Most people believe that dental implants are costly. But that is not true. Dental implants have become affordable over the years. Also, there are many ways in which you can get them at cheaper rates. The implants’ cost is influenced by several factors, such as the region they are sold in and the provider. In this article, you will find everything there is to know about the cost of dental implants.

What are dental implants?
Dental implants are replacements for broken or missing teeth. Being sturdy and permanent, they are the closest anything can get to real teeth. Doctors infuse these artificial teeth into a person’s jaw bone. Most implants are made using titanium, a metal that easily integrates with the bone. You might be surprised to know that dental implants have a success rate of around 98 percent.

Dental implants and insurance
Only a few full-coverage dental insurances cover the entire cost of implants. Most of the plans refer to dental implants as a “cosmetic procedure,” excluding them from the coverage. Certain plans cover only 50 percent of the cost or the price of a single implant. Some plans only cover the cost of installing the crown.

Factors that affect the cost of dental implants

• Materials used: The materials used for your implant may increase or decrease the cost of your surgery.
• Type of anesthesia used: Local anesthesia is cheaper than general ones. For general anesthesia, you will have to cover the costs of the hospital as well.
• The number of teeth: If the number of implants is high, you will have to pay a higher amount.
• Your dental provider: Dentists decide what their rates are going to be. So, the cost of your implants depends on the provider you choose.

Tips to get cheaper dental implants

• Medical schools: Many medical colleges allow students to gain experience under the supervision of an experienced dentist. Here, you only have to pay for the material and equipment.
• Non-profit organizations: Certain non-profit organizations help people receive dental care at low rates. You might have to contact the organization directly for information about their services.
• Clinical trials: Those from a lower-income background should keep a watch out for clinical trials as they offer these procedures for a very low cost or free.
• Alternatives: If you are not comfortable spending on dental implants, use alternatives like dentures or dental bridges. Although these options are not as durable as implants, they are removable and last for up to ten years.
• Travel abroad : You will be surprised to know that some South American and European countries offer equally good dental services for half the rate. So if you happen to travel abroad, visit a reputed clinic and try their implants.

Cost of implants in the top five cities
The average cost of a single dental implant is between $1000 to $6000. However, the region you’re in plays a significant role in determining the price. Here’s how much implants cost in the top five cities in the country:

• New York: Single-tooth implant: $1500 to $6000. Full mouth implants: Up to $90,000
• Dallas: Single-tooth implant: $1500 to $5500. Full mouth implants: Up to $50,000.
• Chicago: Single-tooth implant: $2000 to $3000. Full mouth implants: Up to $50,000.
• Los Angeles: Single-tooth implant $1500 to $7500. Full mouth implants: Up to $90,000
• Philadelphia: Single-tooth implant: $1000 to $4000. Full mouth implants: Up to $30,000