Having two rows filled with functional, strong, pearly white teeth is a statement. It shows a personality. If your 32 teeth are working properly, it means your oral health is in check. Having missing teeth that stop you from smiling openly? If yes, Dental implants are the perfect solution. Before you proceed, it’s essential to understand the cost and the factors that affect it. To know more, keep reading.
What Are Dental Implants? & Why Are They Pricier Than Other Options?
A dental implant is a tooth replacement procedure where an infected tooth is replaced with an artificial tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Implants have three parts: fixture, abutment, and crown. A fixture is an implant post screw made of titanium or zirconia. It is placed into the jawbone as an artificial root. An abutment is a connector on the implant that connects the post to the crown. The crown is the visible artificial tooth implanted in the place of the infected one.
There are three alternatives for solving missing or infected teeth. Dental implants, bridges, and dentures. The adjacent teeth support the dental bridges, and they replace only the visible portion, not the roots. They have less durability and might need replacement in 5 to 10 years. Dentures are prosthetics placed on the gums. They are removable, so they might slip, be irritating, and gradually lead to bone loss.
Dental implants’ features, procedures, and results make them an expensive option. The material used is medical-grade titanium or zirconia for strength, biocompatibility, and durability. For a successful procedure, advanced training, accuracy, and sterile conditions. It should be performed only by specialised implantologists or oral surgeons. Implants are custom-made. So, 3D scans, digital imaging, surgical guides, modern implants and laboratory customisation are required. Dental implants are a long-term investment; with proper care, they have a durability of 15 to 20 years.
Key Factors That Influence Dental Implant Cost
The following factors affect the total bill of the dental implant cost in the end.
Number of Implants Needed – There are three options: single, multiple, and full-arch. Single is affordable and replaces only one tooth. Multiple implants are more cost-effective and replace each missing tooth. Full-arch is expensive, but it replaces a full set of teeth and is permanently stable.
- Type of Implant Procedure – There are five different types of implants: single, implant-supported bridge, implant-supported dentures, all-on-4/all-on-6, and zygomatic implants.
Materials Used – The materials used are titanium, Zirconia, Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM), All-Ceramic/Porcelain, and Zirconia Crowns. Fixture uses Titanium and Zirconia. Titanium is biocompatible, durable and corrosion-resistant. Zirconia is a ceramic, tooth-coloured, and less flexible than Titanium. The crown materials used are Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM), All-Ceramic/Porcelain, and Zirconia Crowns. PFM is a strong and affordable material. All-Ceramic/Porcelain is suggested for front teeth replacements. Zirconia Crowns are expensive but combine aesthetics and strength for both front and back teeth.
Manufacturer – Premium brands do years of research, use advanced technology, have high design accuracy and long-term success rates, conduct R&D and clinical trials with a 95-98% success rate and offer extended warranties. Budget brands offer the opposite of the premium brands in terms of research, data, and warranty.
Additional Procedures Needed – Bone grafting, sinus lift, and alternatives like Zygomatic Implants will take up extra costs. Bone grafting is needed when the jawbone is too thin or soft to support the implant. A sinus lift is done when there is not enough bone in the upper back jaw. Zygomatic implants are done when implants cannot fuse to the bone or in severe bone loss.
Dental Technology & Clinic Facilities – CBCT/3D imaging, guided implant surgery, digital impressions, and advanced lab work are important procedures and facilities that determine the costs. CBCT gives a 3D view of the jawbone, nerves, and surrounding structures. Guided Implant Surgery ensures accurate implant placement. Digital impressions replace messy traditional molds used for taking teeth impressions. Dental labs with CAD/CAM technology can create custom prosthetics.
- Surgeon’s Skill and Experience – A successful surgery needs a specialist with advanced training and a high success rate of more than 95%. These two factors make the price range costly.
General Dental Implant Cost
Different implants have different dental implant costs in Kochi. Simple implants range from 35,000 to 60,000. Semi-fixed implant-supported dentures approximately range from 2.5 lakh to 3.5 lakh. Fully-fixed implant-supported denture ranges from 4 lakh to 7 lakhs. Additional treatments, like Zygomatic implants, are done for severe cases. The unpredictable factor makes the procedure expensive.
Additional Costs You Should Be Aware Of
Implants are designed based on your size and oral issues. These custom-made prosthetics need procedures that will increase the final bill. You have to look out for:
- Diagnostic Scans (X-Ray, CBCT) – They are done to customize your treatment plan.
Temporary Prosthetics During Healing Period – Temporary crowns, bridges, or dentures may be needed till installing the permanent one.
- Anesthesia, Medications, and Sedation if Needed – For severe cases, IV sedation or general anesthesia will be needed, which adds to the bill.
Follow-up Visits/Maintenance – Timely check-ups and changes according to them are additional charges.
- Possible Complications – Sometimes, correction procedures are required when implant failure, infections, or additional bone grafting go wrong.
Why Dental Implants Can Be Worth the Investment
Dental implants are implanted for the long run. They are made with a decade warranty. If taken proper care, implants last a lifetime. Their appearance is designed similarly to that of a natural tooth, giving a seamless look. Implants preserve jawbone density, prevent bone shrinkage, and maintain your face’s natural shape. With implants, you can speak clearly and chew food properly. Implants will help you flaunt your smile openly.
Dental implants are a permanent solution that can regain your confident, shining, and bright smile. Since they are a long-term investment, a high upfront cost will be charged once. Make sure to know in detail about the preferences and the dental implant costs in Kochi before making the final decision.
A successful dental implant is a result of an experienced surgeon working in a clinic that has advanced facilities and technologies and is systematically sterilised. If you’re looking for one now, visit Dr Bobby’s Orthodontics and Dental Specialty Care and get an appointment with us.
FAQs
1.Are dental implants covered by insurance?
In India, most standard health or dental insurance plans don’t cover implants. Some premium plans may offer partial coverage.
2.How long do implants last?
With proper care, implants can last 20+ years, often a lifetime. The crown may need replacement after 10–15 years.
3.Can I use cheaper crown materials to reduce cost?
Yes, options like porcelain-fused-to-metal are more affordable. However, premium materials like zirconia offer better durability and aesthetics.
4.Do implants ever need replacement?
The titanium implant rarely needs replacement. Only the crown or abutment may require renewal over time.