Why does it seem so difficult to get a straight answer to “how much are dental implants”?
The short answer is that each person’s case is going to be a little different. If you’re thinking about dental implants, knowing the factors that influence cost is essential so you can ensure that you’re getting the experience you want and deserve.
For a complete guide on dental implant cost, financing options, and insurance questions, download the dental implant cost guide here.
Curious about what paying for dental implants was like for real dental implant patients? Ricky and Duncan both sit down, years after getting their dental implants, to share everything they’ve learned about dental implant cost and answer the question “how much are dental implants”.
*Actual NUVIA patient(s) who may have been compensated for sharing their story. Not all those who come in for a consultation are eligible for this treatment. Results may vary in individual cases.
What Affects the Cost of Implants
In the video above, Ricky gives a great analogy to help answer “how much are dental implants”. He relates it to getting an estimate for a pool.
Just like when you get an estimate for a swimming pool, there are a few factors that go into determining price, and the final cost is going to be individual for everybody.
So let’s get into what factors affect the cost of implants.
For your own detailed guide on the cost of dental implants, download the Dental Implant Cost Guide here.
Location
In larger metropolitan areas, it may cost a bit more to get dental implants than in smaller towns. This is in large part due to the higher cost of living that impacts the overhead costs of dental implant facilities.
Complexity
Everyone’s mouth is different so the treatment plan for each person is going to be a little different as well. Before your provider can give you an estimate, they need to take a look at the condition or your bone, the structure of your mouth, and get a better idea of the level of complexity your case will be.
Going back to Ricky’s pool analogy, usually landscapers will come out to see the area you want to place the pool before giving a quote. Without knowing where the pool will go and what the area is like, they can’t know what costs will need to be considered.
Once you’ve had your consultation at Nuvia and gotten a CT scan, your doctor will have enough information on the complexity of your case to give you the cost of your dental implants.
This cost is all inclusive of the surgery, the anesthesia, the zirconia teeth, and follow up appointments. Enjoy cost transparency when you come in for a consultation at Nuvia.
Ready to see if you’re a candidate for dental implants? Start by filling out this 60-second quiz.
Your Doctor’s Experience
If you’ve been to multiple providers to answer “how much are dental implants”, you may have noticed that the price between providers can vary significantly.
Ricky shares his experience visiting 7 different providers and realizing that a big factor that distinguishes the prices he was being told was the experience of the provider.
Dentists are able to take a weekend course to become certified to place dental implants. With little experience actually doing the procedure, providers may advertise lower costs in order to get more business.
For Ricky, Duncan, and others, this can be concerning. When it comes to a surgical procedure, a doctor with extensive experience can make all the difference.
You may also come across providers who will attempt to cut costs to get more business by changing the patient experience.
The provider may be the only individual performing the surgery and administering the anesthesia. Additionally, some providers may keep patients awake, though numb, during the procedure.
At Nuvia, every patient is able to comfortably sleep through the procedure thanks to an onsite CRNA. You can also rest assured that your Nuvia oral surgeon is dedicated and focused on performing the surgery instead of juggling the surgical tasks and anesthesia.
This focus and effort to enhance the patient experience and make it as comfortable as possible will impact the cost of dental implants.
How Much Are Dental Implants vs Temporary Solutions?
Temporary solutions that don’t require as in-depth of a procedure as dental implants may be appealing for their lower upfront costs; however, temporary solutions are exactly that: temporary.
Acrylic and partial dentures can range from $600-$8,000 per row of teeth. They’re often made from less expensive and durable materials, which is reflected in the lower cost.
Many individuals who have dentures seek alternative options that can provide them with a more stable and comfortable solution that isn’t prone to breaks and damage.
While temporary solutions may seem cost effective, they are often limited in the benefits they can provide and don’t serve as an optimal replacement for missing teeth.
How Much are Zygomatic Dental Implants?
Whether or not you qualify for normal dental implants will depend on the bone density and volume you have. This is a factor of complexity that can impact the answer to “how much are dental implants”.
If you’ve experienced significant bone loss and are not a candidate for traditional dental implants, then your doctor may recommend zygomatic dental implants. These are longer implants that are placed past the jawbone into the cheekbone for additional support.
This method of getting implants may require your doctor to have more experience as it is a very technical procedure.
Both complexity and doctor’s experience are factors that impact cost so requiring zygomatic dental implants may be a higher cost than traditional implants.