Are you seeking an effective and long-lasting solution for missing teeth? Curious about the cost of dental implants? Dental implants have gained significant popularity for tooth restoration, with continuous advancements in dental technology leading to increasingly durable and high-quality options.1
The cost of dental implants can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of implant, the number of teeth being replaced, and the overall complexity of the procedure.2 Generally, a single dental implant can range from $1,500 to $5,000. However, some sources indicate a broader range for a single implant, including the abutment and crown, from $3,000 to $6,000.
This guide will provide an overview of what the price of dental implants can include and the various factors that influence these costs. The goal is to provide you with helpful information to make an informed decision about this long-term investment in your smile.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts or frames, typically made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath your gums.3 They function as new tooth roots, providing a secure and stable foundation for permanently anchoring artificial teeth such as dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures.4 Implants are also used to support fixed partial dentures or full dentures.5 They are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, allowing you to chew comfortably and speak confidently without concerns about loose-fitting dentures or shifting bridges.6
What is the Average Cost for Implants?
The average cost for dental implant surgery can vary widely due to several factors, including your geographic location, the complexity of your specific case, the type of materials used, and other additional costs.7 Generally speaking, the cost range for a single tooth implant can be anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. It is crucial to consult with your dentist to receive an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs before any work is done.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Implant Treatment
Type of Implant
The type of implant significantly impacts the total cost of dental implant treatment.8 Different implant types vary in size and material, which influences the complexity and overall cost of the procedure.9 For example:
- Endosteal implants: These are the most common type, placed directly into the jawbone, usually titanium.10 They typically range from $1,500 to $6,000 per implant (implant post only).
- Subperiosteal implants: These are placed under the gum but on top of the jawbone, typically for patients with insufficient bone height who want to avoid grafting.11 They can be more expensive, ranging from $3,000 to $4,500 per implant.
- Transosteal implants: The least common and most complex, used for extreme bone loss, often exceeding $5,000 per implant.
- Immediate-load implants (Same-day implants): Allow a temporary tooth on the same day the implant is placed, costing around $3,255 for the implant post.
- Zygomatic implants: Used for severe bone loss in the upper jaw, anchored in the cheekbone, more complex and thus more expensive (around $3,918 for the implant post).
Different types also require varying levels of expertise from the provider, with more complex procedures often incurring higher fees.12 Additionally, some implant materials, like zirconia, are more expensive than others, leading to higher costs for those specific implants.13
Quantity of Implants Needed
The number of dental implants required for your treatment will significantly affect the cost. The more implants you need, the higher your overall cost will be.14 This is because each implant requires specialized materials and surgical procedures, so more implants mean more time and money involved.15 Furthermore, if multiple implants are placed in a single area, additional procedures might be required to ensure the treatment’s long-term success and stability.
Other Procedures (Bone Graft, Tooth Extraction, Sinus Lift, etc.)
The total cost can be significantly affected by other necessary procedures because the implant placement process isn’t always straightforward. For example:
- Bone Grafting: If a patient lacks sufficient healthy jawbone tissue to support the implant, they may need a bone grafting procedure.16 A simple graft using synthetic bone can range from $300 to $800 per implant area. If the graft uses bone harvested from the patient, requiring hospitalization and an orthopedic surgeon/anesthesiologist, costs can range from $2,500 to $3,500.
- Sinus Lift: This procedure is necessary if there isn’t enough bone height in the upper jaw, particularly near the sinus cavity.17 The average cost for a sinus lift can be between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on complexity and bone graft material size.18
- Tooth Extraction: If a tooth needs to be removed before implant placement, the cost of the extraction will be added, varying with complexity and anesthesia needs.19
- Gum Augmentation: If there isn’t enough gum tissue to accommodate the restoration, gum augmentation procedures may be necessary.20
All these additional procedures can increase the overall treatment cost and should be considered when budgeting for dental implants.21
Experience
The experience of the oral surgeon plays a major role in determining the total cost of dental implant treatment. The amount of time and skill needed to successfully insert a dental implant is significant, and only dentists with extensive training and experience can consistently deliver high-quality results.22 Highly experienced dentists typically charge higher fees for their services, but their expertise can also lead to more efficient procedures and longer-lasting implants.23 This can save you money in the long run, as these implants may require fewer repairs or replacements in the future.
Quality of Materials Used
The quality of implant materials used in a dental implant treatment is extremely important as it directly affects the success and longevity of the treatment.24 High-quality materials are often more expensive than lower-quality alternatives, but they provide greater value in terms of higher success rates, patient satisfaction, and lower maintenance costs over time.25 Dental implants made with high-quality materials also tend to be more durable and may require less invasive procedures, resulting in quicker recovery times for patients.26
Paying for Your Dental Implant Procedure
Paying for a dental implant procedure depends on your individual needs and budget. Here are some of the most common payment options patients have for their dental care treatment:
- Financing and Payment Plans: Many dental offices offer financing options, such as personal loans or in-house payment plans.27 It’s best to check with your dentist to see what they offer. This allows you to make monthly payments over time instead of paying for the entire procedure upfront. Common third-party financing providers include CareCredit and LendingClub.28
- Dental Health Insurance: You may be able to cover a portion of your procedure cost through your dental insurance provider, depending on your specific plan’s coverage.29 Many dental insurance plans offer some level of coverage for dental implants, especially if they are deemed medically necessary.30 Contact your insurance company directly to inquire about their coverage policies for dental implants and the extent of reimbursement you can expect. Top dental insurance providers like Delta Dental and MetLife often offer plans with implant coverage, though waiting periods and annual maximums apply.31
- FSA and HSA: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are tax-advantaged accounts that can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses, including dental implant procedures.32 These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck each month.33 Dental implants are generally considered a qualified medical expense by the IRS if used for medical purposes (e.g., treating a dental disease, replacing missing teeth from an accident, preventing bone loss), but typically not for purely cosmetic reasons.
- HSA: Requires enrollment in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Funds roll over year to year.
- FSA: Generally employer-provided, with lower contribution limits and typically a “use-it-or-lose-it” rule (funds generally do not carry over).34
- Medicare and Medicaid: In most cases, Original Medicare does not cover routine dental services, including dental implants. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer dental benefits that include partial coverage for implants.35 Medicaid coverage for dental implants varies significantly by state and is often limited to cases deemed medically necessary, especially for adults. Children under 21 with Medicaid may have a higher chance of coverage through Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT).36
Contact Our Dental Office to Learn More About Implant Placement
Dental implants can be an excellent way to restore your smile and significantly improve your oral health.37 However, the cost of the procedure can vary greatly depending on the type of implant, the experience of the dentist, the need for additional procedures, and the quality of materials used.38 It’s important to conduct thorough research and explore all available options to ensure you receive the best value for your investment.