Most adults face the issue of tooth loss at some point in their lives. Dental implants are becoming a popular option for permanent tooth replacement. It is effective, secure, and attractive—a fantastic option to bring a charming smile back to your face. However, the cost of dental implants is only affordable for some.
People who can afford the price of tooth implants can confidently avail themselves of this permanent solution to their dental woes.
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons statistics show that 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal, or tooth decay. According to a research report, 26 percent of adults will have lost all their permanent teeth by age 74.
People opting for dental implants are growing rapidly. Recent data shows that about 100,000–300,000 dental implants are placed annually in the U.S. alone.
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry report, the dental implant and prosthetic market in the U.S. is projected to reach $6.4 billion by 2018.
With the advent of advanced dental technologies and innovations, dental implant cost is also becoming affordable and cheap.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are an excellent option for permanent tooth replacement.
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line. On this titanium post, your dentist mounts the bridge or replacement teeth.
Dental implants can support a single tooth or multiple teeth.
It is permanently fixed and does not come off like dentures. While doing a single-tooth implant does not have to be anchored to other teeth, unlike bridges.
Some will need single implants while others may require full arches of twelve or fourteen teeth.Â
Dental implants are effective for the following reasons:
- Replaces your lost tooth
- Permanently fixed
- Comfortable like natural teeth
- No more tooth pain
- Enhances your smile and appearance.
- It helps to keep other teeth intact.
- Get rid of your removable partial dentures and crowns.
Implants can be done for a single tooth, several teeth, or 32 dentures. Mostly, implants are used to replace the root of one or a few missing teeth.
Implanting a tooth is an intensive procedure that requires time and a skilled expert to get the job done right.
The cost of teeth implants varies according to region and service charges in dental clinics.
What can you expect from a dental implant?
The implanted tooth functions like a natural tooth. The implant gives firm support to artificial teeth mounted on it.
While you chew or speak, the tooth or dentures fixed to the implant won’t shift or slip. It functions just like the natural roots of teeth.
When you use implants to fill the area of missing teeth, it prevents the jawbone from shrinking.
Implants are valuable for the money you spend on them because they last a lifetime with good care.
Additional benefits you can expect from tooth implants are:
- It fills up the ugly gap in the gum caused by tooth loss.
- It improves your capacity to chew and enjoy food, especially if the implant is done for a missing molar tooth.
- It improves the speaking defect usually caused by a missing tooth.
- An implant can strengthen and support the natural teeth on both sides.
- It prevents bone loss that may occur beneath the missing tooth.
- It lifts your sagging or deformed facial appearance by filling up the gap left by the lost tooth.
Dental implants cost
How much does a dental implant cost? This is the first question that comes to mind when considering implanting a tooth.
A couple of factors influence the cost of a dental implant.
A less expensive option is implant-supported dentures.
According to the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute cost survey the total cost of single ranges from $3,100 to $5,800.
As indicated by the dental service catalogs of leading dental clinics in the U.S., the average single dental implant cost is about $4250 for both the abutment and jaw implant. But depending on your dentist and location, a treatment plan and cost for a single implant can range from $3,000 to $6000 per implant.
In the U.S., the average cost of dental implants at a dental depot for a full mouth implant typically runs from $60,000 to $90,000. A full mouth dental implant costs in the U.K con vary between £25,000 and £50,000
It is only affordable for some, especially if the patient has insurance coverage for dental care and tooth implant.
In the U.K., the average cost of a complete dental implant (including implant, abutment, and crown) is £2,000 to £2,500. European countries have dental implant prices similar to those in the U.K.
According to reports gathered from various sources, the expected cost or price of dental implant procedures in leading countries are:
- The United States of America: $4,250
- Canada: $4,000
- The United Kingdom: £2,500
- Australia: AUD 3,800
- China: 10,500 Chinese Yuan
- Thailand: 75,000 Thai Baht
- India: 50,000 Indian Rupees
- Philippines: 75,000 Philippine Pesos
A dental implant for multiple teeth might cost you $3,000 per tooth. If you want to get rid of your dentures and do a full implant, the total cost will range from $35,000 to $90,000.
Let us say that you intend to implant one of your lost teeth. It will cost you $2,000 for one implant, plus another $400 for the abutment, and another $2,000 for the crown; in total, $4,400. In addition, some dental service centers may charge you for x-rays, bone grafts, extractions, medication, and others.
Factors influencing the cost
The cost of dental services varies according to geographical location. Getting a tooth implant in the United States of America can be up to five times more costly than getting the same treatment in China or India.
Implanting involves a very lengthy procedure that requires more than five sittings or visits to the dentist. It can only be done by a well-trained implantologist, prosthodontist, or dental surgeon.
For the implanting of a tooth, you have to visit the dentist several times for procedures like:
- Consultation
- Tooth extraction
- Pre-treatment sessions for counseling and medication
- Grafting jaw bone for implants
- Gingival graft (strengthening of weak gums)
- Insertion of an implant
- Placement of the abutment
- Placement of the crown
- Correction and aftercare procedures
The cost of treatment largely depends on the following key factors:
- Type of implant required (endosteal or subperiosteal),
- The number of teeth involved.
- Type of material chosen.
- Extra procedures (bone augmentation, sinus lift, ridge expansion, etc.),
- Design of the implant (3D imaging).
A well-experienced and reputed dentist may charge more than others.
The extra facilities provided in the dental hospital may raise the cost of the service.
Generic implants cost much less than specialty implants that use advanced dental technology and high-end materials.
The amount of service tax levied by the local government is also a deciding factor in the price of getting a tooth implanted.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implant Costs?Â
Most dental insurance coverage does not cover implants, as most insurance providers consider them an elective procedure. However, there are a few dental insurance providers who cover implants, dental crowns, and dental surgeries.
If you have lost your teeth in an accident or due to a disease, your health insurance policy may have a provision to assist you with some of the cost of an implant.
Note that financing options for dental implants can vary according to the insurance plan.
Dental discount plans
According to a New York Times report, joining a dental discount plan is an excellent way to save on expenses for dental treatments. Some dental hospitals and clinics may offer discounts of 10 to 40 percent on dental implant prices.
While you take advantage of dental clinic discounts, ensure that discounts on implants are included. Another catch with discount offers is the waiting period before using the discount voucher.
Using a flexible spending account and EMI schemesÂ
You may use a flexible spending account if you cannot pay for the implant and crown in one go. By doing so, you may use the assets from that account to pay a part of the cost of the first and second parts. This may be done in a few months or the following year.
Using a flexible spending account works when you put in the implant first and then cover it with a crown 6 to 14 weeks later. You can schedule the implant at the end of the calendar year and then receive your crown the following year.
Some dental hospitals have a flexible payment method called the equated monthly installment (EMI) option, allowing you to pay the bill in installments over 12 months.
Reasons for variations in cost in different locations
Interestingly, the cost of implants may vary significantly from place to place. You may be paying for treatment that is far from average.
There are a few factors that cause fluctuations in payments for dental treatments, such as:
- The implant center is located in a town with high building rents.
- Dentists may be purchasing implant material from a supplier who charges high prices.
- Implant materials may be imported from another country with high import or export taxes.
- When you have three or more implants done simultaneously with the bridge option, the implant treatment cost decreases.
- The material used in implant metal posts is zirconium or titanium.
- The materials used in making bridges and crowns, such as ceramics and porcelain, are fused with metal, gold, or base metal alloys.
- The cost involved in other procedures like the extraction of a tooth, bone grafting, or surgery
- High-end facilities and aftercare provided by the hospital
- Government taxes on dental services
- Highly reputed and experienced dental doctors (implantologists or prosthodontists) usually charge higher fees.
The Final ThoughtÂ
Undoubtedly, a dental implant is liable to cost you a lot of money. In the U.S., the cost of a single implant ranges from $3,000 to $7,500.
It is costly because of the lengthy procedure and the high cost of the materials used for the implant.
Placing a dental implant is an art and a science that a talented and qualified dental doctor can do well.
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