Dental implant costs in Canada typically range from $3,982-$6,820 per tooth implant, but this can vary. The final price depends on the number of implants required, materials used, additional procedures, and province. For a cost assessment that is specific to your needs, consult a dentist for a personalized estimate.
Dental implants are a common dental procedure that helps create an authentic-looking smile for patients with missing teeth. According to a Healthcare report by TechiSci Research, the dental implant market within the Canadian dental industry has grown, both with an aging population and an increased demand for cosmetic dentistry. The report also reveals there has been an increase in dentistry professionals to accommodate this demand.
When considering dental implants, it's important to plan for their cost. Dental implant cost typically ranges from $3,982-$5,752per implant, so paying for dental implants requires careful financial planning.
Beyond their functional advantages, such as improved oral function and speech, dental implants contribute to your long-term oral health by preventing the bone loss that can occur when teeth are absent. They bolster confidence and elevate your overall facial features, making them an investment that can benefit you in various ways.
In this post, we'll delve into dental implant costs in Canada and explore various methods you can use to cover the costs of these procedures. To start, let’s look at what dental implants are.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed in the jawbone to support a crown, serving as the replacement tooth. Dental implants are composed of the following:
- The Crown*: The visible topmost part of the tooth. It gives the patient the ability to chew and speak as any natural tooth.
- The Abutment*: The connector that attaches the crown to the implant.
- The Screw*: The screw secures the abutment to the implant.
Dental implants offer a realistic solution for people with missing teeth to improve their jaw functionality and their appearance.
*Some practitioners will use different terminology to describe the parts of an implant.
While dental insurance plans may offer coverage for implants, the extent of coverage can differ significantly. If you have insurance, it's worth checking with your provider about your policy’s details. There are other financing options outside of insurance, and many dental offices in Canada offer in-house dental financing. Ask your dentist if any interest-free programs are available to help finance your dental implant.
How much do dental implants cost in Canada?
Dental implants in Canada typically range from $3,982 to $5,752 per tooth, and several factors contribute to this price range. The average cost takes into account variables such as the procedure’s complexity and your province.
Procedure complexity is a primary influencer of the cost of dental implants. For example, a straightforward procedure involving a single tooth implant tends to be more affordable than cases requiring multiple, extensive bone grafting or sinus lifts.Additionally, the geographical location can contribute to dental implant costs. In Manitoba, implants can cost close to $7,000 each where as in Ontario costs will be below $5,000.
We have compiled the average cost of dental implants by province. The prices factor the cost of crowns, abutments, and screws.
| Dental implant cost by province | |
| Province | Average cost* |
| Alberta | $3,842 - $4,895 per tooth |
| British Columbia | $3,549 - $5,400 per tooth |
| Manitoba | $3,847 - $6,817 per tooth |
| New Brunswick | $3,558 - $5,400 per tooth |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $3,600 - $6,101 per tooth |
| Nova Scotia | $3,700 - $5,175 per tooth |
| Ontario | $3,700 - $4,853 per tooth |
| Prince Edward Island | $3,476 - $4,995 per tooth |
| Quebec | $3,419 - $5,387 per tooth |
| Saskatchewan | $3,700 - $5,654 per tooth |
| *Data does not consider cost of consult, radiographs, treatment planning, additional complexity factors. Lab and Misc. Fees are assumed to be $1,500 across all provinces. Note: Data not available for Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon. | |
What factors determine the cost of dental implants?
The cost of dental implants depends on multiple factors, but the complexity of your health needs plays the largest role. For example, if you have existing oral health issues that need to be managed or require additional procedures such as bone grafts or sinus lifts, your procedure will likely cost more.
The type of implant material can also impact the price. For example, titanium implants tend are generally more affordable, while zirconia implants are known for their advantages such as aesthetics (they look and feel like a natural tooth) and biocompatibility (they are highly stable), which typically comes at a higher price point. Below is a rough breakdown of the factors that determine dental implant costs.
In every dental implant treatment:
- Preoperative examination: The initial assessment determines if the treatment suits you. This assessment incurs a cost, which can vary depending on the complexity of your case. It involves thoroughly evaluating your oral health, medical history, and discussing your treatment goals with the dental professional.
- Advanced imaging: Detailed 3D scans are necessary for treatment planning. These scans provide a comprehensive view of your jawbone structure and help dentists determine the optimal placement of the implants.
- Impressions (diagnostic and treatment plan procedures): These procedures involve taking molds and measurements of your teeth and jaw, which help design your implant restorations. While they may seem routine, they ensure the accuracy and fit of your implants.
- Type of implants: Different materials used for implants and their quantities have an impact on pricing. The more implants you need, the higher the cost will be.
Needed on a case-by-case basis:
- Sedation: Different sedation options, such as local anesthesia, intravenous (IV) sedation, or general anesthesia, come with varying costs. The patient's comfort and anxiety levels often influence the choice of sedation. Although sedation can enhance the patient experience, it may add to the overall cost of the treatment.
- Tooth removal: If the dentist must extract teeth before placing implants, this additional procedure will increase the overall cost of your treatment. The more teeth that require extraction, the higher the cost.
- Complexity: Complex cases that involve sinus lifts, or other additional procedures may require more time and expertise, adding to the costs.
- Implant material: Opting for zirconia implants over titanium implants can carry cost implications. Zirconia implants are often more expensive due to their advanced technology and cosmetic benefits.
- Grafting: A patient may require bone grafts in cases where the jawbone lacks sufficient density or volume to support implants. These grafting procedures involve additional materials, surgery, and healing time.
- Downtime: Depending on the extent of the dental implant procedure, you may need some downtime for recovery. This could result in taking time off work, leading to indirect costs associated with lost income during the healing period.
- Follow-up visits: After the initial surgery, there may be charges for follow-up visits, postoperative care, and adjustments. These visits are crucial to monitor the healing process and ensure the implants are functioning properly.
How to pay for dental implants
Government programs like Canada Dental Benefit often do not cover dental implants, so paying for dental implants requires exploring different financing methods. Many patients consider alternatives such as dental savings plans, personal loans, and other dental financing programs.
Below are common options for paying dental implant costs:
1. Insurance: If you have dental insurance, review your policy carefully to understand the extent of coverage for dental implants. Dental insurance plans vary, and certain procedures or exclusions may apply.
Generally, private insurance plans won’t fully cover dental implants, but some may offer partial coverage. Some private insurers that provide restorative dental coverage include:
Note that dental insurance plans will vary, and you should consult with you provider directly to fully understand your coverage.
2. Personal loans: Personal loans from a bank or financial institution can provide you with the necessary funds upfront to cover the cost of dental implants. It is important to carefully review the loan terms, interest rates, and repayment schedule to ensure it aligns with your financial situation.
3. Dental financing programs and payment plans: Many dental clinics offer their own financing programs or partnerships with third-party financing companies. These programs allow you to spread the cost of your dental implant treatment over time, often with low or no interest rates. Inquire with your chosen dental provider about available financing options.
FAQ
Navigating the costs of dental implants requires looking at multiple factors, such as costs depending on the number of implants, province in which the procedure is done, and whether insurance plays a role in coverage. This FAQ will help you better understand how to approach dental implants.
Are dental implants covered by insurance in Canada?
Private dental insurance plans in Canada typically do not cover the full cost of dental implants. However, partial coverage for dental implants may be available with some plans. The extend of coverage varies widely across different insurance policies.
Insurance plans that offer restorative care, which may include dental implants, include providers such as Manulife, Sun Life, and Medavie Blue Cross. It’s important to consult your insurance provider to better understand the specifics of your policy’s terms and conditions regarding dental implant coverage.
Are dental implants covered by government programs?
In Canada, dental implants are generally not included in government-funded health care programs, such as provincial or territorial health insurance plans (e.g., OHIP in Ontario, MSP in British Columbia), which cover medically necessary healthcare services but typically do not include dental care.
However, there are some exceptions:
- First Nations and Inuit Health: The federal government's Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program offers coverage for dental services, including restorative care such as dental implants, to eligible First Nations and Inuit individuals.
- Healthy Smiles Ontario: In Ontario, the Healthy Smiles Ontario program offers free essential dental care, including preventative and restorative services, for eligible children and youth.
- BC Healthy Kids Program: In British Columbia, the BC Healthy Kids program offers dental benefits for children under the age of 19, which includes preventive and some restorative dental.
Always confirm eligibility directly with the respective programs or contact your provincial health authority or social services agency for the most current information.
How long do dental implants last?
How long dental implants last will depend on your maintenance and oral hygiene practices. Dental implants can last between 25 years and a lifetime, but the crown portion may require replacement every 10 to 15 years, with costs varying by province and ranging from $113 to $389. Materials such as titanium and zirconia contribute to the durability of dental implants, but regular dental hygiene is key to ensuring their longevity.
Are dental implants worth it?
Dental implants provide many upside benefits beyond just improving your smile’s appearance. Many people find that these benefits make dental implants a valuable investment for their health and overall lives. Here are some important factors to consider when deciding if dental implants are the choice for you.
Benefits of dental implants include:
- Improved oral function: With dental implants, patients regain the ability to bite, chew, and speak confidently, allowing you to enjoy foods and participate in social activities without fixating on your teeth.
- Preservation of jawbone: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that typically occurs when teeth are missing, thus supporting both oral health and facial structure.
- Improved speech: Missing teeth affect your speech, particularly with pronunciation. Dental implants can be a solution to achieve proper pronunciation.
- Enhanced smile: Dental implants have a natural look and feel, which can significantly improve your smile and boost self-esteem.
Are there any alternatives to dental implants?
In addition to dental implants, there are multiple options in replacing a missing tooth, such as:
- Dentures: These are removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth. Available as full or partial, depending on the number of natural teeth you have, dentures can be less stable than implants as they’re a non-surgical approach to replacing teeth.
- Dental bridges: Dental bridges are a dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. They are made of false teeth called pontics that connect to your natural teeth on either side of the gap. Though they can last up to 15 years, bridges do not typically offer the same longevity or support as implants.
Conclusion
Dental implants are an investment for those looking for a long-term, functional, and aesthetically pleasing solution to missing teeth. While the initial costs of dental implants might be higher and include additional procedures, they offer numerous benefits like improved oral health, preservation of bone structure, durability, and enhanced quality of life, making them a valuable choice for many.
Determining the value of dental implants boils down to your individual needs and financial situation. Seeking advice from an expert will offer personalized recommendations and help you to make an informed decision tailored to your needs.
Sources:
- Alberta Dental Association
- British Columbia Dental Association
- Manitoba Dental Association
- New Brunswick Dental Society
- Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association
- Nova Scotia Dental Association
- Ontario Dental Association
- The Dental Association Of Prince Edward Island
- Association Des Chirurgiens Dentistes Du Québec
- College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan
The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional.
