Quick guide 2026 (no confusion)
If you want the cost of the complete implant (implant + abutment + crown + surgery and follow-ups), please see our main guide:
Dental implant price in Colombia 2026 (Complete guide)
.
When someone asks “How much does a dental implant cost?”, two concepts are often mixed up:
- Cost per unit: the implant as a component (the “screw”).
- Cost of the complete implant: implant + abutment + crown + surgery + follow-ups.
Also, to avoid confusion, in our clinic we work with two implantology approaches with different timelines and cost structures:
- Conventional implantology (traditional staged protocol).
- Strategic immediate-load implantology (corticobasal / compressive), which may allow fixed teeth in 24–48 hours in selected cases.
For Canadian patients: prices are shown in COP and approx CAD for easy planning. CAD values are estimates and can vary with the exchange rate.
1) Key difference: “per unit” vs “complete implant”
Per unit usually refers to the implant itself (the screw). Many offers are advertised this way and then patients realize some parts or services are not included.
In practice, the patient ends up paying for the complete implant, which typically includes:
- Implant
- Abutment (connector)
- Crown (the visible “tooth”)
- Surgery + follow-ups
👉 To understand the real total cost, see:
Complete guide to dental implants in Colombia 2026
.
2) Quick 2026 table: per-unit costs, crowns & common add-ons
Indicative ranges that may vary depending on diagnosis, complexity, and materials. Final pricing is defined after a clinical evaluation.
CAD conversion note: Approx values calculated with 1 CAD ≈ 2,656 COP.
| Item | Indicative range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Implant per unit (screw) | $1,900,000 – $2,300,000 COP (approx $715 – $866 CAD) | Usually does NOT include the abutment, crown, or full surgery package. |
| Abutment | (depends on system and case) | Connector between implant and crown. Included in some plans. |
| Metal-porcelain crown | $1,800,000 – $1,900,000 COP (approx $678 – $715 CAD) | Functional and more budget-friendly option (case-dependent). |
| Zirconia crown | $2,000,000 – $2,200,000 COP (approx $753 – $828 CAD) | Excellent aesthetics and high strength in many cases. |
| Simple extraction (if needed) | $150,000 – $350,000 COP (approx $56 – $132 CAD) | If the tooth must be removed before the implant. |
| Bone regeneration / graft (if needed) | $800,000 – $5,000,000 COP (approx $301 – $1,883 CAD) | Depends on type and volume. Learn more here: bone regeneration. |
| Sinus lift (if needed) | $3,000,000 – $5,000,000 COP (approx $1,130 – $1,883 CAD) | Upper jaw procedure to gain bone height. |
| Conscious sedation (if needed) | (depends on time/procedure) | Useful for anxiety or long procedures. See: conscious sedation. |
Tip: if an “offer” only mentions the implant screw price, always ask for a written breakdown including:
implant + abutment + crown + surgery + follow-ups.
3) Scenario “calculator”: how to estimate your case
Think of the cost as a sum of “blocks”. The base block is often implant + crown,
and then additional procedures may apply depending on your diagnosis: extraction, regeneration, sinus lift, sedation, etc.
Scenario A: straightforward case (no graft) + crown
- Implant per unit (reference): $1,900,000 – $2,300,000 COP (approx $715 – $866 CAD)
- Crown (metal-porcelain or zirconia): $1,800,000 – $2,200,000 COP (approx $678 – $828 CAD)
- Key: the real total is usually higher because abutment/surgery/follow-ups may be missing. For the total, see the main guide (complete implant).
Scenario B: with a prior extraction
- Extraction: $150,000 – $350,000 COP (approx $56 – $132 CAD)
- Then add the implant + crown plan (based on diagnosis)
Scenario C: with bone loss (requires regeneration)
If bone volume is insufficient, a conventional implant may require a graft or regeneration. Learn more:
Bone regeneration.
- Regeneration/graft: $800,000 – $5,000,000 COP (approx $301 – $1,883 CAD)
- Then the implant + crown plan
- Impact: it can increase treatment time and budget (and the graft type influences outcomes and follow-ups). [R2]
Scenario D: a time-optimizing alternative (selected cases)
In selected cases, strategic implantology (cortical anchorage / compressive implants and immediate-load protocols) may be considered to avoid grafts in many cases and/or reduce clinical timelines.
See guide:
Strategic implantology
and experience:
strategic implants in 24 hours.
| Scenario | What changes the budget | What to request in the quote |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | Crown material, abutment type, and follow-up visits | Implant brand, abutment included/ not, crown type, number of follow-ups |
| With extraction | Extraction complexity and site management | Whether it includes extraction, medication, post-op follow-up |
| With graft/regeneration | Bone volume, biomaterials, and chair time | Graft type, membrane (if applicable), follow-up schedule |
| Sinus lift | Technique, biomaterials, anatomical complexity | Whether it includes the sinus lift, follow-ups, timeline, medication |
| Sedation | Procedure duration and clinical need | Whether it includes anesthesiologist/monitoring (per protocol), and scope |
4) Strategic implantology (immediate load / corticobasal): what it is and when it is considered
In addition to conventional implantology, our clinic also offers strategic immediate-load implantology, also known as corticobasal (and/or protocols using compressive implants depending on the case).
⚠️ Important: this technique is not indicated solely because there is “no bone”.
In many cases it is considered as an alternative to:
- Avoid bone grafts in most cases (when diagnosis allows).
- Reduce clinical timelines.
- Achieve fixed provisional crowns within 24–48 hours.
In strategic implantology:
- Implants may be anchored in cortical bone (more stable) or in alveolar bone using compressive implants.
- The choice between basal vs compressive implants depends on the case and bone availability.
- The goal is to achieve stability for immediate loading when indicated. [R4]
👉 Full guide:
Strategic implantology
5) 2026 costs – Strategic implantology (immediate load)
🔹 Front teeth or premolars
(incisors, canines, and premolars)
- Total cost per tooth: $4,900,000 COP (approx $1,845 CAD)
- Phase 1 (24–48 hours): $3,100,000 COP (approx $1,167 CAD) — implant + fixed provisional PMMA crown
- Phase 2 (up to 8–18 months): $1,800,000 COP (approx $678 CAD) — upgrade to final zirconia crown
🔹 Molars (high-load areas)
(first and second molars: 16, 17, 26, 27, 36, 37, 46, 47)
For molars, due to chewing load, 2 implants are often required to support 1 crown (when it is a single, isolated molar).
- Total cost per molar: $5,900,000 COP (approx $2,221 CAD)
- Phase 1 (24–48 hours): $4,100,000 COP (approx $1,544 CAD) — 2 implants + fixed provisional PMMA crown
- Phase 2 (up to 8–18 months): $1,800,000 COP (approx $678 CAD) — upgrade to final zirconia crown
Clinical note: when two consecutive molars are needed (for example 36 and 37), in some cases 3 implants are placed to support 2 crowns.
Dental numbering (visual clarification)
To avoid confusion, when we refer to “molars” we mean teeth: 16, 17, 26, 27, 36, 37, 46 and 47.
6) Conventional vs strategic: quick summary
| Aspect | Conventional | Strategic (immediate load) |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | Months until the final crown | 24–48 hours for a fixed provisional crown (if indicated) [R4] |
| Grafts | Common in some cases | Often avoided in many cases (depending on diagnosis) |
| Anchorage | Alveolar bone | Cortical or compressive anchorage (case-dependent) |
Key phrase (to avoid confusion):
The cost of a dental implant depends on whether it is done with conventional implantology or strategic immediate-load implantology.
These are different protocols, with different indications, timelines, and budgets.
7) Metal-porcelain vs zirconia crown: which is best?
The crown is the visible part that “looks like the tooth”. Choosing a material is not only about aesthetics: it also affects strength, fit, and maintenance.
Metal-porcelain crown
- Can be a functional, more budget-friendly option.
- Indicated in some posterior cases (depending on aesthetic needs).
Zirconia crown
- Superior aesthetics for many patients.
- High strength and widely used in modern rehabilitations.
- In implant-supported rehabilitations, reviews compare materials for implant-supported prostheses. [R5]
Key: it’s not only “which material is better”, but which material is best for your bite, your gums, and your specific area.
If there is bruxism (clenching or grinding), the indication and maintenance plan become even more important.
8) Related scientific evidence (specific reading)
Here are targeted references related to topics in this article:
grafts/regeneration, sinus lift, immediate loading, prosthetic materials, and peri-implant risks.
- Peri-implant risk and periodontal health: a history of periodontitis is associated with higher risk of peri-implantitis. PubMed: 30391683
- Guided bone regeneration (GBR): reviews on outcomes and factors such as membrane exposure. PubMed: 29368353
- Sinus lift: meta-analysis on implant survival associated with sinus lift procedures. PubMed: 36511050
- Immediate / early loading: reviews comparing outcomes (depending on case and stability criteria). PubMed: 29703670
- Zirconia vs metal-ceramic in implant-supported rehabilitation: reviews in implant-supported prostheses. PubMed: 38425320
Note: These references are provided for deeper understanding. Final indication always depends on an individual diagnosis.
9) Treatment step-by-step: what is usually paid for (and why)
One reason quotes vary so much is that not all quotes include the same things.
This step-by-step helps you identify missing items.
1) Diagnosis
- Clinical evaluation, gum assessment, and bite analysis.
- Define whether extraction, regeneration, or complementary procedures are needed.
2) Implant surgery
- Implant placement and post-operative follow-up.
- In some cases: tissue management, sutures, and additional check-ups.
3) Abutment + records/impressions
- The abutment connects the implant to the crown (not always included when you see “per-unit” pricing).
- Records and try-ins depending on the prosthetic plan.
4) Final crown + occlusal adjustment
- Delivery of the crown (material depends on case).
- Bite adjustments to reduce overload.
5) Follow-ups and maintenance
- Check-ups to monitor gum health, hygiene, inflammation, and stability.
- Maintenance plan based on risk (hygiene, smoking, diabetes, bruxism, periodontal history). [R1]
10) Checklist: what a serious implant quote should include
Before deciding, request a written quote that answers:
- What is the brand and system of the implant?
- Does it include the abutment or is it quoted separately?
- What crown type is included (metal-porcelain vs zirconia) and under what conditions does it change?
- Does it include surgery, post-op follow-ups, and how many check-ups?
- What happens if extraction, graft, or sinus lift is needed? (included or “quoted later”?)
- Does it include bite adjustments and recommendations if there is bruxism?
- What are the warranty conditions and the maintenance plan?
11) Maintenance: what protects your investment (and almost nobody explains)
An implant does not “take care of itself”. Long-term stability depends on healthy gums, hygiene, follow-ups, and risk control.
That is why sometimes a “cheap quote” becomes expensive if it does not include education, follow-ups, and maintenance. [R1]
Early warning signs
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing/interdental cleaning.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Inflammation or redness around the implant.
- Pain or discomfort when biting (not always normal).
Practical recommendation
- Book periodic follow-ups (frequency depends on clinical risk).
- Use the right interdental tools (we recommend them based on your case).
- If there is bruxism, consider an occlusal guard (when indicated).
Would you like a real quote for your case?
The final price depends on your diagnosis (bone, gums, bite, and area) and the indicated approach (conventional vs strategic).
If you want, we can guide you through an evaluation.
Related articles
Does this article show the total price of the complete implant?
No. Here you see the breakdown per unit (screw), crowns, and scenarios that change the budget, plus the comparison between conventional and strategic implantology. For the total complete implant cost, see the main guide linked at the beginning.
What does “per-unit cost” mean for a dental implant?
It generally refers to the implant (screw) only, without necessarily including the abutment, crown, surgery, follow-ups, or additional procedures.
Why can the implant screw range vary by city or case?
It can vary due to availability, logistics, the implant system, and case complexity. In 2026 we provide indicative ranges; the final amount is confirmed after evaluation.
How much does an implant crown cost?
It depends on the material and the lab. Metal-porcelain is usually more budget-friendly, and zirconia often offers better aesthetics and high strength in many cases.
What increases the cost of an implant the most?
Additional procedures (graft/regeneration, sinus lift, extractions), the crown material, and overall case complexity.
When is a graft or bone regeneration needed?
When there is not enough bone volume for proper stability with conventional implantology. This is confirmed with evaluation and imaging.
Is strategic implantology only for patients with “no bone”?
No. In selected cases, it can be considered to avoid grafts in many cases and/or reduce timelines and allow fixed provisional crowns in 24–48 hours, if the diagnosis allows.
How do I know if a quote is incomplete?
If it only mentions the “screw” price and does not specify the abutment, crown type, surgery, follow-ups, implant brand, and warranty/maintenance conditions.
What should I request before choosing where to get my implant?
A complete diagnosis, a written breakdown, the brand/system, the follow-up/maintenance plan, and warranty conditions.
Author
Dr Johanna Calderón
Periodontics & implant specialist. In our clinic we have a team of specialists providing comprehensive care: dental implants, periodontics, smile design, endodontics and general dentistry.
We treat local and international patients (including Canada) and guide you with a clear plan based on your diagnosis
(bone, gums, bite and the area to be restored).
Last update: 01/01/2026.