If you are considering going in for a dental implant, don’t jump at the lowest price offered. Ads try to paint the picture that the average cost of dental implants and other dental procedures is lower than it is. However, these low-priced deals may lead to problems later on if the procedures are not performed by a well-qualified and experienced dentist. Dental implants are cylindrical posts implanted into your jawbone. These are used to support artificial teeth, bridges, and dentures. Dental implants are made of titanium, which integrates easily with the bone. This is called a root-form implant, as it replaces the root of your tooth. An abutment, which is a connector placed over the implant, helps to connect the implant to the crown. The crown is the artificial tooth that is designed to match the rest of your teeth. If more than one tooth is missing, a bridge and more than one dental implant might be used, holding multiple crowns in place.

Benefits of dental implants-

• The average cost of dental implants might be more than the rates charged for ordinary dentures. However, they are more cost-effective in the long run, as they do not have to be replaced as often as dentures. Many dental implants may last a lifetime. The success rate of a well-performed dental implant is 90%.
• Dental implants do not involve as much maintenance as dentures. You don’t have to bother about taking them out, cleaning them, keeping them safe and clean and putting them on again.
• Dental implants feel more like natural teeth as they are fused to your jaw bone. They stay in place, and you can clean them using a toothbrush as you would your normal teeth. You can also floss them to remove any particles caught between the dentures.
• With dental implants, you need not worry about your dentures clicking, sticking or coming loose as you eat or speak.
• You may be able to eat a wider variety of food with dental implants than with regular dentures. For instance, raw fruits and vegetables are hard to chew with normal dentures. However, this is easier with firmly fixed dental implants. Your nutrient intake gets better with dental implants.
• Once the area of the dental implant heals after the surgery, you will not experience any pain or discomfort with your dentures. With ordinary dentures, they might become loose, cause abrasions and otherwise cause soreness and discomfort as you take them off and put them on again.
• These are just a few advantages to having dental implants rather than opting for an ordinary set of dentures to replace your missing teeth.

Know how the average cost of dental implants is calculated-

• There is no standard price chart for dental implants. The procedures and the costs for each might vary. You have to start calculating the costs from your initial visits to the dentist when he performs diagnostic examinations and tests.
• Not everyone is an ideal candidate for a dental implant. Some people might be disqualified for various reasons. They may be heavy smokers, substance abusers may be undergoing or have gone through radiation therapy in the head or facial region. They may have connective tissue diseases, have immune deficiencies or hemophilia. In these cases, they may be unfit for the procedure or may need more time and additional procedures.
• The average cost of dental implants can be anywhere between $1000 to $3000. The abutment and crown may cost between $500 to $3000. So, the average total cost for a single tooth implant might be around $4000.
• If tooth extraction is required, the cost for this might be anywhere from $75 to $650. If you have weak bones around the region where the implant is to be done, you may require a bone graft. Depending on whether this procedure is simple or complex, the cost could fall anywhere from $200 to $3000.
• After you factor in the costs of X-Rays, CT Scans, and other diagnostic procedures, the total cost could work out to anywhere between $5000 to $10,000. Remember, this is just for a single tooth dental implant procedure.
• For a 3- to 4-tooth bridge implant, you may have to shell out around $8500 on average. A full dental implant procedure involving full upper and lower jaw implants could cost anywhere up to $95,000. The average cost of dental implants for such a complete procedure is around $34,000.
• Various factors like the number of teeth that need to be replaced, any necessary additional procedures needed like a bone graft, the qualifications, experience and the reputation of the dentist can all determine the total cost of the procedure. The state/city you live in can also influence costs.
• Ask for help and guidance from your friends and acquaintances who have had dental implants, check the internet to find good dental clinics in your region, and read reviews written by former patients. Visit various clinics yourself, choose a few clinics with good reputations and credentialed dentists.
• Sit down with the dentist and discuss your options. Your insurance might cover a part of the costs, but dental implants are still not widely covered. The dentist might arrange an easy payment plan. The clinic might be associated with a credit company that offers low monthly payment plans for expensive procedures like dental implants. Examine your options; you could find ways to break down the cost and pay it off in easy installments.