Here's What Dental Implants Should Cost

If your smile is bringing you down, it might be worth considering a dental implant. An implant can offer a healthy, natural-looking smile that fits perfectly with your existing bite. You won’t feel the difference in chewing or speaking with a good implant.

The true costs of an implant are often hidden, sometimes for good reason. It can be risky, for both patient and dentist, to reveal the cost of an implant without seeing the extent of the problem. The actual cost of a dental implant looks at every facet of the procedure, so it’s helpful to know what you should expect throughout this process.

Credentials are Worth the Cost

Implants are cost-efficient and long-term solutions for cracked and damaged teeth, but be wary of bargain basement pricing for this procedure. General dentists offer this procedure to get more business, but may not always have the experience needed to do it well.

Not having this specific certification for cosmetic dentistry might sound like a minor issue, but know that a credentialed dentist is the only person with guaranteed experience applying dental implants. Implants, to be effective and long-lasting, must be surgically anchored to the jaw. Credentials are issued by a variety of sources, including the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and they offer proof of work experience.

Hidden Costs and Additional Needs

The implant must be fit to your mouth, which often requires taking a mold beforehand. There may be x-rays performed as well to assess the general health of the tooth and the area surrounding it. The health of your jawbone is crucial for the implant to remain effective over time. A general dentist might know how to examine your mouth and gums, but they may not be able to anticipate complications arising from an implant.

Complicated breaks or problems may require multiple office visits as well, so be sure you see a professional as soon as you notice the problem.

The Importance of a Consultation

Typically, you should expect one consultation to get a clearer picture of the work that needs to be done. You might need more than one if you have not been to the dentist in a long time, have complications that prevent the dentist from doing the implant immediately, or if your treatment plan involves other steps before the implant is done.

A consultation is the only way to accurately price this kind of procedure, so be wary of anyone who offers upfront pricing without seeing your particular circumstance. It’s worth it to get dental insurance now, even if you plan to have the procedure done later. The costs to see a credentialed professional will usually be much lower than without it.

Final Thoughts

The cost of a dental implant reflects every part of the procedure, and insurance will help lower these costs. If you’re concerned about a broken or damaged tooth, it’s better to take care of the problem as soon as possible.