The Real Cost of Dental Implants: Top 3 Hidden Costs You Won’t Find in the Ads

Have you ever seen an ad saying dental implants start at $1499? What if we told you that this is misleading? The real cost is usually 3 to 4 times that amount.

by Dayo Dental | Updated on 5 July 2024

Dental implant ads in the US often promise low prices that are too good to be true. Perhaps you’ve seen an ad that says, “Dental Implants starting at $1499.” What if we tell you that it can be misleading? Some ads do not show the real cost of dental implants. These ads lure you in with an attractive price. However, the final cost is much higher. If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to understand the real costs involved. In this article, we will discuss the top 3 hidden costs of dental implants that are not included in common ads. Continue reading to find out what these hidden costs are and how to determine the true price of dental implants. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Hidden Cost 1: It Doesn’t Include the Teeth

Have you seen ads that promote “dental implants” for $999 or $1499? These ads are deceiving because they don’t include the teeth. It’s only half the cost.

You might have seen ads for dental implants just like this. The limited-offer price seems enticing. However, that’s just the price of a single dental implant. The cost of the abutment and the crown are not included.

A full tooth replacement with dental implants has three parts: the dental implant post, the abutment, and the crown or prosthesis.

These are the parts of your dental implants. It pays to know these parts so you can shop for prices better.

A crown is used for single-tooth replacements. Meanwhile, a prosthesis is used to replace missing sections of the mouth or an entire upper or lower arch. Dental implants are installed in two stages:

The implant post placement.
The crown or prosthesis placement.

So, when advertisers say dental implants cost $1000 or $1500, they’re only giving you the price of the first stage. This is usually less than half of the total cost. The second stage or second half of the cost might come as a surprise. The average cost of a full tooth replacement using dental implants in the US is $4000 to $6000. In Mexico, the average cost is $1300 to $2500. Why do they do this? It’s technically not false advertising because they are advertising “dental implants.” But it gets you into the dental office with a super low price. Even worse, some dentists don’t educate their patients enough. Patients might get their implant post procedure without knowing they have to pay for the second stage.

TIP: Next time someone quotes you for the price of dental implants, ask for the cost of the full tooth replacement from start to finish.

Hidden Cost 2: It Doesn’t Include Pre-Requisite Procedures

When you visit a dental office, you might see all the costs of extra procedures that add up. Sometimes these costs can increase the price of dental implants by 50%. IV sedation alone can add thousands of dollars. Here are some typical costs:

These are some of the necessary procedures based on your treatment plan. Make sure you all also ask for these prices when shopping for the cost of dental implants.

All these costs add up, making the total price of dental implants much higher than the advertised price.

TIP: Get a second or third opinion. Visit a dentist outside your neighborhood. If you need full mouth extractions and implants, ask for package prices. Package prices often save you money because they include pre-requisite procedures like extractions and grafting.

Hidden Cost 3: The Word “Starting”

Dentistry, like many other industries, varies in cost and quality depending on the materials used. Let’s say you visit a dentist advertising “starting at $1499.” Once there, you might go through a sales process with upsells. The $1499 is the starting price for generic dental implants from lesser-known brands. The dentist might recommend top dental implants that cost $2000. The same goes for crowns. Low prices are for crowns that look like low-quality chiclets from a lab in China. Better quality zirconia crowns can cost $800 more. This issue is even worse for full mouth implants like All-on-4. You can get full arch prostheses that look like plastic toys, or you can get zirconia prostheses that are $5000 more.

TIP: Find a dentist who uses top materials. Ask for the type of materials they use and samples of the crowns or prostheses. Know the top implant brands.

Conclusion

Understanding the hidden costs of dental implants can help you make an informed decision. Remember that some ads promoting low prices can be misleading. Those often leave out critical components and prerequisite procedures. You can avoid unexpected expenses and ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment by knowing what to look for and asking the right questions. Now, you can spot a bait-and-switch ad or a dentist who isn’t upfront. Remember, you get what you pay for. Investing in top materials for your teeth is best to avoid hassles and issues down the road. Stay informed and make smarter dental care decisions by following our YouTube channel. We regularly share videos about dental implant costs and other helpful dental care tips. If you’re ready to take the first step toward achieving your dental goals, call us today. We’re here to help you find the best dental solutions.