How Much Do Dental Implants Usually Cost?

One of the most frequently asked questions by patients looking to replace missing teeth is “How much do dental implants usually cost?”

Dental implants provide a permanent solution to tooth loss and unlike dentures don’t have to be replaced every few years. It’s fair to say the upfront cost is high and rarely covered in full by insurance, but you are investing in better dental care which often works out less expensive in the long run compared to cheaper options like dentures.

So, how much do dental implants usually cost?

The thing is, there is no set fee for the dental implant procedure because every patient’s situation is different. The only way to learn for sure how much you can expect to pay for dental implants is to schedule an implant consultation with your dentist.

That said, let’s break down the costs you may see coming your way:

To get a full mouth of dental implants will set you back anywhere between $25,000 to $80,000. These figures may or may not include bone grafts or sinus lifts which are often required before dental implant surgery but are typically billed separately. These prices vary depending on your dentist’s location, fee structure, and overheads.

Cheap implants may look great on paper but they’re unlikely to last as long as popular brands with a proven track record. You may see implants listed between $500 and $1,000 but often they fail to include the additional cost of necessary parts involved in the procedure, such as the dental crown.

Other costs involved when getting dental implants include the assessment of your gum condition and jawbone, whether or not you need a tooth extraction and, or bone grafting, and your anesthesia requirements.

How much do dental implants usually cost – A breakdown of costs during the implant procedure

The dental implant procedure involves multiple stages and procedures. Here’s a guide to the average costs of the various treatments, according to dental billing specialist, Angela Grgic. Not all of them will be included in the average implant cost, but they’re worth bearing in mind should you decide implants are the right choice for you.

• Initial consultation/evaluation: $50 to $300
• Panoramic dental x-ray - $100 to $150
• CBCT (cone beam CT - $150-$750
• Tooth extraction - $150 to $700
• Bone grafting - $200 to $3,200 depending on the type of material and complexity of the individual case
• Abutment - $300 to $600
• Dental crown - $900 to $1,500
• Dental implant - $1,500 to $3,000

All costs vary according to where your dentist is located.

Another factor that plays a significant role in the total cost of your dental implant is the type of implant used by the dentist. These prices are just for the implant itself.

• Zirconia dental implant: $3,000-$4,500 per tooth
• Titanium dental implant: $500-$3,000 per tooth
• All-on-4 dental implants (implant-supported dentures): $12,000-$50,000 per arch (average $25,000 per arch)
• Same-day dental implants: $5,000-$8,000 per tooth
• Zygomatic implants: $30,000-$40,000 per arch
• A full mouth reconstruction (implants on both arches) can cost $80,000 or more depending on your dentist.

 Why do dental implants cost so much?

Dental implants cost what they do because they involve oral surgery and are recognized as the gold standard of tooth replacement. They also provide a long-lasting permanent solution to tooth loss.

Other reasons contributing to the high cost of dental implants include:

• Complex oral surgery requires anesthesia and dental sedation in many cases
• An implant dentist has undergone years of specialized training to be able to place implants
• Hours of lab work to construct the dental crown
• High-quality materials and top-brand implant types are expensive
• Multiple dental visits and several steps are required to complete the full dental implant procedure. The dental implant procedure can take 6 months or more to complete. Each appointment and stage is an additional cost.
• Many people require more than one dental implant, which naturally increases the price further.

What about insurance? Does it cover dental implants?

Dental insurance plans vary so it’s best to check with your insurance provider. That said, many dental insurances cover part of the cost but with the average yearly cap around $1,500, it's insufficient to cover a single implant.

Another way to cover part of your dental implant cost is to use any money you may have in an HSA or FSA account.

Now you have the answer to the question “How much do dental implants usually cost?” you’re probably wondering if it’s possible to save money on dental implants.

How to save money on dental implants

There are a few ways to reduce the cost of dental implants or make them more affordable over time:

• Speak to your dentist about finance options or inhouse payment plans
• Seek treatment abroad (although this can be risky)
• Apply for a grant - If you’re eligible The CDG Grant Program and the ADA Foundation may cover the cost of your dental implants
• Contact a local dental school to enquire about implants from oral surgeons in training.
• Speak to non-profits supporting people in need of expensive dental work. The two most common are Give Back A Smile and Dental Lifeline.

Do you need dental implants?

With an average success rate of around 94% after six years, dental implants are a great choice for individuals looking to replace missing teeth and improve their dental health. Why not schedule a consultation with the experienced team at Chesterfield Dentistry to see if you’re a suitable candidate and to discuss other alternatives?