Dental Costs in India: What You Really Pay for Implants, Crowns, and Cleanings

When it comes to dental costs, the total price you pay for treating teeth, gums, or jaw issues in India, including procedures like implants, extractions, and crowns. Also known as tooth care expenses, it varies wildly depending on where you go, what you need, and whether you're in a city or small town. Many assume dental work is cheap here—but that’s only true if you know where to look and what to ask for.

Take dental implants, a surgical procedure to replace missing teeth with artificial roots and crowns. In metro cities, one implant can cost between ₹20,000 and ₹50,000. But in smaller towns, you might find the same service for ₹12,000 to ₹25,000. The big difference? Brand, clinic setup, and whether the dentist uses local or imported parts. You don’t need the most expensive implant to get good results—just a qualified dentist who explains what’s included.

Then there’s dental crowns, caps placed over damaged teeth to restore shape and function. A basic metal crown might run ₹2,000, while a porcelain one can hit ₹10,000. Most people don’t realize the material matters more than the clinic’s fancy sign. For back teeth, a metal crown lasts just as long and costs a fraction. For front teeth, porcelain looks natural—but only if the dentist shades it right. A bad match looks worse than a missing tooth.

And let’s not forget tooth extraction, the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. A simple pull? ₹500 to ₹1,500. A wisdom tooth that’s impacted? ₹3,000 to ₹8,000. Many clinics upsell X-rays and antibiotics you don’t need. Ask: "Is this tooth fully visible?" If yes, you likely don’t need a surgical extraction. Save money, save stress.

What’s missing from most dental cost discussions? The hidden fees. Some clinics quote ₹15,000 for an implant but charge extra for the abutment, the crown, the bone graft, the follow-up visit, and the anesthesia. Total? ₹45,000. Always ask for a written breakdown. No itemized quote? Walk away.

Insurance rarely covers dental work in India, but some mediclaim policies now include major procedures. Check your policy. If you’re paying out of pocket, consider dental chains like Apollo, Dr. Smile, or local clinics with good reviews. Avoid places that push financing plans with 24% interest. That’s not care—that’s debt.

And here’s the truth: good dental care doesn’t mean expensive. It means timely. A ₹500 cleaning now can save you ₹20,000 later. Most people wait until they’re in pain. By then, the fix is bigger, harder, and costlier. The cheapest dental visit is the one you don’t need because you went in early.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve been through implants, crowns, and emergency extractions in India. They share what they paid, what surprised them, and what they’d do differently. No fluff. Just what works—and what doesn’t—when your mouth is on the line.