Dental implants are false teeth or artificial tooth roots that restore a missing tooth or teeth. They are made of titanium or a titanium alloy, which is biocompatible, meaning they are safe for the body. The implant is positioned into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over several months. People get dental implants for a variety of reasons. Read on to learn about dental implants, their types, and their costs.

Benefits of dental implants
Once the implant integrates with the bone, it can support the restoration of a missing tooth, attached to a small metal post called an abutment placed on top of the implant. Dental implants are a popular option for patients who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or other causes because they provide a strong and stable foundation for restoration and can help to preserve the health and functioning of the surrounding teeth.

Cost of dental implants
Dental implant costs can vary widely depending on multiple factors, including the type of implant, the number of implants being placed, the location, and the complexity of the case. Generally, a single dental implant can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, although prices may be higher or lower depending on the severity of the case.

A dental implant cost typically includes the price of the implant, the abutment, the small metal post that connects the implant to the restoration, and the crown, bridge, or denture used to replace the missing tooth or teeth. In some cases, the implant cost may also include the cost of the surgical procedure to place the implant, although this is not always the case.

It’s important to note that dental implants are not usually covered by insurance; therefore, patients will usually be responsible for the total cost of the procedure. In addition, some dental practitioners may offer financing options or payment plans to help make the treatment more affordable.

Different types of dental implants
There are several types of dental implants, which can be categorized based on their shape, size, and material used. Some common types of dental implants are listed below.

Endosteal implants
These are the most common types of dental implants. They are inserted directly into the jawbone and are usually used to support a single crown, bridge, or denture. They can be made of titanium and zirconia.

Subperiosteal implants
Such implants are placed on top of the jawbone rather than inside it. They are typically used for people with insufficient bone height or density to support endosteal implants. They consist of a metal frame placed under the gum tissue and anchored to the jawbone, with metal posts protruding through the gums to support the restoration.

Mini implants
Mini implants are smaller endosteal implants that support more minor restorations, such as a single crown or a removable partial denture. They are typically used in areas of the mouth with limited space, such as the front of the lower jaw.

Zirconia implants
These implants are made of a type of ceramic called zirconia, which is biocompatible and has a natural, tooth-like appearance. Zirconia implants are typically more expensive than titanium implants, but they are considered more aesthetically pleasing and may be preferred by some patients.

All-on-4 implants
Also known as “teeth-in-a-day” implants, all-on-4 implants are a type of full-arch restoration that uses just four endosteal implants to support a fixed bridge of replacement teeth. They are usually used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth and can be placed in a single surgical procedure.

How much does each of these dental implants cost?
Here is a rough estimate of the average cost range for each type of dental implant:

• Endosteal implants cost $1,000-$3,000 per implant
• Subperiosteal implants cost $3,000-$5,000 per implant
• Mini implants cost $500-$2,000 per implant
• Zirconia implants cost $1,500-$4,000 per implant
• All-on-4 implants cost $15,000-$30,000 per arch

However, one should remember that these are just rough estimates, and the actual cost of a dental implant may vary depending on the specific circumstances.

How is the cost of a dental implant determined?
Some factors can contribute to the cost of a dental implant, including-

Type of implant
The type of implant used can affect the cost, as some materials may be more expensive than others. For example, zirconia implants, which are made of ceramic material, may be more costly than titanium implants due to the cost of the material used.

Number of implants
The more implants that are needed, the higher the overall cost of treatment will be.

Location of the practice
The cost of dental treatment can vary widely depending on the location of the practice. For example, dental treatment is generally more expensive in urban areas or locations with a high cost of living.

The complexity of the case
The complexity of the case can also affect the cost of treatment. For example, patients requiring bone grafting or other additional procedures may be more expensive than simpler ones.

Quality of the materials
The cost of the materials used in the implant, such as the implant itself and the crown, bridge, or denture used for replacing the missing tooth or teeth, can also affect the overall cost of treatment. Higher-quality materials may be more expensive, but they may also be more durable and long-lasting.

Experience and expertise of the dental professional
The knowledge and expertise of the healthcare professional carrying out the treatment can also affect the cost. More experienced or specialized dental professionals may charge higher fees for their services. However, some dental practitioners may offer financing options or payment plans to help make the treatment more affordable.