8 Factors that Affect Dental Implant Cost

Often, people considering dental implants want to know how much the procedure will cost. When you’re doing your research before selecting a dental implant center, you may wonder why a specific answer is hard to find. You’ll find that estimates vary widely. Typically, dental implants themselves cost thousands of dollars and may even go into the 5-figure range.

While the price of dental implants may be daunting, their value as a permanent and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth make them worth it. As you explore options for tooth replacement and consider what implant center to choose, it helps to look into the many variables that can affect implant cost.

8 Influences on the Cost of Dental Implants:

1) Type of Implant

Dental implants can be placed in a single-stage process or in two stages. In the two-stage process, the implant is placed and the incision is stitched over. In about three months, a second surgery is performed to install the abutment. A two-stage process is typically required when a bone graft needs to be performed to ensure the stability of the implant.

The single-stage process eliminates the need for a second surgery. A longer implant is placed that leaves the implant head exposed. After healing, the crown can be attached without creating a new incision.

Your surgeon will best determine which option you are a candidate for.

2) Number of Implants

The more implants you need, the more your procedure will cost. Some patients may only need to replace one tooth, while others may need to replace a whole arch.

3) Materials

Dental implants need to be made of biocompatible materials so they will integrate with the jawbone without creating an allergic reaction or being rejected by the body. The best material for implants is titanium or titanium alloy. Some dental surgeons have started using zirconium as an alternative because its whiteness allows it to blend with natural teeth.

4) Scans

Before placing your implants, your dental surgeon needs to conduct x-rays and special scans of your mouth. CT scans enable the surgeon to see if you have enough jawbone for a successful implant. They also help the surgeon anticipate and avoid any complications from surgery.

5) Placement Procedures

Accurate implant placement procedures use state-of-the-art computer technology. Static placement requires that scans be taken of your mouth so that guides can be created for surgical placement. Dynamic placement uses computer monitors and software to guide the surgeon’s hand throughout the placement procedure.

6) Location of the Implant Center

As we discussed in our blog, Reasons to Beware of Dental Tourism, traveling to other countries to get dental implants may save you money. However, the savings may not be worth the risk to your health—and may end up costing you more financially to solve any issues that arise.

In the United States, expenses may vary according to location because of differences in the overall cost of living. In some places, the overhead costs of maintaining an office may be lower and the savings may be passed along to you.

7) Expertise and Training of the Dental Surgeon

The more highly trained and experienced your dental surgeon, the more you may need to pay. The peace of mind you gain knowing you are getting the best of care is worth the extra cost.

The process of becoming a dental surgeon is long and difficult. Surgeons need to pass a two-part National Board Dental Examination for state licensing. To place dental implants, your oral surgeon must undergo extensive training outside of dental school, including a 4 to 6-year residency training after dental school.

Some oral surgeons are dual-degreed, meaning they also completed medical school following dental school. Only after their training is concluded are they able to sit for their board certification examination. Oral surgeons must re-certify every 10 years to maintain their board certification.

8) Bone Grafts

If your jawbone is too weak or insufficient to support a dental implant, you may need to receive a bone graft before your implant procedure. A bone graft requires an additional surgery during which donor bone is applied to existing bone to fuse and grow to it.

Don’t Let Cost Stand in Your Way

Some of the factors mentioned above are a necessary part of every dental implant procedure. Other factors may not be needed for every patient. Working with your surgeon to determine which factors are necessary in achieving your dental implant goals will help give you a better idea of the cost.

But the cost of dental implants shouldn’t keep you from getting the beautiful smile you long for. Think of implants as an investment in a lifetime solution to tooth loss. At Cumberland Surgical Arts, we help our patients explore their financing options. You can find out more by reading our blog, Designing a More Affordable Treatment Plan.

If you have more questions about the cost and affordability of dental implants, get your dental implant financing worksheet or schedule a consultation with the professionals at Cumberland Surgical Arts.