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A man getting a hefty bill for a dental implant

What's the Average Cost of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the most complex approach to tooth replacement but are also the longest-lasting. The average cost of dental implants is $1,500 per implant, though it depends largely on where you’re getting the procedure done. Several additional costs go with it, like specialist consultations and medical imaging, just to name a few.

Key Takeaways

  • With insurance, expect $1,500 to $2,000 per implant; potential total bills exceeding $4,800; and consistent costs regardless of the number of implants.
  • Properly maintained implants provide benefits for approximately 20 years, depending on material quality.
  • Dental bridges and dentures are cost-effective alternatives with a shorter lifespan than implants.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

With insurance, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 for each dental implant before adding the extra costs mentioned earlier. Those costs could push your total bill up to $4,800 or more.

Remember: some costs stay the same regardless of how many dental implants you get. For example, you’ll probably have the same number of consultations with the dentist, whether you’re getting one implant or three put in simultaneously.

Of course, these prices can differ significantly depending on where you’re getting the procedure done. Some places charge less than others, which is good news if you’re on a tight budget.

It’s always an excellent idea to research these costs upfront. If you have dental insurance, you can check your policy to see if it’s covered. 

How Much Do Implants Cost Without Insurance?

On average, the cost of a single dental implant in the United States typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. For a full mouth of dental implants, the costs will start at $20,000.

However, this is a general estimate, and the actual cost may be higher or lower based on individual circumstances and treatment plans. It's recommended to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon for a more accurate assessment of the cost based on your specific situation.

Dental insurance coverage could significantly reduce the cost you pay for dental implants. That’s because the insurer may cover either part or all of the bill, reducing how much money you have to contribute.

Without insurance, however, you’ll have to pay the total amount ‘out of pocket’ with your own money.

A Breakdown of Dental Implant Costs

Type of Dental Implant

Cost with insurance

Cost without insurance

Single dental implant (per tooth)

Insurance may reduce patient out-of-pocket costs by 50- 80%, which could mean anywhere from $500 - $800.

$1,000 - $3,000

Full set of dental implants (full mouth)

Insurance will contribute to the cost, but the patient should be prepared for a substantial expense over $5,000 at minimum. 

$20,000- $45,000

The above should only be considered an estimate. Getting dental implants is quite complex, requiring specialist care expertise and care. That’s why the costs of this procedure may involve many different factors.

Aside from paying for one or more individual implants, the costs on your dental bill will also include:

  • Additional items. e.g., crowns, abutments,
  • Related procedure costs. e.g., dental examinations, anesthesia, medical imaging, and specialist consultation.
  • Miscellaneous costs. e.g., pre- and post-operative care.

Getting dental implants is known to be a costly procedure, and that’s because of all the items mentioned above and more. That’s why most people want to know much more about the process before spending their hard-earned money on it.

Why Dental Implants Are an Investment

Understandably, the high cost of getting dental implants will make many question whether or not it’s worth it. One way of deciding that for yourself is to look at dental implants as a long-term investment that won’t just benefit you financially but also benefit your physical and psychological health.

For starters, dental implants are the longest-lasting tooth-replacement procedures available to patients. These things can last around 20 years; for some people, that could mean lasting the remainder of their lives.

On top of that, getting these implants could help protect the rest of your teeth, gums, and even your jawline. That will prevent a patient’s face shape from deteriorating due to the absence of teeth.

Overall, dental implants contribute to your appearance, helping you feel confident about yourself.

Why Are Implants So Expensive?

Here are some of the essential reasons that dental implants are so costly:

  • Materials. Dental implants are made from medical-grade materials that must be durable and last several decades.
  • Specialists. Specialist skills and expertise are required to provide you with dental implants. These specialists cost more than regular dentists conducting routine procedures.
  • Customization. Dental implants often require customization to ensure they match your other teeth and enhance your appearance.
  • Pre- and post-care. The complexity of getting dental implants requires careful pre-planning before the procedure and support after it’s complete.

As you can see, the high costs aren’t just for the implants but also for the other required supporting services and procedures.

Additional Costs of Dental Implants

You'll see several additional costs when you consult your dentist or look at your bills. Understanding what they are beforehand is essential so you’re not shocked when you see them on your bill.

Some of those costs will include the fee for dental exams, i.e. having the dentist check your teeth before and after the procedure. That checking might also include medical imaging like X-rays, which you’ll see on the bill.

Depending on where the implant is placed, you might also need an additional procedure, like a sinus lift. That’s necessary so the implant can be positioned correctly in your upper jaw.

Lastly, the costs will also include anesthesia to ensure you do not feel any pain from the procedure.

These additional costs are necessary to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Unfortunately, that means doing the procedure without them isn’t possible.

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

Yes, dental implants are worth it if you are missing any teeth.

Teeth are some of the human body's most overlooked and underestimated parts. They’re not just necessary to have a good smile but also critical so you can chew food when you eat.

Also, the absence of any teeth can cause the gums and jaw to deteriorate.

So, paying the price for dental implants will help you restore your facial aesthetics and restore your ability to chew correctly.

Better yet, those will lead to a positive impact on your psychological well-being.

Pros of Dental Implants

Here are some of the benefits of investing in high-quality dental implants:

  • Functionality. Firstly, implants help restore the functionality of your teeth. You’ll be able to chew your food correctly, which also helps with proper digestion.
  • Preservation. Putting dental implants in place will help preserve your gums and jawline in the long run.
  • Oral health. Dental implants also help maintain oral health by supporting other teeth, preventing them from moving.

Cons of Dental Implants

Dental implants come with their fair share of risks and drawbacks, such as:

  • Potential damage. A mistake during the procedure could cause damage to the surrounding jaw area, teeth, and gums. That’s why choosing a specialist with a good track record is essential.
  • Infection. Mistakes during the procedure could also lead to an infection that causes the implant to fail. In other words, the implant will then need to be replaced.
  • Mismatch. Teeth should look similar to the ones next to them. A misalignment or color mismatch could make the implant stand out among your other teeth.

Experienced specialists should have no problems completing a successful dental implant. The odds of one of the above are low. Still, patients like you must be informed of the risks and potential drawbacks.

You should never take missing teeth lightly, as they can lead to all sorts of health problems in the long run. While there are several solutions you can use to prevent that, dental implants are the longest-lasting ones with plenty of benefits to offer.

While the financial commitment may seem daunting, various options exist to mitigate the burden. Certain clinics may provide subsidized or even free procedures, and there's the possibility of coverage through your dental insurance policy. In situations where these avenues may not suffice, an alternative approach is to consider obtaining a quick online installment loan. This can offer a timely solution, allowing you to proceed with the dental implant procedure promptly and restore not only your smile but also your overall oral health.

Related: 13 ways to pay for dental work

Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are a few additional questions readers ask about dental implants:

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Yes, some dental insurance policies cover the costs of dental implants. That could be full coverage, where you don’t have to pay a cent. However, some policies might require paying for parts of the procedure yourself.

Remember: Dental insurance coverage isn’t the same for everyone. So, you must talk to your insurance provider and read your policy's wording to know whether you’re covered for dental implants.

Can I Get Dental Implants Free or Subsidized?

Yes, there are places where you can get dental implants subsidized or for free. Depending on where you live, you might have dental schools nearby that offer this procedure at a reduced price. That’s done so the school’s student dentists, with help from specialist instructors, can gain experience by conducting the procedure on you.

Alternatively, some dental clinics offer the same procedure at a lower price or even completely free. That’s typically done as a form of community service to help locals with their oral health.

How Long Do the Benefits of Dental Implants Last?

Proper maintenance allows you to enjoy the benefits of dental implants for around 20 years. That will depend on several factors, including the quality of the materials in those implants.

What Are Some Alternatives to a Dental Implant?

Depending on your situation, you could opt for dental bridges or dentures instead of implants. These cost significantly less, but they have a shorter lifespan than implants.

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