actually where the bulk of the cost of implant supported tooth replacement comes from. The typical costs tend to run in the range of 1000-2000 dollars.

Cost of Preparatory Procedures

Prior to the surgical implant placement, many patients need one or more preparatory treatments. Many individuals who are opting for a dental implant may be replacing teeth that are no longer salvable by other restorative means. These teeth would then need to be extracted. Other patients who either have bone loss from advanced age of other health conditions may also require bone grafts and healing membranes. These treatments buildup the natural supportive tissues to ensure your implant will fully fuse with jawbone. Having the appropriate amount of bone density present in the jaw is extremely important at the time of implant placement. The actual cost of an extraction typically depends on the tooth being extracted and if the tooth itself is intact.

The Added Cost of Comfort

While the majority of patients are able to get not only extractions but implant placement under local anesthesia there are additional options available for your consideration. If you choose to use any sort of sedation for your implant placement, this will be an additional cost. In many cases, medical insurance will cover the cost of prescription oral sedatives and more advanced sedation methods like IV administered sedatives and general anesthesia. Medical insurance is more likely to cover these forms of sedation, if they are performed in a hospital setting or in the case of particular insurance carrier policies.

Dental Insurance

While most dental insurance plans don’t cover the entire cost of dental implants, they usually provide partial coverage for your replacement tooth or teeth. Because so many dentists are now recommending dental implants as the go to tooth replacement method, more insurance providers are offering some coverage for this treatment. Medical insurance will often provide coverage for sedation and other aspects of the surgical treatment. A good dentist will work with you maximize your possible coverage. Be sure if you are getting dental insurance prior to seeking a consultation for implant placement that you are aware of missing teeth clauses and waiting periods on major restorative procedures.

If you are considering getting a dental implant understand that it is an investment for a long term solution. Be sure that you choose an implant specialist that has extensive training and expertise in this area. Call or visit us online today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ali Sajadi MS DDS. Dr. Sajadi is a board certified Periodontist who specializes in dental implant placement and revisions. He owns two private dental clinics in Houston, Texas and owner of Dental Implant Advocates which provides expert dental revision procedures and Medico Legal Expert Witness Testimony for clients engaging in civil litigation. He is also currently an Associate Faculty Member at The University of Texas Dental School where he teaches surgical techniques to residents and dental students.