Today’s dental implants can permanently replace your missing teeth. However, the cost of dental implants can be prohibitive for some. How much do dental implants cost? It all depends. There are a few factors that can lower the cost of implants, while other factors may increase your out-of-pocket expenses.
Your choice of dental implant will have a direct impact on the cost of your treatment. That being said, why are implants so expensive? Does insurance cover dental insurance? We’ll explain it all for you in the information below:
Single Tooth Implant Cost
For a single dental implant, the cost averages $2500. This fee includes the crown on top of the implant. Implants are only the root portion of your new “tooth.”
Although the implant itself may only cost $3,000-5,000, you have to consider which type of restoration goes on top of it.
Multiple Tooth Implant Cost
If you are looking to replace a few teeth at a time, the cost of a multi-tooth implant bridge is more cost-effective on a per-tooth basis. Implant bridges with 3-4 teeth are likely to be between $6,000 and $8,000. That’s because only two implants are needed, as opposed to one for each missing tooth.
If you’re getting two implants and a three or four-tooth-long dental bridge, the price per tooth is significantly less than having an individual implant and crown installed in each missing tooth location.
Full Mouth Implant Cost
Full-mouth implants are the most variable in regard to pricing. There are so many options and designs available that treatment can cost as low as $3,998 (upper or lower jaw) for a removable denture attached to two implants or up to $25,000 (upper or lower jaw) for a permanent fixed solution.
Fortunately, implant patients can finance all or part of their treatment. Low and 0% interest payment plans make it easy to afford full mouth reconstruction even without dental insurance.
Some full-mouth implant treatments use as few as 4-6 dental implants for the entire arch (upper or lower jaw.) Then, a permanent or snap-on restoration is attached on top of them. Because dental implants are so strong, there’s no need to place as many implants as there are teeth, even if it’s an entire arch of them. Their integrity allows us to predictably attach a streamlined prosthesis that’s just as strong as your natural smile, with as few as four implants total.
Why Are Implants So Expensive?
Realistically speaking, dental implants are the most price-effective treatment for missing teeth. That’s because they’re designed to last a lifetime and rarely need to be replaced. Whereas bridges or dentures require updating every several years
To determine the price of your dental implants, a Wellness Dental dentist will need to sit down and review your X-rays to determine what treatment is necessary.
Occasionally, adjunctive services such as bone grafting, tissue augmentation, sinus lifts, extractions, or sedation will also be incorporated into your total treatment plan price. This affects the overall cost out of pocket when you’re getting dental implants, even if the implants themselves are more affordably priced.
The cost of dental implants is a smart investment, but the price itself has also come down over the past several years. Thanks to more standardized resources and access to implant technology, this treatment is more accessible than ever before. Additionally, the fact that more insurance plans are covering dental insurance has helped reduce the total cost for most patients.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Most dental insurance policies didn't cover any implant treatment costs in years past. Thankfully this is no longer true. What insurance used to call “elective” is now the gold standard in tooth replacement.
Because dental implants are a major procedure, on average, the typical dental insurance policy will cover the price of a dental implant at approximately 50%. This does not include your deductible or co-pay. Also, keep in mind that your maximum allowable amount will limit how much dental insurance covers every year.
To find out how much dental implants will cost, you’ll need to see our implant dentist to have an exam and treatment plan created for your specific circumstances. They will assess your needs and determine how many implants are necessary. Wellness Dental will also calculate your dental insurance benefits and what they’re expected to cover. Any amount that isn’t included under your insurance can easily be financed through our payment plan program.
You can also use your Flex Spending or Health Savings Accounts (FSA, HSA) to help pay for dental implants. By combining these resources with your insurance and affordable monthly payments, it’s easier than ever to afford dental implant treatment in Mesa, Surprise, and Tucson.
How Long Do the Benefits of Dental Implants Last?
Dental implant treatments can last a lifetime. Although the modern implant design is only a few decades old, data shows that an implant that is fully integrated and maintained will last for the rest of your life. But good oral hygiene and regular checkups are essential! Even though implants can’t get cavities, gum infections could still predispose them to failure. Keeping your smile clean and well cared for is key. Plan to brush around and floss your implants daily!
Although the implant itself is practically invisible, your restoration on top of it may need to be updated from time to time. Most bridges or dentures can easily last at least ten years or more when installed on top of dental implants. When you schedule regular checkups at Wellness Dental, we’ll clean and monitor your implants to help ensure they last as long as possible.
Why Are Dental Implants a Worthwhile Investment?
Absolutely. Compared to other types of tooth replacements and the maintenance required, investing in dental implants is one of the best things you can do if you have missing teeth. The one-time investment is designed to last you a lifetime, so you won’t have to worry about how long they last. And thanks to affordable payment options, you can easily budget your implant treatment on a month-to-month basis.
