How much do dental implants cost?

Dental implant costs chart | Cost factors | Other costs to consider | Dental implant insurance | How to save money on dental implants

Dental implants are a popular treatment option in the United States. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) reports that 3 million people in the United States have dental implants, increasing by 500,000 annually.

Dental implants are alternatives to full dentures, partial dentures, or bridgework if your natural teeth roots cannot accommodate dentures or tooth replacement. People may get dental implants for various reasons. 

“Dental implants are a wonderful solution for anyone who has lost a tooth/teeth due to injury, decay, periodontal disease, or because it simply didn’t grow in,” says Nicole Mackie, DDS, MS, FACP, the founder of Dr. Nicole Mackie Dental Implant Specialty Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

However, dental implants are notoriously expensive. A single dental implant can cost up to $2,000, which doesn’t include additional costs such as X-rays and tooth extraction. Fortunately, everyone has saving options available to them.

How much do dental implants cost?

Dental implants can range from $1,000 to $90,000, depending on how much work you need. 

Patients may be recommended different dental implants based on their oral health. The bone level and quality of bone have to be taken into consideration. Endosteal implants are placed in the jawbone, but subperiosteal implants may be needed if the patient’s jawbone isn’t healthy enough for bone augmentation, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Here’s a breakdown of dental implants and their average costs:

Dental implant cost by type of implant
Type of implant	Cost
Single dental implant	$1,500-$2,000 per implant
Multiple tooth implants	$6,000-$10,000
Full-mouth implants	$60,000-$90,000
All-on-4 implants	$12,000-$24,000 per arch
Mini dental implants	$500-$1,500 per implant
Immediate load dental implants	$4,000-$5,000 per implant

Single dental implants 

This single implant is for patients with one missing tooth. A single tooth implant and a dental crown replace the natural tooth and its roots. This procedure can cost between $1,500 to $2,000 per implant. 

Multiple tooth implants

Multiple tooth implants replace several missing teeth without support from surrounding natural teeth. These implants can cost between $6,000 to $10,000. 

Full-mouth implants

Full-mouth implants are for patients missing all of their teeth. They can replace all teeth and some of their roots. The average costs of these implants range between $60,00 to $90,000.

All-on-4 implants

All-on-4 implants are an alternative to a top or bottom set of replacement teeth, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. The patient receives four dental implants placed into their remaining bone. They’ll use a temporary set of replacement teeth for six months post-surgery before receiving their permanent implants. All-on-4 implants are $12,000 to $24,000 per arch (all bottom or top teeth). 

Mini dental implants

Also known as small or narrow-diameter implants, these implants are the size of a toothpick and are slimmer than typical implants. They require less invasive procedures and aim to maintain lower dentures, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Mini dental implants can cost between $500 to $1,500 per implant. Mini dental implants can also be used in orthodontic treatment.

Immediate load dental implants

For immediate load dental implants, patients get temporary tooth replacements the same day as a dental implant placement, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. This option is available to patients with enough natural, healthy bone and an implant that’s secure enough to accept a temporary tooth. These implants range from $4,000 to $5,000 per implant. 

Factors that affect dental implant costs

As you may have noticed, the costs of dental implants can vary. This is not only due to the costs of dental implants themselves but other surrounding factors you must consider. 

“Factors [for dental implant costs] range from the type of implant, the complexity of the patient’s dental anatomy, potential preparatory procedures, such as needing bone grafting, and the surgeon’s expertise,” Dr. Mackie says. “Like a unique fingerprint, each mouth is a different landscape–the cost depends very much on this.”

Discuss pricing with your dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon to better understand what dental implant procedures may cost you. 

Other costs to consider before getting dental implants

Dental implants are major surgery, so you can expect that the cost will include other medical expenses.

Listed below are the additional costs for dental implants, according to Authority Dental.

Appointment copays

Depending on whether you’re insured or uninsured, your copay will vary for dental implant appointments. 

Oral evaluation ($50 to $300)

A dental exam is required before you can receive dental implants. During this exam, you can expect to learn more about the procedure, get your teeth and jawbone examined, and discuss any concerns you have.

X-rays ($100 to $250)

Your dentist or oral surgeon will perform X-rays to ensure dental implant surgery is safe for oral health. A dental X-ray can look at your mouth’s soft tissues, nerves, and bones. 

Dental anesthesia ($200 to $500 an hour)

Because this procedure is quite intense, you’ll be administered local, general, or conscious anesthesia depending on which dental implants you get. 

Tooth extraction ($150 to $700)

To get dental implants, you can expect the removal of one or more of your teeth. The costs of this procedure depend on the type of tooth and its location. Your dentist may numb your mouth or sedate you for this procedure. Sedation is optional, but numbing is required for all tooth extractions.

Bone grafting ($200 to $3,200)

Bone grafting adds more volume and density to your jaw to prepare for dental implantation. The bone graft material may come from your body or a human or animal tissue bank. This procedure can prevent your body from rejecting dental implants, saving you money. 

It’s important to note that bone grafting may require hospitalization, so factor it into your budget.

The total cost will vary depending on your dentist or oral surgeon’s location and your treatment plan.

The patient may also need a sinus graft if maxillary posterior implants are placed.

Medication after dental implants

Here are some of the medications and costs associated with dental implants:

• Motrin (ibuprofen) for pain relief ($8 for 30, 200 mg tablets).
• Vicodin or Norco (hydrocodone-acetaminophen) for moderate or severe pain relief ($25 for 12, 5 mg/325 mg tablets per).
• Ozurdex (dexamethasone), an anti-inflammatory medication ($25 for 10, 4 mg tablets).
• Peridex (chlorhexidine gluconate), a prescription mouth rinse ($24 for 1, 473 ml bottle).
• Prevident, a prescription toothpaste that helps protect tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay ($21 for 1 tube).

Does insurance cover dental implants?

When it comes to dental implant insurance, it varies with each insurance company. You’ll need to speak with your dental insurance provider to determine whether or not they cover dental implants.

“Some private insurance plans partially cover the cost of implants, while Medicare generally does not provide dental implant coverage,” Dr. Mackie says. “As far as Medicaid goes, coverage varies from state to state.”

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), it can help cover dental implant treatment costs. You may be eligible to use the remaining funds in your FSA account to pay for the procedure.

How to save money on dental implants

Dental implants can range from $1,000 to $90,000, depending on how much work you need. And don’t forget to factor in the additional costs for this procedure that your dental insurance may or may not cover. Because of this, you may have to pay for some services out-of-pocket.

Here’s a list of financing options for dental implant surgery:

• Go to a dental school: Some dental schools offer free or discounted dental implants. Use the Commission on Dental Association’s (CODA) list of dental programs to find a school near you.
• Seek nonprofit organizations for help: The Dental Lifeline Network provides dental care to people with special needs and veterans with the help of volunteer dentists and laboratories. 
• Use dental societies: State and local dental societies serve their communities by delivering free dental care and education. 
• Dental implant grants: The Cosmetic Dentistry Grants Program offers free cosmetic dental services. After applying to the program, you’ll be assessed by a local dentist to determine if you qualify for the grant.
• Get generic medications: If available, opt for generic over name-brand prescription medications. You can use a SingleCare prescription discount card to save money on your dental implant medications.
• Ask for a payment plan: Ask your dentist’s office if payment options are available to cover the costs.
• Ask about a cash discount: Some providers will offer a discount if you pay in cash or with a debit card instead of a credit card.

Cheaper alternatives to dental implants

If dental implants are beyond your budget or your dental insurance plan doesn’t cover them, cheaper cosmetic procedures are available.

Below are less expensive options for dental implants:

• Dental bridges replace missing teeth to restore your chewing abilities and improve your appearance and oral health. They include crowns to fit on your natural teeth and artificial teeth. 
• Partial dentures are attachable plates with false teeth on them. They may be plastic, metal, or a mixture of both. 
• Complete or full dentures replace an entire set of missing teeth. They sit on top of your gums and use the roof of your mouth and jawbone for support. 

“Each option has pros and cons, so it’s about finding what works best for one’s dental needs and financial harmony,” Dr. Mackie says.

It’s important to consider the longevity of each solution. Although expensive, dental implant surgery aims for patients to have long-term results with proper dental care. 

“With minimal care and appropriate hygiene, dental implants can last many decades or even a lifetime,” says Pooria Shahin, DDS, dentist and president of 1st Impression Dental in Brooklyn, New York.