Living without teeth is no fun! And to fix this, the go-to procedure is usually what we call Dental Implants. The reason you get a dental implant can be multiple reasons… Chipped or cracked tooth, worn and decayed teeth, or maybe that collision you had when you slide into home base didn’t work out so well.
Whatever the reason, a dental implant not only protects patients from future problems, but also has the aesthetic advantage of completing and beautifying your smile, and depending on the tooth, might also facilitate normal speech.
Ok, so what is the average cost of dental implants?
The total price relies on a few factors:
The standalone service of inserting and securing a single prosthetic tooth will usually cost you between $3,000 and $5,000 here and at most offices. The price itself varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and which individual tooth is being replaced.
As with any medical procedure, there is no “one size fits all” price for receiving your dental implant. There are a few other details to consider that alter the overall price tag:
Abutment: When you receive a dental implant, a metal post is surgically inserted into the jaw at the position of the missing tooth. This post acts as a stabilizing structure for the implant, securing it to the bone. On top of the post, a tooth-shaped crown is positioned. The abutment itself is the connecting structure that holds the crown securely to the implanted post. Depending on the specific tooth being replaced and the procedure for the dental implant, the type of abutment could result in a slightly higher price.
Bone grafts: Because implants must sit firmly in the jaw bone in order to stay put, many patients need to have a chunk of bone withdrawn from their hip or chin to fill in the space. Though only a small amount of bone matter is required, retrieving a sample for a dental implant is another mini-surgery all its own. However, synthetic, lab-created bone replacements are becoming more popular. If a bone graft is required, expect the total cost to be more.
Type of crown: When discussing the average cost of dental implants, this is part of the equation that’s sometimes up to the discretion of the patient. There are two basic types of crowns to choose between:
Screw-retained crowns have the benefit of easily being replaced if damaged and are also the most durable, sturdy option. Though the screw of the crown is sometimes at risk of loosening, getting it tightened is typically an easy and straightforward procedure.
Cemented crowns, conversely, are difficult to remove and are cemented into place in the jaw bone. Further, these types of crowns may require a small, narrow drill hole down the middle of the tooth, usually hidden as cosmetically as possible. This usually isn’t a big deal for the back teeth but can be tougher for dental implants up front. Depending on the type of crown used in your procedure, it could vary the total cost of the procedure.
Barely a week goes by without someone coming into our offices asking “what is the average cost of dental implants?”
It can be a hurried, painful, and often confusing decision-making process. But with the medical and financial details above, the picture gets a lot clearer. If you’re interested in learning more about how dental implants can bring your smile back to life, give us a call and let’s set up a time to talk!