Having a tooth replaced is not something most people look forward to. The procedure from extraction to implant can take several months. While often necessary, an implant is not cheap and is often considered cosmetic surgery and not covered by most dental insurance plans.
About Implants
A dental implant is a procedure to replace missing teeth. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, more than 500,000 implants are placed each year. The procedure involves three separate pieces. This includes a titanium post in the jawbone that serves as a base for the other two components: the abutment and the prosthesis, or crown.
Keep in mind that your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your surgeon, your dental insurance, your health insurance, and your flexible spending plan.
Initial Consultation
It is a good idea to have a consultation with an oral surgeon before you begin the implant procedure.
The oral surgeon should provide you with information about what to expect and what alternatives, if any, are available. You should also receive an estimate on the dental implant cost and what can be expected to be covered by insurance.
During the consultation, you should opt to have your mouth examined and have a panoramic X-ray taken detailing the outline of the jaw and the amount of bone loss in your mouth. The consultation and X-ray are separate costs and you can exact to pay about $100 for both.
Extraction
Before the implant can be placed, the affected tooth will need to be extracted. A simple extraction, when a tooth does not have deep roots, will cost anywhere from $75 to $150. More often, the tooth will be broken off around the gums, and that type of extraction will run approximately $150 to $300. Being put to sleep or sedated will run $200 to $400. If possible, save yourself the money and stay awake during the procedure.
Implant
For a dental implant, expect to pay $1,000 to $3,000 for each tooth. However, if you have severe bone loss and sinus elevation, an implant could cost at least $15,000. Most dental offices provide financing plans for up to 100 percent of surgery costs. The financing plan is similar to a credit card.
Additional Costs
After the implant is put in, you will need to wait a few months before you have the process finished with a crown. The crown cannot be placed until the implant and jawbone have fused. Dental crowns can run $500 to $3,000 per tooth.
Tags: dental implant, bone loss, dental insurance, implant procedure, insurance your
