How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Are you interested in replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant but you are not sure if the procedure is in your budget? The cost of a dental implant is not a straight forward price as it is influenced by a number of factors, but there are some good guidelines to give you an idea of what will help determine the total price. Most dental implants will cost between $2000 and $6000 per tooth which includes the price for the surgery for the post and the crown. If you are someone with more serious conditions that require bone grafting before the implant procedure or a more intricate crown for the implant, then the cost for the whole implant will be higher.
What Influences This Cost
Some of the major determinants in the cost for your implant are your geographic location, the experience and training of the dentist and the type of implant used for your treatment. If you are located in a city or are established on either the east or the west coast, your dental implant will cost more than those located elsewhere. More experienced and better trained dentists will charge accordingly, but their success rate for the procedure may be higher than the dentist who has not performed as many. Typically, most dentists will use implant materials from the manufacturer who first developed them in Sweden, and for good reason. Studies show that this brand of implants has a 90% success rate whereas the generic implants are less available and have not been studied to determine their success across different types of patients. When you and the dentist are talking about your treatment plan for your missing tooth, be sure to talk about experience and type of implant.
Insurance Coverage
Not all dental insurance policies cover dental implants because some insurance companies determine this procedure to be elective. Even if your insurance does not cover your surgery, the insurance may cover the crown your dentist needs to complete the implant. It may take some time to talk to the billing department at the dentist’s office and even a phone call or two to the insurance company, but this time may result in a smaller bill for you or no costly surprises while you are recovering. If you lost a tooth due to a medical condition or an accident, your health insurance may even cover some of the procedure.
Dental Discount Plans
Dental implant procedures can cost you less if you join a dental discount plan; those plans can save you between 5 to 40 percent off a dental implant. Before joining one, determine if the plan affects dental implant costs and how long you have to wait before you can use the plan.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Finally, one great way to use your pre-tax dollars towards your better health is to use your employer’s flex spending account option. These plans allow you to have money deducted from your paycheck before taxes to be in a savings account you can use for medical or dental expenses.
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