How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

What Are Dental Implants?

There are basically two options for replacing a missing tooth or teeth - dental implants or dentures. While dentures are prosthetic devices that are regularly removed when sleeping or for cleaning or repair, dental implants are permanent replacement fixtures. They are comprised of a titanium post which is surgically anchored in the jawbone to which an abutment and then a crown or bridge are attached. Dental implants are typically done in stages. After the titanium post is implanted, time must be allowed for it to bond with the jawbone. After the healing process is complete, placement of the abutment and replacement teeth follow. The complete process can take upwards to a year.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Dental implants are not inexpensive, but the costs can vary widely depending on where you live and how much work you have done. The types of materials used also heavily influence the price. For example, a pre-fabricated abutment and crown will cost less than a custom-made abutment and porcelain crown. Keeping that caveat in mind, a single implant, including the placement of the titanium post, the abutment and the crown will cost on average about $4,800 in the US.

What Other Procedures May Be Required With Dental Implants?

Before you even get started, your periodontist or oral surgeon will need to do an oral examination complete with X-rays. These procedures can add $150 to $450 to your total costs. Your periodontist may also wish to take some 3D imaging on your jawbone and teeth, adding another $150 to $750 to the overall bill. Models will be made of your mouth to help put together a treatment plan. If any tooth extraction is necessary, this can be an additional $200 to $700.

The role of the implant is to serve as an artificial root for the abutment and crown attached to it, so it is critical that it be firmly established in the jawbone. For this reason, it is not uncommon that grafting be required to help thicken the bone where the implant is to be placed. The cost of bone grafting along with the secondary surgery to place the abutment and crown can easily add another $1,000 in costs per implant. Additionally, bone grafting may require hospitalization adding thousands to your bill.

Are Dental Implants Covered by Dental Insurance?

Many dental insurance providers will not cover the full cost of dental implants, because they are viewed as cosmetic procedures and, therefore, not necessary. They may, however, cover a portion of expenses such as x-rays or extractions, so it's helpful to get an estimate of charges prior to having work done. Another option to consider is a dental discount plan. Many of these plans offer discounts of 10 to 60 percent on various dental procedures including implants. You might also seek services from clinics at dental schools where supervised students provide dental implant surgery at reduced rates.