5 Questions to Ask Before Paying for Your Implant

Updated April 23 2025 | Reading time ≈ 8 min

Avoid Regret. Know the Right Questions.

Dental implants are permanent—but so is financial regret. The cost can swing by thousands, depending on what you ask (or forget to ask). Here are the 5 most important questions you must ask your dentist before signing a treatment plan, along with how to decode the answers.

1. Is This a Global Fee or Just the Implant?

Many clinics advertise “Implants from $999”—but that’s only the titanium screw. You’ll also need:

• Abutment (connects implant to crown) – $400–$900
• Crown (tooth cap) – $900–$1 800
• Imaging (CBCT) – $150–$300
• Follow-up exams – often billed separately

Ask this: “Is your quote a global fee, or are parts billed separately?”

2. What Brand of Implant Will Be Used?

Not all implants are created equal. Top-tier brands like Straumann, Nobel, BioHorizons come with years of data and global parts support. Off-brand implants may be impossible to repair or restore if your dentist retires.

Red flag: Dentist won’t name brand or says “they’re all the same.”

3. Who Places the Implant—And How Often?

Some general dentists place a few implants a month. Oral surgeons and periodontists do them daily. Ask about:

• Licensing (DDS vs. OMS vs. Periodontist)
• Number of implants placed per year
• Revision rate or failure rate at their clinic

Tip: Experience matters more than specialty title alone.

4. What’s the Plan if I Need a Bone Graft?

40–60 % of implant patients need some form of grafting. But some clinics quote you without 3D imaging, then add $1 000+ mid-treatment.

Ask this: “Does this quote assume I don’t need a graft? What happens if imaging says otherwise?”

5. What Happens If It Fails?

Implant success is 95 %—but the 5 % matters when it's your jaw. Ask about:

• Warranty – Is it 1 year? 5 years? Lifetime on the fixture?
• Redo Fees – If the implant fails, who pays for removal, healing, and replacement?
• Implant Brand Support – Does the manufacturer honor parts guarantees?

Bonus: Print-Friendly 5-Point Checklist

☐ Is this a global fee that includes the crown and follow-ups?

☐ What brand of implant will be used, and is it well-known?

☐ Who will place the implant, and how many have they done?

☐ Will I need bone grafting, and is that included in the quote?

☐ If something fails, what are my out-of-pocket costs and warranty?
  

Insurance Notes

Dental PPOs typically reimburse $750 – $2 500 for implant care (lifetime max). If you blow your max on the first crown, you may have to pay for future repairs yourself. Know your annual max and plan year before treatment begins.

FAQ

Q: Can I switch dentists mid-implant process?
A: Technically yes—but many dentists won’t finish someone else’s work.

Q: Should I get a second opinion?
A: Absolutely. Especially if quote is vague or > $5 000 for a single implant.

Key Takeaway

Asking five smart questions today can save you **thousands** in surprise fees, rework, or regret. Dental implants are too permanent for “assume and hope.” Be direct, take notes, and if something feels vague—get it in writing or walk away.

---

References

1. ADA Fee Survey 2024
2. Forbes Dental Cost Guide 2025
3. Straumann Implants

Disclaimer: This article provides educational content only. Always consult a licensed dental professional before making treatment decisions.