There are multiple factors that influence the overall cost of dental implants, including the number of implants needed, the health of the oral cavity and cost of any treatments needed to restore it to health, the materials selected, your location, and the expertise of the dentist you choose. While there are certainly multiple factors to consider when budgeting for dental implants, most dental implant recipients agree that the long-term, life-changing benefits of the treatment far outweigh its financial costs. Approximately three million U.S. adults have at least one dental implant, and long-term satisfaction of these patients confirms that dental implants can significantly improve the quality of life for millions of adults who are missing one or more of their natural teeth.
Typically, a single dental implant costs anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000, and this is for the implant alone. Additional costs that can be expected include the dental prosthetic and abutment, anesthesia, office visits, dental extractions, and preoperative or postoperative care. When combined with these additional elements, the cost of a single dental implant adds up to a total price in the range of $3,000 to $5,000. This considerable cost may be daunting, but it’s important to weigh this larger investment against the benefits provided by dental implants, the foremost of which is their durability and lifespan. The most common alternatives to dental implants are dentures and dental bridges, which require frequent repairs and periodic replacement. When the overall costs of maintenance and replacements are tallied, it’s often the case that dental implants actually cost less over the course of several years. Dental implants, when cared for properly, can last a lifetime, and their cost is an investment in the overall health and quality of life.
Even though they provide measurable medical benefits as they stimulate the health of the jawbone and allow patients to eat a varied diet and smile confidently, dental implants are considered an elective procedure by most insurance plans. In many cases, only the dental crown or other dental prosthetic is covered by insurance. Thankfully, some insurance companies are beginning to acknowledge that dental implants, the gold standard of dental restorations, provide health benefits that their counterparts can’t deliver, and the treatment is appearing more frequently in comprehensive dental insurance coverage. Because of these health benefits, it may also be possible for a medical insurance provider to cover dental implants, and you should carefully review all your dental and medical coverage before planning your dental implant treatment.
For patients whose insurance won’t cover implants or for patients who don’t have insurance, dental discount plans or other financing programs can help defray the immediate costs of dental implants. Make sure to talk to your dentist’s office staff before signing on with any third-party financer to ensure that they accept the discount plan, and don’t be afraid to ask your dentist’s office staff about financing programs or budgeting options they might recommend. Remember the hassle and possible costs of traditional restorations like implants and bridges, and think of your future dental implants as a long-term investment in your oral health and your smile.