Getty Images 120985347
2211 De Cfro P01 636ad4865286c

The cost of a dental implant failure

Nov. 22, 2022
Here's a granular analysis of the cost of implant failure after it has been restored—are you surprised by the number?

Literature indicates that dental implants have a high survival rate.1 However, like any other medical device, dental implants are subject to failure.2 There is currently a plethora of literature that shows surgical techniques and methods of treating or replacing failing and failed dental implants.3 Unfortunately, there is a lack of literature when it comes to the exact cost of a dental implant failure.

Here we’ll analyze the cost of a dental implant failure after it has been restored and is in function at a granular level. We look at a variety of indicators such as fixed cost, overhead, material costs, lost wages, time spent, and negative review potential to generate the approximate cost of a dental implant failure both in a general dental office and a specialist office.

Fixed and material cost of failure

After analyzing both fixed cost and material cost and calculating how much it costs to keep an office running per hour (download Typical implant placement and Failed implant one year after), the total cost to place and restore a dental implant in an average general practice dental office is $1,100 (table 1). In an office using premium materials and laboratory or that has high rent or wages, it can be closer to $2,000. Depending on fee schedule and insurance reimbursement, total billable production for dental implant and dental crown can range from $2,700 to $6,200.

Related articles

What are the main reasons for implant failure?
Dental implant contamination: 3 reasons behind a late-stage failure

Lost wage potential

The average general dentist (single provider) in the United States generates $500 per hour and could be up to $1,500 per hour (single provider specialist). The estimated time it takes to place a single fixture implant, restore it, then explant it when it fails, replace the implant and crown, along with all the follow-up visits, is estimated to be approximately four to five hours (table 2). Lost wages will be calculated to range from $2,000 to $7,500 dollars, depending on the provider.

Cost of a bad review

According to one site, the formula for the cost of a single bad review for a year can be calculated as (LC + RC) x CLV X 12 = single bad review. LC = lost customer, RC = referred customer, CLV = customer lifetime value multiplied by 12 months. For a dental practice the numbers are estimated to range from $1,000 to $6,000.

Final calculation  

After taking the high and low billable fee, subtracting fixed and material cost, lost wages, and estimating the cost of a single bad review, using the low average of $1,000, the total cost of a single implant failure can range from a breakeven to minus $2,400 in a general dentist office (table 3). In a specialist office, this number ranges from breakeven to minus $3,800.

Editor's note: This article appeared in the November 2022 print edition of Dental Economics magazine. Dentists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.

References

1. Howe MS, Keys W, Richards D. Long-term (10-year) dental implant survival: A systematic review and sensitivity meta-analysis. J Dent. 2019;84:9-21. 10.1016/j.jdent.2019.03.008

2. Simonis P, Dufour T, Tenenbaum H. Long‐term implant survival and success: a 10–16‐year follow‐up of non‐submerged dental implants. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2010;21(7):772-777. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0501.2010.01912.x

3. Froum S. Replacement dental implants: 3 clinical methods to increase survival rates after initial implant failure.  Dental Economics. June 5, 2018. https://www.perioimplantadvisory.com/clinical-tips/article/16412259/replacement-dental-implants-3-clinical-methods-to-increase-survival-rates-after-initial-implant-failure

4. Tyler B. Calculating the cost of a 1-star review. Revenue Jump. May 6, 2021.

About the Author

Scott Froum, DDS

Scott Froum, DDS, a graduate of the State University of New York, Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, is a periodontist in private practice at 1110 2nd Avenue, Suite 305, New York City, New York. He is the editorial director of Perio-Implant Advisory and serves on the editorial advisory board of Dental Economics. Dr. Froum, a diplomate of both the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Academy of Osseointegration, is a volunteer professor in the postgraduate periodontal program at SUNY Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. He is a PhD candidate in the field of functional and integrative nutrition. Contact him through his website at drscottfroum.com or (212) 751-8530.

Read Dr. Froum's DE Editorial Advisory Board profile here. 

About the Author

Addison Killeen, DDS

Addison Killeen, DDS, is the author of six books, most recently the Dental Marketing Manual. He has a history of owning multiple practices, from startups to acquisitions. He is also a cofounder of the Dental Success Network (DSN). He currently owns and manages Capital Dental, a large group practice in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Sponsored Recommendations

Office Managers: A Glowing Review

Office managers are the heart of every practice, valued for their compassion, dedication, and exceptional skill. This year’s Spa Day giveaway highlighted their impact—from problem...

Care Beyond the Chair: A Trusted Provider for All Patients

Just as no treatment plan is exactly the same, neither are any two patients’ financial situations. Financial barriers can stand in the way of a patient receiving the care they...

Success in the Cloud: Benefits for Multilocation Practices

One practice, multiple locations. It sounds pretty simple, but we know it requires an intentional, multilayered strategy to be successful. Discover how implementing cloud-based...

4 Ways to Increase Case Acceptance & Practice Efficiencies

Cost limitations can be a big barrier to patients’ acceptance of dental care treatments. Click to learn more about Patterson CarePay+, a single, comprehensive financing option...