How much do dental implants cost?

Dental implants are second only to natural teeth that are properly cared for. They look real, blend in well with your natural teeth, and are comfortable. As such, you would think dental implants are quite expensive, and initially, they can seem that way. The cost varies depending on several factors, including one’s oral health, and you can never be sure how much an implant will cost until you consult your dentist, but you can expect to pay from $1,000-$3,000 for a single implant. This may seem like a daunting figure, especially if you need to replace more than one tooth, but, when all is said and done, dental implants often come more cost-effective than other tooth replacement options.

Before we can explain why this is, we need to get a few details out of the way.

A dental implant is made up of two main components. The first is the implant itself, which is surgically attached to the jawbone. Thanks to numerous technological advancements in the field, the implant, when properly cared for, can be expected to last a lifetime.

The second component is the crown, the ceramic, natural-looking tooth which is fastened to the implant. The crown is typically expected to last 10-15 years.

So, with the implant itself representing a one-time cost and the crown due for an upgrade every other decade, you can see why this option can end up costing you less than tooth replacement methods which require regular upkeep. Also, keep in mind that up until this point we have talked about cost only in terms of dollars and cents. When you factor in comfort and peace of mind along with the money you save in the long run, dental implants really do come out to be the most cost-effective.

For example:

• Dental bridges require preparation which alters the size and shape of the two teeth on either side of the missing tooth. It can also be difficult to clean underneath the bridge.
• Dentures are relatively fragile, and the process of taking them out to go to bed and to clean them is anything but natural.

While dental implants have worked wonderfully for countless people, the only way to find out if they are right for your particular circumstance is to talk to your dentist about it. Make an appointment today!