If you've been told that you're going to need a dental implant, then you might be wondering how much it's going to end up costing you out-of-pocket. If you ask your dentist for the cost, however, you may be surprised to find that your dentist can only give you an estimated range. After all, the cost of dental implants can range greatly depending on a number of factors. By being aware of what those influencing factors are, you should be able to get a better idea of what to expect.

Need for Bone Grafting

For starters, the strength and condition of your jaw bone can play a huge rule in determining your implant costs. That's because, in order to be a viable candidate for a dental implant, your jaw bone needs to be strong enough to support the implant post itself. If it's not (as is common in instances of periodontal disease), then it may be necessary to have a bone grafting procedure done as part of the preparation. This surgical operation will surely increase the overall costs associated with your dental implants.

Dental Insurance Coverage

Of course, you'll also need to take your specific dental insurance coverage into consideration when determining your out-of-pocket costs. If you have dental insurance, there's a good chance that the majority (if not all) of the procedure will be covered, so long as there aren't any complications or special circumstances (such as the bone grafting, as mentioned above). However, you'll want to check with your specific insurance company to see if you'll be responsible for any deductible or other out-of-pocket cost.

Success of the Implant

Finally, the total cost of your dental implant can also depend on how successful the procedure is the first time around. When you receive a dental implant, there's always a chance that it could fail the first time around. For instance, failure due to bacterial infection is not uncommon. Therefore, if your treatment isn't successful the first time around, you may have to pay for additional procedures or treatment for the cause of the dental implant's failure. 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to maximize your chances for success the first time around, such as taking the time to thoroughly brush and floss around the new implant daily, as well as using an antibacterial mouthwash as prescribed by your dentist. From there, you can potentially keep your costs down.

If you have more questions about dental implants and their cost, talk to your dental clinic or dental insurance company. 

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