The Truth About Dental Implant Costs in Toronto

Here's What We Found Out In Our Review of Dental Implant Costs Per Tooth

Let's get straight to the point and answer the question at hand. In Toronto, the cost per tooth of a single-tooth dental implant is between $3200 and $4000. At our Toronto implant clinic for instance, we found that the average total cost for a single tooth implant over the last 12 months was $3200 including the surgery, post and crown. That said, dental implant costs can vary depending on a number of factors that are unique to each patient. (Don't worry, we've covered the most significant cost factors below.)

Moreover, to make sure you get the best price possible, talking to a few different clinics may be worthwhile. Why? Because dental implant treatment fees can vary by 30% or more depending on the clinic. In fact, a patient we saw just yesterday shared the quote she received from another clinic and it was nearly double our estimate. The lesson here is that it pays to shop around. Most clinics offer free consultations so take advantage and make sure you get the best price possible.

Now that we've answered the question at hand, let's dig into a factors you'll want to consider vis-a-vis dental implant cost. To write this article, I asked myself, "As a Toronto resident, what are all the facts I'd need to know about the cost of a single-tooth implant near me?", and here's what I learned.

Cost vs Value

First, when you're thinking about an investment like Dental Implants, it's important to evaluate not just the cost, but also the value an implant provides vs other solutions like Dentures.

For example, in terms of lifetime cost of ownership, dental implants are an exceptional longer term value than dentures. Even though a denture may cost less initially, dentures also require ongoing adjustments and maintenance. In other words, when you factor in the reduced hassle of ongoing maintenance plus fees, dental implants provide significant tangible value for patients.

Morever, in addition to the tangible costs described above, dental implants also provide intangible value in terms of comfort and ease of use. For example, when compared with dentures, dental implants look, feel and sound just like natural teeth. There are no sticky pastes or uncomfortable clacking noises to worry about. Instead, implants provide a more natural feel. This helps patients feel more comfortable and confident in social situations and you can't put a price on that.

Lastly, when considering the cost to value ratio of a dental implant, it's important to consider overall efficacy, satisfaction and risk. Studies show that the success rate for dental implant patients is about 98%. In other words, dental implant treatment is very low risk. Ultimately, when the tangible and intangible benefits mentioned above, dental implants provide outstanding long-term value.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Implants in Toronto

Now that we've explored the cost vs value of dental implants, let's now take a look at the key factors that most influence dental implant costs.

Pre-Operative Procedure Costs

When budgeting for dental implant treatment, you'll need to confirm whether any pre-operative procedures are necessary. To determine this, you'll need to consult with a dentist or periodontist that specializes in dental implant treatment. During the consultation, your dentist or periodontist will evaluate your overall oral health to ensure you are a suitable candidate for dental implant treatment. In some cases, pre-operative treatments may be required to make implant treatment a success.

The following are the most common treatments patients require which will also influence the overall cost of dental implant treatment:

Extractions: An extraction is usually performed when a patients tooth is severely damaged, decayed, infected, or causing other dental problems that would affect the success of the implant.

Cost: Typically between $250 and $500 per tooth depending on the location of the tooth and condition of the tooth.

Covered by Insurance: Yes

Bone Grafting: A surgical procedure used to replace missing bone or increase bone density in areas where it has deteriorated due to disease or injury. This procedure can be done before implant surgery to ensure adequate support for the implants and reduce potential complications from insufficient bone density.

Cost: Typically betwen $400 and $600 depending on the material used.

Covered by Insurance: Usually not covered.

Sinus Lift: A surgical procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon to add bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars. The purpose of a sinus lift is to create enough bone height and volume to support the placement of dental implants.

Cost: Between $1500 and $5000 depending on complexity.

Covered by Insurance: Usually not covered 

As you can see, dental implant treatment costs can vary significantly depending on the specific pre-op treatments required to make the implant a success. To know for sure what an implant will cost you, the best thing to do is schedule a consultation with a local Dentist or Periodontist that offers free consultations. 

A Cost-Efficient Way to Make Implants Affordable

For many Toronto patients, dental implants can be a big expense. This is especially true for patients with limited or no dental insurance. Still, there are cost-efficient ways to make dental implant treatment more affordable.

Step 1: Talk To A Professional, Get A 2nd Opinion

Because every patient is unique, you'll need to schedule an in-person consultation with a licensed dentist, implantologist or oral surgeon. This is an imperative stage that will allow your dentist to fully assess your eligibility for implants and the overall cost of the procedure. As noted above, it's generally a good idea to talk to more than one dentist and compare prices.

Step 2: Choose A Clinic

When choosing a clinic, it's a good idea to look for one that will allow you pay for your treatment in phases. This way, you don't have to pay the full cost of the treatment up front. For example, at Twogether Dental, our starting price for a single tooth dental implant like the one pictured below is just $1199. This price covers the surgical phase of the implant procedure* including the implant post.

Tip: Invest in the implant post first, then save for the rest while your implant heals!

Tip: Once The Implant Post Heals, The Next Investment Is the Crown

We find this approach helps our patients keep more money in their pocket while they heal. A dental implant usually takes anywhere from 2 to 4 months to heal leaving time to save for the abutment and crown at a later date. 

Step 3: Negotiate A Payment Plan

The last step you may want to explore, particularly if you need multiple implants, is to find a clinic offering payment plans. These days, most clinics offer third-party financing options. As always, it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any financing options before committing to them.

At Twogether Dental, we like to keep it simple. We don't use third-party financing companies. Instead, we design custom treatment plans for each patient that includes a weekly or monthly payment plan that can be made by credit card if requested. For many patients, this approach is far more convenient than going through lengthy and arduous credit checks.

By way of example, let's say a patient needs two implants and an extraction. If the patient were required to pay for the entire treatment upfront, the total bill would be around $7500.

Alternatively, to make the treatment more affordable, the patient could pay for just the initial surgery and two posts upfront ($1199 x 2 = $2398). Then, as the healing process takes place over several months, the patient could then pay off the remaining using monthly credit card payments at approximately $1275.50 x 4 months or $850 x 6 months. Ultimately, whether the payment terms are 4 months, 6 months or longer, the key is to provide cost-efficient dental implant treatment. In the end, what's important is to treat the missing tooth and avoid further complications later. 

Conclusion

As we've seen, dental implant costs in Toronto can vary widely depending on a number of factors. Hopefully, the tips we've shared today will help when exploring your options. With the right amount of time and research finding affordable dental implants in Toronto is possible.