Tooth Implant--$8,000 for one???

[Disney-Chick]

I had 3 implants but 4 teeth removed (one implant has 2 teeth). When I was quoted they told me it would cost $14668.00 from beginning to end. Each implant was around $3000. I was lucky as the implants were covered under accidental. I did have to go to a periodontist who put the implants in. It's no fun at all. Then my regular dentist took the impressions of my teeth and put the crowns/teeth in. Over all out of pocket we had to spend $907 of the almost $15000.00.

As you said, your tooth is in the back and really if it is not visable to the public I would just leave it. My teeth were all my 4 front ones so I had to get it done. But they do look great!

 

[WeLuvDCL]

My husbands was $3500 out of pocket after insurance. Not even sure why I pay for dental insurance as they only covered about $200. He just had his done 2 months ago.

 

[Disney-Chick]

My husbands was $3500 out of pocket after insurance. Not even sure why I pay for dental insurance as they only covered about $200. He just had his done 2 months ago.

I find our dental plan isn't the best either. My daughter has braces and work done before having them put on and all they offered was $1500 a life time so by the time we went to use her money towards the braces there was only $900 left so we ended up paying out of pocket for the remaining balance.

Even with my implants my dental plan wouldn't cover the 2nd phase at 100% even though it was under the accidental and when my dentist called they wouldn't give a reason as to why they would only cover 80% Guess it's what they feel like that day.

These are the times I wish I were a kid again and had no worries except who was going to play barbies with me

 

[angierae]

Honestly, when I had some severe problems with my very-back molar, my dentist gave me the following options:

1. Pull the tooth, have an implant put in.
2. Pull the tooth, do not have an implant put in, risk losing the tooth on top of it as well because there'll be nothing for the top tooth to "push against"
3. Let him try to build up a filling and see if that'll do.

I went with number 3, with #2 as a backup if the filling didn't hold. I said I would rather lose two back molars than pay that kind of money for an implant. It just wasn't that important to me. (And it's been a year now, and the tooth (which is pretty much half filling at this point) is doing just fine. Glad I didn't run out and spend thousands on an implant.

But yeah, if the hole is already healed up and not causing any problems, I wouldn't bother with an implant, personally, unless the risk of losing the corresponding tooth on top bothers you.

 

[KCMiller]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - if you live anywhere near a college of dentistry, call them to see if they have an implant clinic. The work they do is fantastic, the 'students' are all already DDS grads and work with cutting edge technology and research (the big medical and dental supply companies GIVE these schools all the latest and greatest stuff, because they want the new graduates to use the latest technology). You'll get top notch work done for FAR less than ANY oral surgeon can provide, and the quality can't be beat.


KC

 

[clh2]

We know someone who paid close to $10K for a dental implant. It had something to do with the bone that the implant screws into wasn't "firm" enough - so the cost involved some work on the bone as well.

To the OP - I would absolutely get a 2nd estimate on this - especially as you are questioning the first estimate.

 

[NYCDiane]

. I think you're thinking JUST of the crown, not the whole procedure. Getting the implant into the gum is the expensive, time-consuming thing.

No, not just the crown -- the entire procedure. I think it varies from region to region. If you're in a big city like NYC, it's going to be a lot less expensive for this procedure simply because the dentists perform more of these procedures than they do in small towns or small cities. Even if you go to Long Island ( a suburb of NYC), the prices would be less than what is being quoted here.

 

[MomToOne]

Here's the breakdown of the one I am currently in process of getting:
* $400 Bone Graft (you may or may not need this depending on the state of your jaw bone)
* $200 Surgical Guide
* $2000 Actual Implant Surgery
* $?? Crown - this is squishy, this is the only part my insurance partially covers. Last quote I got from my dentist was that I would pay around $700, I think the insurance is covering 60% but I'm not positive. (The crown is often put on by your regular dentist, not the surgeon)

There are more complicated cases that involve additional surgeries that involve the sinuses, etc. Those of course increase the cost. But if you don't have a case like that, then $8000 for one tooth seems crazy high.

(PS I am in a high cost of living area, and have one of the best oral surgeons in the city, so my cost is not a lowball one.)

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Thank you. I will find another dentist. A bridge is not possible because its the last tooth in the back with nothing to anchor to. It really doesn't show so I won't get an implant. Not now anyway. Thanks for all the replies!

If its a tooth in the back why did the dentist say it was for cosmetic reasons?? If it in the back and you have no problems missing a tooth back there I would not have it done. If it were in the front then I can see why you would need it but who is going to see the back of your mouth!

 

[lchadwick]

I had a back molar pulled in 1988, due to a root canal that didn't take. At that time, with my dad's FANTASTIC dental insurance, an implant still would have cost my parents $1500. I told my parents to forget it and I was happy - no regrets. The molar above shifted SLIGHTLY and I've never had any issues with that area.

 

[chewbacca]

Why is dental work so expensive?

They have to pay for those big expensive houses somehow!

 

[NYCDiane]

They have to pay for those big expensive houses somehow!

.... and those Mercedes', BMWs, Lexus'.....

 

[ceecee]

In our area of Ohio implants are $1200 and a crown/post on top is around $1000.

 

[ssawka]

In our area of Ohio implants are $1200 and a crown/post on top is around $1000.

Really? Including the tooth extraction? Then why would anyone get a crown? Just get the implant and get it over with!

 

[kristinw3girls]

It varies from region to region. I wor for an Oral Surgeon and our fee is $1850. This is for the implant and follow-up care only. The dentist makes the tooth to attach to the top. CALL AROUND other counties or nearby cities.

 

[Granfan]

I really appreciate all the replies. It helps so much to hear from all of you. I found out yesterday that my daughter has a mass on her left kidney, so I have to help her deal with that. She had thyroid cancer last year, but hopefully this could just be a cyst.

 

[saraisaboringname]

Over $8,000 is what I was quoted when I went to get a check-up and treatment plan-- for one tooth. This sounds likes he thinks I'm an easy mark. The space is healed and has been fine for a couple of years. He suggested the implant for cosmetic reasons.

De-lurking to help you out here! I work for a dental implant company. It is possible for one tooth to cost that much if it's an upper tooth in your smile line and you require additional surgery like bone grafting. However, I'd get a second opinion! Typically, one tooth will run $3,500-$7,000. Three teeth would cost about $10,000 and a full row of teeth $20-30,000. They're expensive for several reasons: it's a surgery requiring a surgeon and anesthesia, the materials are costly, and if you are getting the work done through a prosthodontist, you are paying for that additional training and expertise. I don't necessarily agree with the pricing, but that's how it is at the moment.

 

[Granfan]

Thank you saraisaboringname for this very helpful information! And I can tell you're not a "boring" person but a kind one despite the name.

 

[beedale862003]

What about a cantilever bridge? You don't need 2 teeth to anchor it just one, your dentist would have to examine your bite to see if your a candidate for it but its worth a try. Usually its about the price of two crowns.

 

[tink576]

They're expensive for several reasons: it's a surgery requiring a surgeon and anesthesia...

Anesthesia??? I got two implants and I had no anesthesia.

Also, the need for implants is not necessarily cosmetic, If it is for a bottom tooth, after enough time without a bottom tooth, your tooth above on the top row will actually begin to drop out...not good...They had wanted to wait longer before I got my implants because of the jaw bone development whatnot with the healing. But my top teeth were starting to go down from the lack of support so in went the implants.