No two dental implant procedures are the same, so costs are always given in a wide range. “Implant procedures are complex, and there are multiple parts to each procedure,” explains Roger Levin, D.D.S., CEO of the Levin Group, Inc., a dental management consultancy. “There are different fees to every part of it.”
The elements that go into the final cost of your new tooth or teeth include:
- Comprehensive dental exam, including 3D imaging
- Extraction of problem teeth, if necessary
- Installation of the dental implant(s)
- Placement of the abutment hardware
- Fabrication of the dental crown
- Placement of the crown
How much each element costs depends on the dental practice. Some dental practices offer a free computed tomography (CT) scan at the beginning of the process as an incentive (the CT scan helps determine your suitability for dental implants). However, if you have to pay for that 3D imaging, you could be billed between $350 and $515 for the service.
Overall, implants are a lifetime investment and are priced accordingly. Levin estimates the total cost per tooth, from start to finish, generally between $3,000 and $4,500. A person who needs a mouthful of implants is looking at a final price of between $60,000 and $90,000.
There is no standard price because no two procedures are the same. “Unlike a single service, like a filling, implant fees are assessed on the type and complexity of the work,” he says.
In other words, whether you have a CT scan done in the preliminary exam or require a sinus lift or bone graft—and what kind of bone graft—affects the final price.
Additional factors that influence the price of your dental implants include your practitioner’s location—large metropolitan areas tend to be more expensive.
The bottom line? Ask beforehand what it will cost in your case.
The Cost of a Single Tooth Implant
No one buys just an implant—the implant is only the metal or ceramic screw that goes into the jawbone. In addition, you need an abutment (the part that attaches the crown to the implant) and the crown itself. All of these items have separate prices.Many patients will also require a sinus lift or bone graft to make the jawbone healthy enough to keep the implant stable, which adds to the cost.Based on the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute cost survey, the total cost of an implant, abutment, crown, and other necessary procedures ranges from $3,100 to $5,800.
The Cost of a Multiple Tooth Implant
If you’re replacing more than one tooth and those teeth are next to each other, you have more implant options and, thus, more pricing choices. For example, suppose you’re filling a gap of three or four neighboring teeth. In that case, you may use a bridge held in place with just two implants, which lowers the total cost from $6,000 to $10,000. Because two implants can support three or four adjacent teeth, it’s less expensive than four individual implants.
The Cost of a Full Mouth Implant
Since there are different approaches to full-mouth tooth replacement, there’s a wide range of pricing.
The most expensive choice is replacing the teeth individually. This method is the most comfortable and allows the dentist to preserve some existing teeth if they’re healthy enough. This option typically runs from $60,000 to $90,000.
A less expensive option is implant-supported dentures, where two full arches of false teeth replace the natural upper and lower teeth (after any remaining teeth are removed), just as non-implant-supported dentures do. The arch is anchored to four to six implants in the upper and lower jaw. This option, also known by the trademarked name All-on-4, typically ranges from $24,000 to $50,000 for a complete set.
Additional Dental Implant Cost
Make sure you and your dentist discuss pricing and understand the costs. “Very rarely are there any hidden costs,” says Levin. Most dentists will present the entire cost upfront.” If you’re seeing multiple specialists, such as a dentist and an oral surgeon, consider both sets of fees.
The only additional expenses you might have are over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as a painkiller after some procedures or antibiotics before or afterward if the dentist decides it’s necessary.
Because dental implantation is a lengthy process, you’ll pay the costs over many months. If you need a payment plan, 80% of dentists offer them, most commonly through CareCredit, LLC, the most significant dental financing group.
How Does The Cost of Dental Implants Vary Depending On The Location Of the Dental Practice?
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on the location of the dental practice due to differences in overhead costs, local market dynamics, and the cost of living in that area. For example, dental practices in urban areas or areas with a higher cost of living may charge more for dental implants than those in rural areas. Additionally, the expertise and experience of dental professionals in different locations can also impact the cost of dental implants.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Dental insurers have traditionally deemed implants to be “elective,” meaning that they haven’t previously covered associated costs. However, that’s changing, says Levin. “Coverage is improving. The amount insurance is paying is growing every year.”
Dental insurance typically pays for a small portion of the total cost of implants. The percentage of reimbursement may vary by procedure. There may also be a dollar cap on reimbursement for a given calendar year or a lifetime cap for a procedure.
If you have dental insurance, you can now expect to be reimbursed about $1,500 per implant per year. If your implant work spans two calendar years, you can collect for both years.
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs) all cover dental implant spending. These accounts function similarly in that they either pay for or reimburse expenses incurred, including the difference between what your insurance covers and what you must pay out-of-pocket.
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Before you begin the procedures, ensure you’ve checked with your insurance provider or administrator to understand the total costs you’ll be responsible for.
How Long Does The Dental Implant Procedure Typically Take From Start to Finish?
The duration of the dental implant procedure from start to finish can vary depending on individual circumstances. Factors such as the need for preliminary treatments like bone grafting or sinus lifts, the healing process after implant placement, and dental crown fabrication can all influence the overall timeline. It’s best to consult with your dental practitioner to get a personalized estimate of the duration for your specific case.
What Factors Determine Whether a Person Is a Suitable Candidate For Dental Implants?
Factors such as the patient’s overall health, bone density, and gum health can determine whether a person is a suitable candidate for dental implants. The cost of dental implants can vary depending on the location of the dental practice and the specific requirements of the individual patient.