During an implant consultation, new patients should ask for an overall cost estimate that includes:
Getting a detailed quote in writing is the best way to avoid a surprise bill.
Read on to find out why tooth replacement costs vary so much, if insurance covers dental implants, and whether patients think they’re worth the money.
Many insurance companies classify dental implant surgery as a cosmetic procedure, so they don’t offer any coverage.
However, some dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of dental implant procedures. You’ll be more likely to qualify for coverage if:
Even in these cases, coverage may be very limited or come with a hefty deductible.
It's also common for dental insurance policies to cover basic dental care like oral health checkups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and root canals in the first year of the policy, with coverage for prosthodontics, like various types of dental implants, in later years. A typical plan like this will pay out $1,500 per person per year, less than the full cost of a single dental implant.
Contact your dental insurance provider to find out the details of your coverage.
Most providers offer a range of payment options, including monthly payment plans or accept third-party financing options, like CareCredit.
You may also be able to pay for your cosmetic dentistry procedure from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Dental implants have a 84% Worth It Rating from reviewers on RealSelf. While implants are far more expensive than tooth replacement options like traditional dentures and bridges, they have several advantages:
Ultimately, only you and a qualified provider can determine whether this is the best tooth replacement option for your mouth and budget.
These are the biggest factors that will affect your total cost.
Patient needs range widely, from a single dental implant to a full mouth of new teeth.
More implants mean a higher total cost, but a lower price per tooth: you’ll only be charged once for related fees such as X-rays and scans.
All-on-4, a Clear Choice dental implant procedure that replaces a full arch of teeth, costs over $30,000—about $3,800 per tooth.
Dental implants can be placed by an oral surgeon, periodontist, prosthodontist, or cosmetic dentist with implantology training.
Providers who have years or decades of experience can charge more for dental implant surgery than those who have less expertise.
If the missing tooth you’re replacing is very visible, or you’re getting multiple implants along with other procedures like a bone graft, it may be worth it to pay a little more for their experience.
As you choose your provider, read patient reviews and consider their before and after photos, with an eye for natural-looking results.
Providers with higher overhead costs have to pass those expenses on to patients. Especially if you live in a major metro like New York City or Los Angeles, it pays to shop around for your dental implant treatment.
Broadening your search to cosmetic dental offices outside the downtown core may save you money. Just make sure your chosen provider still has the necessary credentials and experience, with a solid track record of stellar patient reviews.
A dental implant has a few components:
Your provider will recommend the best type of dental implant for your needs, and it’s worth asking how their choices will impact your bill.
For example:
If the price quote you get is way beyond your budget, ask about more affordable materials and how long you can expect them to last.
Front teeth are easier to access, which can make them less expensive than replacement molars of the same material.
The specific area of the mouth being worked can influence cost in other ways, as well. For instance, an implant placed in the upper arch, close to the nose, is more likely to require a sinus lift procedure beforehand.
X-rays and CT scans are used to:
An X-ray can cost as little as $100, but it’s not uncommon to be charged up to $750 for a CT scan. Your insurance plan may or may not cover them.
Your treatment plan should note any additional procedures you’ll need first, along with their estimated cost. For example:
If you’re only having one or two implants placed, local anesthesia and oral sedation administered by your provider should keep you comfortable. This is by far the cheapest option.
If you need bone graft surgery to strengthen your jawbone or a significant number of tooth extractions, you and your provider might prefer general anesthesia. This option becomes much more expensive because it’s administered by an anesthesiologist (an MD) or a nurse anesthetist, who will add their own fees to your total bill.
These more affordable options may be worth considering.