Missing a tooth? Facing an extraction? Frustrated with wobbly dentures? Chances are, your dentist has recommended dental implants to restore your teeth, and you're here to get the lowdown on the costs involved.

While there is no one-size-fits-all pricing for dental implants, we'll walk you through the average dental implant costs and the factors that can influence them. We'll also explore various payment options, like dental insurance, Health Savings Accounts, and low-interest financing programs, to help you plan for this investment in your dental health.

Ready to dive in? Let's get started!

Understanding Dental Implants

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically placed into the jawbone to provide a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. The implant itself is a small post, typically made of titanium. Inserting the post into the jawbone fills the gap left by the missing tooth, which helps preserve the jawbone, and prevents further oral health issues.

The multistage implant process includes placing the implant, attaching an abutment, and finally, fitting the prosthetic tooth that is visible in the mouth. The total cost of dental implants varies for each person based on a variety of factors, so let's break down what impacts the cost of dental implants to help you better understand the investment involved.

Dental Implant Costs

What Factors Go into the Total Cost of Dental Implants?

Consider 11 variables that can impact the total cost of your dental implant procedures.

1. The number of implants you require. Replacing a single tooth will cost less than replacing multiple teeth or a full arch. Also, the configuration of your mouth may determine whether all replacements can be done in one surgery or whether multiple surgeries are needed.
2. The position of the tooth. The tooth's angle and location can impact the cost, as some teeth may require more advanced and complicated dental work to replace.
3. The density of your jawbone. If you do not have sufficient jawbone to anchor the implants in place, you will need a bone graft. This surgical procedure helps regenerate bone, making you a more viable candidate for implants, but it also adds costs.
4. The need for extractions. If you have unhealthy teeth that need to come out, you will likely need tooth extractions, which result in a slightly higher cost.
5. The overall state of your oral health. If you require treatments for periodontal disease or other conditions, the cost of treatment may also increase.
6. Type of implant and crown. The quality of the materials and type of implants and crowns can impact the price of your dental implants, and you’ll want to be aware of the different options, benefits, and limitations to ensure you receive a quality dental implant for your situation.
7. Experience and specialization of your dentist and oral surgeon. Highly specialized and experienced oral surgeons and implant professionals may charge more for their expertise. When placed by a qualified and experienced oral surgeon, implants have the highest success rate and a very low risk of side effects.
8. Geographic location. Dental implant costs can vary by location. The cost of implant procedures can differ based on whether the practice is in urban locations like Charlotte, NC, or Greenville, SC, or in more rural communities and how competitive the local market is.
9. Sedation or anesthesia. The different types of IV sedation or general anesthesia needed for the procedure, which can be impacted by the complexity of your case, can influence the cost.
10. Post-operative care. Follow-up visits, medications, and the number of refinements and necessary adjustments can affect the cost of your dental care and implants.
11. Laboratory fees. The cost of creating custom crowns or prosthetics can vary depending on the lab your implant specialists use.

Additional Procedures and Costs

Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift Costs

Your jawbone must be strong enough to support dental implant surgery. If your jawbone lacks the necessary density, a bone grafting procedure may be required. Bone grafting involves adding bone material to your jaw to build a strong base for the implant.

Similarly, if you need implants in the upper jaw and there isn't enough bone height in the sinus area, a sinus lift might be necessary to add bone to the upper jaw. These preparatory procedures are crucial for ensuring the success of your dental implants and preventing complications down the line.

What Types of Dental Implant Procedures Are Available?

Dental implants fall into two primary categories:

• Endosteal implants are small, screw-like implants attached to the jawbone. This is the most common option.
• Zygomatic implants are anchored to the cheekbone, an option for patients who need upper teeth replaced but have insufficient jawbone to keep endosteal implants in place.

Additionally, your oral surgeon can offer various types of implant placement procedures. Some options include:

• Single implant placement replaces an individual missing tooth.
• Implant-supported bridges replace multiple teeth that are adjacent to each other.
• Immediate implants are available for some patients so you can have an implant placed into an empty socket at the same time as the tooth extraction, potentially saving you time and money.
• Full arch restoration, sometimes referred to as all on 4 dental implants, involves restoring an entire upper or lower arch of teeth using a minimal number of strategically placed implants.

Why Choose Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement?

Implants are the best way for most patients to restore dental form and function fully. Consider a few of the benefits of dental implants over other options for tooth replacement:

• Dental implants are comfortable, easy to care for, and realistic-looking, giving you confidence in your beautiful, healthy smile.
• Once healed, implants enable you to speak and chew easily so you can enjoy all of your favorite foods with maximum bite force.
• Implants are the only form of tooth replacement that stimulates the jawbone to keep it healthy and strong, protecting against bone loss and unwanted changes to your facial appearance.
• Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants do not require your healthy adjacent teeth to be shaved or compromised.
• Dental implants are secured to the jaw, providing stability that is unmatched with other tooth replacement options. Unlike dentures that can slip, move around and cause discomfort, your dental implants are fixed, comfortable, and easy to clean.
• Dental implants may outlast you, helping you avoid the costs associated with further dental restoration work.

Most patients agree the benefits of dental implants far outweigh the downsides including the cost.

What Is the Average Cost of Affordable Dental Implants?

With so many benefits and variables impacting the cost of dental implants, an evaluation with an oral surgeon or implant specialist is the only way to get an accurate cost estimate for your unique situation.

As a general range, the average dental implant cost for one tooth in the United States starts as low as $1,500 up to $6,000, depending on the complexity of your case. A full-arch dental implant can range from $15,000 to $30,000+ per arch, and the cost of full mouth dental implants is $30,000 to $60,000+. Bone grafting and sinus lift procedures, when needed, will also add to the overall implant cost.

While this is a significant investment, implants are a long-term solution with both aesthetic and functional benefits that will improve your overall quality of life.

How Do Dental Implant Costs Compare to Not Getting Implants?

While dental implants might seem pricey upfront, they can help you avoid costs in the long run. Here's how:

• Dental implants prevent jawbone loss by transmitting the forces of chewing and biting to the jawbone, triggering the growth of new bone cells. Bridges and dentures do not help maintain your jawbone, which can lead to changes in your facial appearance, such as sagging and wrinkling, and complicate future dental work.
• Dental implants do not weaken adjacent teeth. A drawback of a dental bridge is that it requires perfectly healthy teeth to be shaved down, which can weaken the shaved teeth over time.
• Dental implants prevent complications that occur when a missing tooth is not restored. When a tooth is not replaced, nearby teeth can shift, increasing the potential for tooth loss and leading to difficulty chewing and talking.
• Dental implants routinely last 20 years to a lifetime. Even with the best care, dentures must be replaced every few years. And dental bridges typically last five to 15 years.

How to Pay for Dental Implants with Dental Insurance

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Insurance coverage for dental implants can vary widely. Some dental insurance plans may cover part of your implant placements. However, check with your insurer to understand your policy coverage. Coverage for implant dentistry has traditionally been considered elective but is gradually improving, with more financial options available through flexible spending, health reimbursement, and health savings accounts.

Financing Options and Payment Plans

If the options above do not work, several financing options and payment plans are available to help make dental implants more affordable. Many practices offer financing options with low interest rates, allowing you to spread the cost over several months or years. Payment plans can be customized to fit your needs, making it easier to manage the expense. Discussing these options with your dentist or oral surgeon is essential to determine the best action for your situation. By exploring these financial solutions, you can achieve a healthy, beautiful smile without breaking the bank.

Why Should I Choose an Oral Surgeon for My Dental Implants?

More people are getting dental implants to replace missing teeth than ever before based on their success rate over the last 50 years. When quality dental implants are properly placed and cared for, they can be a life-long tooth replacement solution.  Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or OMS, has the specialized training, education, and experience with the complexities of the bone, gums, skin, muscles, and nerves involved in dental implant surgery to ensure you get the best possible long-lasting results. Our team of experienced oral surgeons and prosthodontists at Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery are highly qualified and committed to making your dental implant treatment comfortable and successful so you can confidently enjoy a full and active lifestyle.  

Dental implants are an investment in your future. They're the longest-lasting tooth replacement option and the only option that preserves your jawbone and facial appearance. Restoring your ability to smile confidently, talk without worry, and eat your favorite foods again are the satisfying life improvements that make your investment worthwhile every day. Schedule your dental implant consultation with our experienced oral surgeons at a location near you.