Discover dental implants cost: Budget-friendly options for a confident smile. Unveil pricing insights in our comprehensive blog.
Tooth loss is common and can bring many problems. Tooth replacement can eliminate these problems. Unfortunately, each tooth replacement option has its own disadvantages.
While affordable, conventional dentures are not stable. On the other end of the spectrum, dental implants are the most stable and closest to natural teeth that you can get but are typically the most expensive. The main difference is that conventional dentures are removable, while dental implants are fixed.
Most people think getting an implant will break their budget. However, the truth is that the cost of dental implants depends on several different factors. In this article, we’ll explore more about the cost of dental implants.
Average Cost Ranges for Dental Implants
Every patient is different and has different needs. The same goes for dental implant procedures – no two are exactly alike, and the costs vary depending on the type of implant and any additional treatments that are required. Below we’ll take a closer look at the average cost ranges for implant-based solutions.
Tooth Replacement Solution – Average Cost Range
| Dental Implant Type | Cost Range |
| Single Tooth Implant | $3,100 – $5,800 |
| Multi-tooth Implant | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Full-Mouth Implants | $60,000 – $90,000 |
| All-on-4 System (per arch) | $12,000 – $24,000 |
| All-on-4 System (both arches) | up to $50,000 |
Single Tooth Implant
A traditional dental implant consists of three pieces: the implant screw, the crown, and the abutment, or connector.
- The implant screw is usually titanium but may be ceramic, depending on your situation. This piece is inserted into the jawbone to create a stable base for the prosthetic tooth.
- The dental crown is the prosthetic tooth that is attached to the implant screw and sits on top of the gum. Typically, the crown is porcelain but may be made of composite resin or zirconia, depending on your needs or wants.
- The abutment connects these two pieces.
According to a survey from the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute, the cost of a single implant and the procedure to install it ranges from around $3,100 to $5,800.
Multi-Tooth Implant
If you have multiple missing teeth next to each other, there are some options that can help you save some money. For example, if you have 3 to 4 teeth in a row that need to be replaced, you can get an implant-supported bridge. The average cost of this tooth replacement solution ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 because instead of needing a single implant for each tooth, only 2 implants are needed to support the bridge.
Full Mouth Dental Implants
If you are missing all of your teeth in one or both arches, replacing each tooth with a single implant can be extremely expensive. This option can cost $60,000 to $90,000.
The good news is that hybrid options can help you save money. The All-on-4 system uses 4 dental implants, and the All-on-6 system uses 6 dental implants to support a full arch of missing teeth. The average cost of these options ranges from around $12,000 per arch to $50,000 for both.
What is Included in the Dental Implant Cost?
While dental implants are one of the most expensive tooth replacement options, the cost includes more than just the implant and placement. Here is what is included in this cost:
Experience/Expertise of the surgeon
One of the primary reasons dental implant costs are so high is that you must pay for the experience/expertise of the surgeon performing the procedure. Placing a dental implant requires more extensive training than a tooth extraction or filling- it requires oral surgery. Therefore, you need a dentist trained in implantology and/or oral surgery.
Consultations/Exams
Before the procedure, you will need to visit the dentist for exams and X-rays to determine if you are eligible for dental implants. Some dental clinics offer free consultations, while others charge. In some cases, dental insurance will cover a portion of these costs, which will reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Surgery to place the implant
This is the cost of placing the implant, where a hole will be drilled into the jawbone for the implant to be placed. This cost involves the use of the room and tools, as well as the time of the staff involved.
Placing the abutment
In a few weeks or months, after the implant site has healed, the abutment will need to be placed. At this time, we will usually add a temporary crown, and we will order the permanent crown.
Placing the permanent crown
The lab will send the permanent crown back to the office in about 2 weeks. Once it arrives, you will be scheduled to have the temporary crown removed and the permanent one placed.
What Factors Are Involved in Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are one of the most expensive tooth replacement options on the market today. However, the cost varies from one patient to another based on their personal needs and treatment goals.
Several factors are used to determine the cost of an implant procedure, including:
The dental professional performing the procedure
If the dentist has specialized training in implantology, fees are often higher than those of someone who has not. In addition, if they have been practicing dentistry for a long time, they will charge more than those who are just getting started. Finally, the location of the dental practice matters. Fees are typically higher in busy metropolitan areas than in rural locations.
Patient’s condition and preliminary procedures required
In some cases, a patient may be fully ready for implants. In other cases, they may require certain preliminary procedures to prepare their mouth for implants. Procedures such as tooth extraction and bone grafting can increase the cost of your procedure.
Anesthesia Options
Local anesthesia is included in the cost of dental implants. However, in some cases, patients need more. Most dental clinics offer oral or IV sedation as well as general anesthesia, based on your needs. These add to the base cost of implants.
Implant materials
Typically, titanium implant screws are used with a porcelain crown. However, some patients are allergic to certain metals in titanium, so they require a ceramic implant, which is more expensive.
In addition, there are different crown material options: porcelain, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, composite resin, and zirconia.
The lab that the dentist works with
Another factor that can impact the cost of your dental implants is the lab that the dentist chooses to work with. Some charge more than others.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
This depends on your insurance plan. Some plans will cover a portion of dental implant treatment, while others classify it as a cosmetic procedure. Most of the time, if implants are covered, the cap is $1,500. However, if the procedure spreads out over 2 years, you may be able to claim $3,000.
If you have a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA), you may be able to use those funds to cover dental implants. However, make sure that you check with both medical and dental insurance providers- or give your information to the office staff at your clinic to determine your coverage.
While dental implants are expensive, you shouldn’t let the cost deter you. After all, dental implants look, feel, and function more like natural teeth. Dental implants are usually a one-time investment. With proper care, they should last a lifetime.
If you have any questions or concerns about the cost of dental implants, the office staff at your dental clinic can help.
FAQs
What is the average cost of dental implants?
The cost of dental implants starts at around $3,000 and goes up to around $5,000+. The average cost is right around $4,800.
Will medical insurance cover dental implants?
Insurance coverage for dental implants is questionable. Some providers have no problem covering part of the treatment, while others are less likely to. The good news is that if your dentist and/or a medical provider can prove that dental implants are medically necessary, they are more likely to cover it. You can contact your insurance provider to determine if they cover implants and if not, what you can do to prove that they are necessary so that the procedure will be covered.
What if I need to have my teeth pulled and implants placed?
On average, a full-mouth restoration costs around $35,000, but it may go up to around $90,000 depending on how many teeth must be extracted and the type of extraction required.
What is the cost for the cheapest set of dental implants?
The least expensive dental implants are the removable implant-supported options. These offer both stability and affordability. The average cost usually starts around $11,000 and may go up to around $15,000 per jaw.