Choosing between dentures vs. implants to replace missing teeth is an important decision. Your dentist offers several options when your natural tooth cannot be saved. In most cases, implants are the best solution, with a 95% success rate that is long-lasting and easy to maintain.
However, the first consideration that comes to mind when preparing for the procedure is the cost. This blog explores the full dental implant cost and factors affecting the price tag.
Breakdown Of Dental Implant Cost
An implant with a porcelain crown may cost between $3,500 and $6,700. Full mouth implants cost, on average, $43,000 and can reach $56,000. The final dental implant cost breakdown varies a lot because of the factors that go into it, such as:
- The implant ($1,000-$3,000 for the post and $1,000-$3,000 for the abutment and crown)
- Preparatory procedures ($200-$3,000 for dental restoration and bone grafting; $75-$650 for tooth extraction; $250-$1,000 for CT scan; and $20-$200 for x-rays casting)
- The complexity of the procedure
- Number of implants required
- Type of implants
- The materials used for implants and crowns
- Implant size
- Placement implants
- Sedation
- Implant options (whether you chose all-on-4, all-on-six, or same-day implants)
Factors That Can Impact The Total Costs
Full dental implant cost may also be influenced by factors other than the implant and its surgical placement, such as:
- Materials: Titanium or zirconium are usually used for implants. The cost of these materials is determined by their quality.
- Experience Of Dentists: Experienced dentists tend to charge more since risks are minimized by working with them.
- Preliminary Procedures: Dental implants cost more if you need additional preparations, such as bone grafting, sinus elevation, or tooth extraction.
- Location: Your dentist's location will influence the cost of your dental implants.
- Individual Characteristics: Each dental implant is highly customized. Due to this, there may be a difference in cost between patients.
- Laboratory: Your dentist's choice of laboratory can influence the cost of the crown.
Financing Dental Implants
The following dental insurances cover dental implants:
- Denali Dental
- Delta Dental Insurance
- Spirit Dental & Vision
- Cigna Dental
- Ameritas
Some other financing options are:
In-House Payment Plans
It is common for dentists to offer payment plans in-house. Negotiations are conducted separately for each case. Plans of this type are usually less expensive than loans. The setup process is also simpler.
Until you have covered the entire cost of the implant work, you simply make small payments toward the balance.
Dental Loans
A dental loan is a personal loan that helps you fund dental procedures like expensive dental implants. Consider all your options before making a decision.
FSA, HRA, or HSA
A dental implant that is not installed for cosmetic reasons is eligible for reimbursement through your:
- FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
- HRA (Health Reimbursement Account)
- HSA (Health Savings Account)
A dental implant can be installed with much less financial burden if you have one of these accounts set up.
Some local clinics may also offer qualified patients dental implants and affordable payment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s important to first learn about the costs associated with dental implants to determine affordability. For more clarity, here are some answers to common questions regarding dental implant costs.
Compared to alternatives, dental implants may seem more expensive at first glance. Nevertheless, they are not only an affordable option but also ideal in many cases. With a 95% success rate, dental implants can justify their cost in terms of quality of life and future savings.
An upper jaw implant procedure may require eight to ten dental implants, while a lower jaw implant procedure may require six to eight implants.
Despite their higher initial cost, bridges and dentures may cost you more to maintain and fix new problems caused by them. The material used and the bone graft procedure can affect the price.
You might pay more for dental implants from an experienced implant specialist, but you can ensure they're done correctly and safely with fewer complications by working with one.
Are full dental implants worth it?
Compared to alternatives, dental implants may seem more expensive at first glance. Nevertheless, they are not only an affordable option but also ideal in many cases. With a 95% success rate, dental implants can justify their cost in terms of quality of life and future savings.
How many implants does it take for a full set of teeth?
An upper jaw implant procedure may require eight to ten dental implants, while a lower jaw implant procedure may require six to eight implants.
Why do full mouth dental implant cost so much?
Despite their higher initial cost, bridges and dentures may cost you more to maintain and fix new problems caused by them. The material used and the bone graft procedure can affect the price.
You might pay more for dental implants from an experienced implant specialist, but you can ensure they're done correctly and safely with fewer complications by working with one.
Cost of Dental Implants
Every case is unique, so the full dental implant cost will vary from patient to patient. Preliminary treatments and the surgeon's experience are some factors to consider. Although dental implants aren't usually covered by insurance, there are many ways to reduce costs.
If you need to determine the extent of your dental coverage, our Gov Relations resource on how to get dental implants covered by insurance can help you.
