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If you need to replace a broken or missing tooth, you're probably aware that a dental implant is a viable option for you to consider. But how much do dental implants cost? Well, they're expensive, but there are a few things you need to know, as numerous factors can impact the price of your treatment. Join us as we reveal how much dental implants cost per tooth and explore a few alternatives that you might consider.
What is a dental implant?
Before looking at the cost of this procedure, let's just confirm what a dental implant is. It's essentially a replacement tooth that you can add to your mouth if you have a damaged or missing tooth.
There are three parts to a dental implant - the body, the crown, and the abutment. The body is a titanium or alloy screw that goes directly into your jawbone. It is then fixed to the abutment, which is the piece that joins the root with the artificial tooth. Finally, the crown is the visible part of the tooth.
How much do dental implants cost?
In the United States, the average cost of dental implants is $5,000 per tooth. If you need a full mouth of implants, you can expect to pay between $40,000 and $60,000.
Source: https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/procedures/dental-implant-cost?label_override=undefined
As you can see, dental implants are expensive, there's no getting away from it.
The cost is indicative of the fact that it's a complex procedure that takes a few months to complete.
What's included in the cost of dental implants?
$5,000 is a ballpark figure for a dental implant, but that pretty much only covers the implant itself. You will also need to budget for:
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Consultation fees and any x-rays the dentist needs to take before creating the implant.
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Bone grafting (if required).
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Anesthesia for the treatment, if not included in the quote given by the dentist.
These additional costs can potentially add a few hundred pounds to the cost of a dental implant, so bear this in mind when considering if you can afford the treatment.
Factors that influence the cost of dental implants
Something to recognize about the cost of dental implants is that it depends on numerous factors. For instance:
Where you live
The cost of implants differs significantly from place to place. As the cost of dental care is high in the United States and Canada, some people travel abroad to get implant treatment. If you plan to do this, you should weigh up the quality of care and the additional travel costs before making a decision.
How many dental implants you need
Most dentists provide a quote per dental implant, so the price you're given is likely only for one tooth. If you need several implants or, indeed, an entire mouth of implants, it will be considerably more expensive.
Any dental work required
While you need to factor in the cost of the implant itself, you also need to consider whether any other treatment is required. For instance, you might need a deep clean of your teeth to remove tartar, or you may need a filling on another of your teeth. Ask your dentist to cost up any additional work and add it to your potential bill.
Whether you have insurance
For some people, dental implants are part-covered by insurance policies. For others, they aren't. One of your first ports of call before deciding on a dental implant should be a call to your insurance provider to check if any of the treatment is covered by your current policy and how it will affect the price.
The material that you go for
There are a few different types of dental implants available, so the type that you choose will impact the overall cost. For instance, if you opt for zirconia implants (ceramic implants), you can expect them to be much more expensive than titanium implants.
Dental implant alternatives
If you're put off by the high price of dental implants, there are a few alternatives that you can consider:
Dental bridge
While dental implants are surgically added to the jawbone, dental bridges are not. They are a form of artificial teeth supported by your real teeth. They get their name becasue they “bridge” the gap between your real teeth. You can opt for a classic bridge, a Maryland bridge, or even a resin-bonded bridge, each of which is cheaper than a dental implant.
Dentures
What's the difference between dental implants and dentures? If you need to restore more than one missing tooth, dentures are a good option. Dentures are also a versatile option, as you can remove them to clean and maintain them. Though not a permanent solution like implants, dentures are worth considering as an alternative.
Recap: How much do dental implants cost?
You can expect the cost of dental implants to start at around $5,000 per tooth, but as introduced above, numerous factors may impact the cost of your treatment.
You also need to think about any additional dental work and preparation for surgery that is likely to contribute to the overall cost.
FAQs
Q1: How much do dental implants cost per tooth?
On average, the cost of dental implants per tooth is around $5,000.
Q2: How much do dental implants cost for whole mouth?
For an entire mouth of dental implants, you can expect to pay between $40,000 and $60,000, depending on the type of implant you go for and where you get the treatment done.
Q3: How much do dental implants cost with insurance?
If you're lucky enough that your insurance includes dental implants, check the policy to find out what percentage of the treatment is covered and whether any deductibles are required.
