Dental implants are one of the most expensive dental treatments. However, they are also hailed as one of the best tooth-replacement methods for simulating your natural teeth, and they last a lifetime.
When it comes to dental implants, there are basically two types of costs: single tooth implants cost and full mouth implants cost.
Single Tooth Implants Cost
Single tooth implants are exactly what the name implies, an option for patients who are looking to replace a single tooth.
The cost of a single tooth implant typically ranges between $3,500 to $6,700, depending on various factors. However, on average, patients can expect to pay at least $4,800 per implant.
[ See: Cost of Dental Implants in West Hollywood, CA ]
These prices include the costs you’ll pay for dental implants regular costs, which include abutment, or the connective element, the surgery required to insert the implant body, and the crown, or the replacement tooth, as well as any costs that incur from associated procedures. The type of materials used for each procedure will also greatly affect the cost.
The following example will give you a general idea of how certain factors will affect the cost of single dental implants.
Say you are a patient who is a candidate for single dental implants. To get a general idea of how to calculate your costs, we will begin by totaling your dental implants regular costs, which let’s say are as follows:
Dental Implant Regular Costs
- Abutment: $996
- Implant Placement: $2,276
- Porcelain Crown: $1,584
Total Dental Implants Regular Costs: $4,856
Next, we will add to this the costs for associated procedures, which in this case, we’ll say include bone grafting, 2nd stage surgery, and an oral evaluation.
Associated Dental Implants Procedure Costs
- Oral evaluation: $100
- Tooth extraction $300
- second stage surgery: $346
Total associated procedures cost: $746
Your total cost for single dental implants: $ 5,602
This example assumes you opted for a custom made abutment as opposed to a prefabricated one, which is lower in cost. However, this is just an example. You can substitute and play around with different variables based on your particular needs to get a more accurate cost for your unique situation.
Full Mouth Implants Cost
If you are missing more than one tooth, then you may be a candidate for full mouth implants.
There are two options for full mouth implants: removable full mouth implants and fixed full mouth implants, and the cost will vary based on which you choose.
Removable Full Mouth Implants
Removable full mouth implants, also called snap in dentures and removable implant-retained dentures, range in costs from $8,000 to $17,500. However, on average, you can expect to pay at least $10,500.
These implants provide greater stability than traditional dentures, in fact, they can restore up to 50% chewing ability as compared to your natural teeth, and they can also be mounted on more than one implant.
For an example of how to calculate the cost for removable full mouth implants, let’s observe the following scenario:
Removable Implants
- 2 Teeth extractions: $656
- 2 implants: $6,518
- Dentures: $2430
- Attachments: $2040
Total removable implants cost: $ 11,644
Associated Procedures
- Oral evaluation: $100
- Diagnostic casts: $138
Total associated procedure cost: $238
Your total cost for removable full mouth implants: $ 11,882
Fixed Full Mouth Implants
Fixed full mouth implants, also called fixed implant supported dentures, range in cost from $15,000 to $28,000. However, on average, you can expect to pay at least $21,500.
These non-removable implants are most commonly used in the curved arrangements of the teeth because they are the most comfortable, and they also provide the most stability. They are also easy to maintain.
The most popular full-arch implants are G4 implants and All-On-Four implants. Both implants use at least four supporting implants to replace all teeth.
Some of the Most Common Associated Procedures
Oral Evaluation
An oral evaluation allows the dentist to analyze your oral condition before moving onto more serious procedures.
The dentist will also review your medical history, so be sure to inform him or her of any health issues you may have or had in the past.
During the examination, the dentist will examine the state of your existing teeth, after which time, the dentist will then devise a course of action for treatment.
The dentist will also order a dental mold of your mouth to be taken, which will then be used to make your dental prosthetic.
Dental X-Rays
The inner structures of your mouth must be assessed in order to properly fit the implants. Therefore, the dentist will use an X-ray to examine the bone, nerve routes, and the gums, cheeks, tongue, and lips.
The two most commonly used X-rays for dental implants are the panoramic X-ray and the cone-beam CT; therefore, consider their costs when budgeting for your procedure.
Bone Grafting
If the bone where the implant is to be positioned is not stable enough to support the placement, it can lead to implant failure, which can be costly to repair. Therefore, you may require bone grafting to help make the bone more stable and dense to support the implant.
This procedure might require admission to the hospital, and it can take a number of months to complete. However, without a stable bone structure, you may not be a successful candidate for implants.
Tooth Extraction
Before your implants can be inserted in your mouth, one or a few teeth may have to be removed, which will also factor into your total cost.
The cost of tooth extraction varies depending on the tooth or teeth to be removed. For instance, some teeth may require you to be sedated or the area to be numbed to perform the extraction, which can significantly increase the cost.
A Breakdown of Associated Dental Implants Procedure Costs
- Oral Evaluation: $50-$200
- Cone beam CT: $150-$750
- Panoramic X-ray: $100-$250
- Bone Grafting: $350-$1,000
- Tooth extraction: $200-$700
What Costs are Not Included in Dental Implants?
Many of the prices quoted do not factor in discounts, such as dental plans and insurance, so keep this in mind.
Working With Your Insurance Provider
Many dental plans do not specify dental implants coverage, but in some cases, they might cover the cost or at least some of the cost; however, there must be a medical need for your dental implants. Therefore, if you have dental insurance, consider contacting your provider to see if they insure dental implants.
Are There Any Ways to Lower Single Tooth Implants Cost and Full Mouth Implants Cost?
To make dental implants more affordable, you could opt for lower-cost materials during your procedure; however, be warned, these materials are also less inferior, which means they may not last as long or produce the same outcome as quality dental implant parts.
If you cannot afford dental implants, you do not have dental insurance or your dental implants are not covered by your insurance because they are not deemed medically necessary, you could also look into a grants program, such as the Cosmetic Dentistry Grants Program (CDG), whose mission is to help people get confident smiles.
This program is a not-for-profit that is funded by participating dental practices of The Oral Aesthetic Advocacy Group, which is a private organization that believes everyone has the right to a healthy smile.
Grant
The Cosmetic Dentistry Grant Program is free to apply; however, to be eligible, the applicant must receive an oral assessment by a dentist. Once the dentist deems you a candidate for dental implants, the dentist will make a treatment plan and then refer you to The Cosmetic Dentistry Grant Program.
Medicaid
If you have Medicaid, it will not cover the cost of dental implants; however, it can cover some of the costs, such as X-rays and tooth extractions that are part of general dentistry.
There is also supplemental dental insurance that can be used in conjunction with traditional dental insurance plans to help cover the cost of dental implants.
Loan
You can also apply for a loan to cover the cost of dental implants. Or, if your dental insurance only covers some of the cost of your procedure, you could use a loan as a supplemental payment.
In the end, if you are saddened by your once beautiful smile, and you like the option of dental implants but are intimidated by the cost, you don’t have to lose hope. Simply use this price reference to help breakdown the cost of dental implants based on your particular situation, which will help make the cost more manageable.
If you are still having a hard time fathoming the cost, then remember, you can also look into various other ways to help pay for dental implants. Either way, you deserve a healthy smile, so don’t put it off.
