In a conversation regarding the replacement of single or multiple missing teeth, I hear this question quite often. Dental implants can be a very effective way of replacing teeth for both functional and aesthetic purposes. At this time, dental implants are the closest thing we have to provide to our patients with when replacing a tooth. In this article, I will discuss the cost of replacing a single tooth with a dental implant in a manner that is as straightforward as possible. There are multiple components involved in a price determinate, so we cannot decide a definite, set cost without knowing all of the present factors. So in order to do this, I will provide the overall cost and then a break down of the range of individual components.

In Calgary, the overall cost can range from $3000 – 5500 for the placement of a single tooth implant including: all the components, the professional fees, and the lab fee. Then, the break down is as follows:

• The cost of the consultation, treatment planning, and CBCT imaging (3d imaging) can be anywhere from $150 – 450.
• The cost of the implant itself can cost anywhere between $150 – 700. This is dependent on the company from which it is being purchased.
• The professional fee of the surgeon. This can vary from $1200- 2000, the cost of placing the implant, healing abutment, and post-op evaluation.
• The second stage abutment and custom fabricated crown lab fee can cost anywhere between $450 – 850.
• The professional fee of the restorative dentist can be around $1200 – 2000.

I will discuss all of these factors in further detail below. Given the range of fees for numerous different procedures, planning, materials etc., it becomes clear that dental implants are a customized process that is specific to the individual’s situation.

A Brief History of Dental Implants:

Many are surprised to know that dental implants, or forms that are relatively similar, have been in use since the 1960’s. During this time period, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark (Swedish physician) had a breakthrough: He used titanium implants for medical applications. Dr. Branemark was the first to use a set of Titanium dental implants for rehabilitating patients that were fully edentulous (missing all of their teeth). It was in the mid to late 80’s that these osteointegrated implants came to North America and this treatment modality took off. Since then, there have been many implant companies that have come into existence, offering variations of the original Branemark design. This large variation in the product provided by the implant companies also contributes to the total cost variance of dental implants (to some degree).

Factors That Contribute to the Cost Range:

1. The surgical expertise of the surgeon placing the implant. The implant can be placed by an oral surgeon, a periodontist, a prosthodontist, or a general dentist. Between these professionals, the level of training and expertise varies (mostly, the level of graduate training and technique). Unfortunately, for most patients, it is hard to see through the marketing and advertising. At Braeside Dental Centre, we do our best to direct you towards the surgeon that we believe will give you the highest probability of success.
2. The number of implants.  Sometimes, if there are multiple implants, the total cost will be more, but the cost per unit may be less.
3. The types of materials used for the second stage (the part that is attached to the implant and comes out of the gums). This second stage can be made out of gold, titanium, or zirconia. Each material presents a different cost. However, it is important to remember that certain materials may work better in certain circumstances.
4. The type of crown placed on top of the second stage. The crown can be gold, porcelain fused to metal, zirconia, or lithium desilicated ceramic. Each of these has a different cost and has to be selected based on the patients’ individual circumstances.
5. Expertise of the restorative dentist. Restoring the implant with the second stage and crown requires meticulous detailing for the implant to function, be effective, and remain aesthetically pleasing for a prolonged period of time. This step can make or break the longevity of success.
6. The quality and quantity of bone and the amount of connective tissue attachment. If the location where the implant is to be placed has insufficient bone and connective tissue, and has to be developed to receive the implant for greater success, there may be additional procedures (and thus cost). A poor location can sometimes occur if the tooth has been lost for a long time, gum and bone disease, or if there has been trauma that has not only damaged the tooth, but the jaw itself. In all of these circumstances, bone grafting or connective tissue grafting (gums added) may be necessary before the implant can be placed.

Here at Braeside Dental Centre, we work with you to optimize the success rate of the dental implant by working with a team approach.  We will typically have implement a schedule that flows in a similar manner to the following:

1. Consultation/discussion regarding the desired outcome
2. Obtaining a CBCT/3D imaging of the site where the implant is to be placed
3. Review the surgical procedure
4. Placement of the implant along with the healing cap.
5. Post-op check and evaluation to ensure osteointegration
6. Fabrication of the abutment and crown to be placed on a fully integrated implant
7. Insertion and final fitting

In this summarized schedule, the most common steps have been included. However, depending on the patient and circumstances, the steps may be modified or added to. Due to each patient’s circumstances, one price does not fit all. Dental implant treatment is a highly customized treatment that must be personalized for you and your particular circumstances to ensure longevity, comfort, function and proper aesthetics.

If you have any questions, please call our office! We will do our best to review this with you in further detail and give you answers that are more individualized to you.

-Dr. Goel

Braeside Dental Centre