Are you considering getting dental implants to improve or restore your smile? It's a big decision for anyone, both in terms of the cost of teeth implants and the surgery required, so we've put together this comprehensive guide so you can learn all about dental implants and make an informed decision.
Keep reading to for the following information and resources:
- Dental implant cost calculator
- How much do dental implants cost?
- Ways to save on dental implants
- Does dental insurance cover implants?
- How much are implants abroad?
- Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Our aim is to provide you with all the information you need to decide whether implants are the most suitable restorative dentistry solution for you.
In This Article
How much do dental implants cost?
Dental implants cost between $1,500 and $6,000 for a single tooth. Full mouth implants costs start at $40,000, and more affordable options like All-on-4 still hover around $15,000 per arch.
The fact is that dental implants are an expensive treatment that most Americans aren't able to pay for out of pocket.
Dental implants cost calculator
You won't know exactly how much your implants will cost with insurance until you consult with both your dentist and your plan provider. But the price of your dental implants will depend on multiple variables, like whether surgery such as a bone graft or sinus lift is needed.
However, you can use our dental implant price calculator to get an idea of what you will pay for the implants you need:
Total estimated cost
Note that some dentists may offer lower-cost options which are not such good quality. While they present an initial saving, they usually aren't guaranteed for as long, so they could end up costing you more in the long run.
With something as important as your teeth, the least expensive option is not always the best, and unfortunately, the typical cost of dental implants is pretty high.
Are dental implants worth the cost?
Dental implants should be thought of as just that: an investment. Unlike other traditional dental restorations like crowns, bridges, root canals, and fillings, implants can offer a permanent solution when placed and cared for appropriately. Salvage procedures for natural teeth all have a shelf-life.
As the number of treatments on the tooth increases, the work required to treat it becomes more expensive, and the cumulative cost can far exceed the cost of a dental implant.
Because dental implants are a long-term, specialized solution, the implant procedure is also more complex and requires a highly-trained specialist. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo extensive training beyond dental school, and are the most qualified oral health care providers to perform dental implant surgery.
I believe it is our responsibility as dental professionals to provide patients with choices. Ensure that you understand each of the options presented and assess the risks, benefits, and alternatives to ensure you are making educated decisions for yourself.
Dr. Paul Koshgerian, The Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of San Diego
How to cover the cost of dental implants
If you can't afford to pay for your treatment in full up-front, there are various dental financing options available to help cover the cost of dental implants. These include dental loans, credit cards and payment plans. We cover these in detail in our dental financing guide.
Ways to make dental implants more affordable
One of the best ways to help with the cost of dental implants is simply to shop around. As well as researching the price of dental implants near you, consider broadening your search to nearby towns and cities. It may be worth traveling an extra half an hour for treatment if it means saving hundreds of dollars.
As a general rule, dental implants costs in urban areas will be more affordable than in cities, in line with property and rental prices. Where there is competition between several dentists in one place, this should help keep dental implants prices lower.
We'll go a bit more into how to make dental implants more affordable further down, but for a quick overview, have a look at the table below:
Does dental insurance cover implants?
The best dental insurance plan that provides coverage for implants could help you save as much as 50% on dental implant treatment, after a waiting period of around 12 months.
You can find plans for individuals and families and even a variety of dental plans for seniors.
There are lots of plans to choose from, which is why we made a comparison tool that makes it easy for you to find the best plan for you. To get started, just enter your basic information in the form below — and you'll see the best plans in your area.
Enter your zip code and DOB below to get your free quote.
Dental loans for implants
Dental loans are a popular option because they allow you to borrow up to $100,000—more than enough to fund an implant tooth. You may also be eligible for a dental grant.
If you need help finding a dental implant loan that works for you, you can go to the SuperMoney website. They make it easy to search, compare, and apply for loans in your area.
How much are dental implants abroad?
With the cost of dental implants with private dentistry in the US so high, many people look further afield for affordable dental implants.
Dental implants cost much less in other countries. Patients can save as much as 70% on implants and other dental treatments by traveling abroad, a trend which has become known as ‘dental tourism'.
By traveling abroad to get dental implants in Mexico or Costa Rica for example, you may be able to get an implant tooth for $1,000 or less. Several of Mexico's border towns are accessible overland and receive hundreds of dental patients every day.
You may also turn your trip into more of a vacation by visiting a destination like Thailand or getting dental implants in the Philippines. Or, visit one of several European countries renowned for their high-quality dental work.
Even taking into account the price of flights and accommodation, these trips can easily work out to be lower in cost than the average cost of implants alone back home. If you need full mouth implants or have several missing teeth, the savings from getting treatment abroad will multiply.
Quality abroad
You might worry that lower dental implants cost means lower standards, but in fact, the opposite is often true. In destinations that have become popular for dental tourism, dentists have invested heavily in modern, state-of-the-art equipment.
There is also a much stronger emphasis on good service and making the experience comfortable and enjoyable. Some clinics go as far as to provide patients with a luxury spa experience during their stay.
Find out more about your options in our full guide to dental tourism. And read our guide to learn about affordable All-on-4 dental implants abroad.
If you're ready to get started finding a clinic abroad for dental implants, you can get help from a medical tourism company that specializes in researching and selecting reputable dental clinics, like MTC. They put a huge emphasis on customer service so you'll know you'll be in good hands.
Just fill in your details below to get started.
Comparing costs of dental implants abroad
American patients often choose to travel to South American countries looking for a lower cost for dental implants, since these are the closest. Others hop across the Pacific to Southeast Asia.
In the table below you can see approximate costs for a single dental implant in countries that are popular alternatives to the US.
Traditional implant treatment requires several visits over a number of months. Making this many trips does cause some inconvenience with time off work, among other things.
Because of this, overseas clinics commonly offer single-visit implant options such as mini dental implants and All-on-4 (also called ‘teeth in a day').
Before committing to any dental treatment abroad you should first:
- Choose a dentist you feel comfortable communicating with
- Read online reviews of that dentist and clinic from people who have had treatment there
- Check the governing bodies for dentistry in that country
- Request and verify your chosen dentist's qualifications and experience
- Ask how long you will need to stay for treatment and recovery, and how many trips will be required
- Understand exactly what is and isn't covered in the price of dental implants that you have been quoted
- Calculate the total teeth implant cost of all trips and treatment and compare this to treatment at your local dentist
- Speak to your regular dentist to get advice and find out about aftercare
Getting a quotation for dental implants near me
Your dentist may be able to give you a dental implant cost estimate without a consultation, but won't be able to provide the final price of dental implants before first examining your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
Implants are the answer to the problem of missing teeth. If a patient is missing one or more teeth, it can become more than just a cosmetic inconvenience.
There are many practical negative consequences to missing teeth, which all have to do with your dental health and how you live. With teeth gone, eating and talking can become difficult and you can lose your jaw’s structure.
The cost of implants varies on the severity of your condition and what your gums, existing teeth, and jaw are currently like. However, your dental health, and your ability to do things like sing in the car with your kids or eat your favorite meal, are all at stake when you have missing teeth. To me, that makes dental implants worth the cost.
Dr. Kevin Varley, Stonebrook Family Dental
Implant cost break down
Some dentists provide a single price for a complete implant, while others break it down so you can see the teeth implant cost of each individual component and procedure.
When you receive a quote for dental work, be sure to check whether the following things are included or if they will be charged separately:
- Consultations
- Dental impressions
- X-rays
- CT scans
- Follow-up visits
- Every part of the implant (root, abutment, crown/bridge/denture)
- All surgical procedures
Sometimes, implant patients need preparatory surgeries such as a bone graft or sinus lift. This is usually the case if you have suffered bone loss for some reason. The cost of this work can be anywhere from $300 to $5,000 in the US, so this is something you'll have to factor in when deciding whether you can afford implants.
Some clinics may lure you in with offers of low-cost options, but once you add on the cost teeth implants with the crown, surgery, and scans, it's not so affordable after all. Get several quotes from local dentists before you decide on one—you may be surprised by how much they vary.
Conclusion
There's no denying that the average cost of dental implants in the US, and even in overseas destinations, is significant. The question you have to ask yourself is, “How much are teeth implants worth to me?”
If you are missing teeth, you should find a way to replace your teeth as soon as possible. If you've gone a long tie without replacing your teeth, it may be too late for dental implants, but there are other good options available as well.
You can read our full article on how to save money on implants, including getting treatment at a dental school.
Finally, someday stem cells may be able to replace dental implants — you can find out more about the research in our article here.
FAQs
A three or four-tooth bridge held in place by two implants can cost anywhere from $5,000. The full teeth replacement cost on the other hand is quite a bit more. If all teeth are missing, full dental implants cost $40,000 or more using traditional methods. All-on-4 dental implants cost from around $15,000 per arch in the US but are available for much less if you're willing to travel overseas, which can be a safe and effective way to lower the full teeth replacement cost.
The average cost of dental implants for a single tooth in the US is anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000. A full set of dental implants can cost $40,000 and All-on-4 implants cost $15,000 on average. For this reason, many people seek dental implant treatment abroad to find lower dental implants prices.
The single tooth implant cost can be anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 in the US. This price varies due to the materials used, type of implant and where you go. The cost also depends on whether you need to replace a front tooth or a back tooth. It's often the case that front tooth implants cost slightly more than those at the rear of the mouth.
To find dental implants near you, you can start by calling or visiting your local dental clinics to see what they have to offer. There's also an easy phone number you can call. Just dial the phone number listed below to find an implant dentist near you.
Expensive dental procedures aren't likely to be covered by Medicaid or Medicare unless you're lucky enough to live in a state with generously expanded Medicaid coverage. You may also be able to find a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers some coverage for implants. Check out our full guide to Medicare.
NCBI: A Critical Review of Dental Implant Materials with an Emphasis on Titanium versus Zirconia. Consulted 20 August, 2019.
South China Morning Post: Chinese robot dentist if first to fit implants in patient's mouth without any human involvement. Consulted 20 August, 2019.
HCPC: Health Regulation Worldwide. Consulted 20 August, 2019.
AAID: Frequently Asked Questions. Consulted 20 August, 2019.
International Journal of Implant Dentistry: Potential risk factors for early and late dental implant failure: a retrospective clinical study on 9080 implants. Consulted 12th January 2020.
NCBI: Assessment of failure rate of dental implants in medically compromised patients. Consulted 12th January 2021.