- January 19, 2024
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Cost Of Dental Implants – Directly From A Dentist
Implants are the new “go-to” treatment for missing teeth! What sets implants aside from other treatment options is that they use your own bone to provide a strong, long-lasting and lifelike replica of your missing tooth/teeth. The cost of dental implants can vary greatly, but you can roughly estimate the cost for your treatment. A dental implant + crown has an average cost of $3850 for a single tooth – you really can’t go wrong. Some options will allow you to walk with a brand new implant + crown for under $2000 thanks to 3d printers and the rise of same-day-crowns.
Types Of Implants, And What They Cost:
| Implant Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Single Tooth Implant with Crown | $3,000 - $4,500 |
| Implant Bridge | $5,000 - $15,000 |
| Implant-Retained Dentures | $9,000 - $20,000 |
| Hybrid Dental Implants | $30,000 - $60,000 |
So, How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
A single tooth implant, on average, costs around $4000. An entire mouth replacement can cost upward of $60,000. However, similar to buying a car or home, there are many different factors that go into deciding the price tag. Remember, implants are meant to be a LONG-LASTING treatment, meaning you likely won’t need any more treatment/cost on that tooth/area of the mouth. So, the larger upfront investment will pay off in the long run.
The Various Types Of Implants
While the most common implant is an endosteal single tooth implant, here is a list of some other possibilities
- Immediate Load Dental Implants: Same day implants that are ready for chewing and daily usage as soon as you walk out of the dentist office.
- Mini Dental Implants: Narrow diameter titanium implants that aim to be less intrusive and lower cost than the alternatives.
- All-On-X: Another name for hybrid dental implants. in the most simple terms, this places a full arch of teeth on an X number of implants.
- Implant Bridge: A way of replacing 2 or more teeth using only a couple of implants. The new teeth are connected together and span a gap between implants, like a bridge.
Where Are You Located?
Each dentist can set their own prices and this is often influenced by the zip code and number of surrounding dentists available to place implants. The TYPE of dentist can also increase the price – for example, a specialist (such as an oral surgeon or periodontist) will always have a higher fee than a general dentist. But remember, they have additional training and can treat more complex cases that most general dentists can’t treat. You may NEED a specialist. If you have interest in getting a quote on dental implants, you can click here to find a dentist in your area that places implants and accepts your insurance! It may not cost you anything.
How “Solid” Is The Bone In Your Jaw?
Some sites need bone graft added during the tooth extraction to preserve the thickness of bone – this is very common. Without grafting the bone shrinks after the tooth is gone and there might not be enough bone left to safely place an implant. Other sites have already lost bone and need bone graft ADDED to bulk up the width and thickness. Sometimes the patient’s sinus is too low and needs that “lifted” up to add bone height. Think of hanging a TV on the wall – you need a solid stud of wood, not styrofoam, to stabilize your TV.
The Number Of Teeth Being Replaced
Obviously replacing multiple teeth is going to cost more than just one tooth. Your desired final result also will influence your cost. For example, If you’re missing several teeth and want something that stays in your mouth permanently (i.e. hybrid denture), that will cost more than something that is removable (i.e. Snap-in denture).
Who Made The Dental Implant?
Relate it to buying a car.A Toyota is going to cost less than a Lexus. Both are cars and get you where you are going, but the cost of production varies – hence the difference in price tag. Dentists use all different types of implant manufactures depending on their preferences and training and it will influence the pricetag. Cheaper is not always better.
Wait. What Exactly are Dental Implants?
The term “dental implant” just refers to the titanium screw that goes into your bone. This titanium screw costs $1500 on average. When the term “dental implant” is used, most people think of the entire structure being inserted, including the tooth; When in reality the tooth and the piece that connects the tooth to the implant are not included. If a price is given for an implant, make sure to ask exactly what is included.
Why are there so many parts to an implant?
What goes on top of the titanium screw can vary widely and depends on the treatment your dentist recommends. It could be a crown to give you a new single tooth, a bridge to replace multiple teeth or a denture which “snaps ” into the implants. Dental implants are made out of Titanium and are very body friendly, in other words, they are unlikely to get rejected by your body. The price tag will include the TOTAL cost for ALL the parts needed to replace your teeth.
Mini Dental Implants vs Standard Dental Implants
Mini dental implants or MDIs are a much cheaper option when compared to most standard dental implants. These small screw-like pieces come with a much smaller price tag of around $500 per tooth. However, they are typically only used for specific situations such as to replace small front teeth or anchor down a denture when minimal bone is available. It’s hard not to consider them as an option after seeing the difference in price tag but these are NOT meant to be a replacement for certain standard dental implants.
Are these Mini dental implants really worth the cost?
The short answer? Not really. MDIs can be a great option for replacing small teeth or stabilizing dentures. They also can be used to provide implants to those with weak/limited bone density. The issues lie in their long term stability and durability. Compared to standard implants, MDIs can’t handle as much chewing force or outside pressure. Think of a boulder on top of a toothpick. While the size makes them suitable for things like dentures or small single crowns, habits like teeth grinding or outside force can actual cause the implants to fracture. Also the lack of stability can make them feel rigid and not as natural as a standard implant would. Mini implants should be your last resort.
Mini Dental Implants (MDI) Pro and Cons
MDI Pros
Cost – Much less expensive! it’s hard not to consider these as an option due to the lower dental implant cost.
Insufficient Bone Volume – Due to their small size they don’t need as much stability from the jawbone as standard implants.
Good for small teeth – These implants are suitable for small spaces that more extensive hardware would obstruct.
MDI Cons
Less Stability – While suitable for smaller restorations and stabilizing dentures. Mini implants are not ideal for larger more complex prosthetics
Size Limitations – Their smaller size does not make them ideal for larger weight loads.
Risk of Fracturing – Their reduced size makes them prone to fracturing, this is definitely something to consider based on certain life-styles.
Standard Dental Implant Pros and Cons
Standard Implant Pros
Permanent – Standard Implants are more durable and offer a more permanent, lifetime solution.
Natural Feel – These implants both look and function like natural teeth, indiscernible at times from real teeth.
Preserves Jawbone Health – Standard implants help stabilize the jawbone and give a foundation for health bone growth.
Standard Implant Cons
Cost – Standard dental implants cost much more than MDIs, starting at around $4000 per site.
Risk for smokers – Smoking can cause implant failure as well as be problematic for the healing process.
Complications – While rare, there’s a slight risk of infection and nerve damage.
So, What are my Options To Go On Top of the implants?
Single Implant Crown:
By far the most common dental implant, Endosteal implants are placed directly into the jawbone to provide a stable foundation to the tooth. The implant mimics the root structure and an abutment/crown is screwed into the implant to give the patient a complete functioning tooth. Remember, the implant itself is one cost and the abutment/crown is an additional cost, totaling, on average, around $4000.
Hybrid Implant Bridge (Full Arch)
Also known as full-arch fixed implant bridges, this type of implant combines dental implants with a fixed (non-removable) bridge to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Often used for patients who have lost most of their teeth in one or both jaws. This procedure requires multiple dental implants and a custom made arch to replace the entire row of teeth. Because of the depth and customization of this procedure, hybrid implants can range anywhere from $15,000 – $30,000 an arch. Unlike acrylic dentures, the teeth are made out of a more solid material such as zirconia or nano-hybrid. This is the Cadillac of dental implant treatment.
Implant Bridges
These bridges are a popular solution for replacing multiple missing teeth in a row. Two or more dental implants anchor a new bridge in the jaw, ensuring stability and reliability. On average this procedure ranges from $6,000 – $8,000 and can vary widely depending on the number of missing teeth.
Implant-Retained Denture or “Snap-in” Dentures
This procedure installs two to four dental implants along the jawbone to create a stable fit for dentures and no more glue! This enables the prosthetic denture to be securely ‘snapped’ into position while remaining easily removable for regular cleaning and maintenance. This option costs in the range $10,000-$15,000 per arch. This is a very popular treatment!
So what's The Best Option For Me?
At the end of the day you and your dentist should work together to see what works best for YOU. A qualified dental professional will be able to analyze your dental health and recommend the most suitable solution. Understanding the potential cost of dental implants can alleviate concerns and uncertainties associated with the procedure. Being able to discuss the available options and make an informed decision about the treatment youre getting should always be a priority. Hopefully this information can help you reach a personalized treatment plan with your dentist. For more information you can read The University Of Illinois article on Dental Implants.
A Few Valuable Resources
Ask the Dentist
Dental Implants Cost: Price by Type, Procedure & How to Save
Dentaly.org
Dental Implants: Costs, Procedures and Types in the US
NewMouth
Dental Implants & How Much They Cost
American Academy Of Implant Dentistry
AAID Implant Types
