Unbiased oral health information

Procedures

Dental implants

Consumer information

Dental implants
Relative cost of procedure ($ - $$$$$)
Relative cost of procedure ($-$$$$$)
$$$$$ (for implant placement) plus $$$$$ (for restoring them with crowns, including the crown and abutment.)
Time commitment (average)
Time commitment (average)
1 to 4 visits; 1 to 2 hours each. Over a 4- to 6-month period. Varies widely.
Temporary discomfort potential
Temporary discomfort potential
Low
Cosmetic results (how it looks)
Cosmetic results (how it looks)
Fair to excellent, depending on how they are restored, and how the site is prepared for them ahead of time.
Wear properties
Wear properties
Varies. Implants can be restored with any of the various types of crowns, bridges, or can be used to anchor removable dentures.
Irreversible pulpitis/infection potential
Irreversible pulpitis/infection potential
Low to moderate. Depends on patient compliance and individual risk factors.
Fracture resistance
Fracture resistance
Varies. Implants can be restored with any of the various types of crowns, bridges, or can be used to anchor removable dentures.
Tooth reduction (amount required)
Tooth reduction (amount required)
None. One of the major benefits of implants.
Corrosion, metal sensitivity/allergy potential
Corrosion, metal sensitivity/allergy potential
Would only be an issue if they were restored with non-noble metal crowns, which would be rare. Implants themselves do not corrode.
Soft tissue irritation potential
Soft tissue irritation potential
Surgical site tenderness is to be expected for 7-10 days post-operatively, with normal variation based on patient compliance and risk factors.