Dental work isn’t always known for being affordable, and not everyone has a dental plan included along with their health insurance policy. Fortunately, restorative dental procedures — such as dental implants — may not be as expensive as you anticipate. If you’re considering this procedure, read on to learn the cost breakdown of dental implants and other helpful details.
Dental Implants, Explained
What exactly is a dental implant? For starters, dental implants include small titanium posts or screws surgically placed in the jawbone just beneath the gum line. These posts fuse with the jawbone to act as a root and create a stable foundation for upcoming tooth restoration. They also work to preserve the bone structure of the jaw.
The dentist places the abutment, which is the piece that connects to the artificial tooth, usually a crown, on top of the implant. Once the dental implants completely heal, you’ll be able to speak, eat, and drink as normal.
There are several different types of dental implants:
- Single-tooth dental implant: A single-tooth dental implant is exactly what it sounds like — one post to replace a single missing tooth and its root.
- Implant-supported bridge: An implant-supported bridge replaces multiple missing teeth all adjacent to one another. The bridge typically consists of two crowns on either side of the missing tooth gap with an artificial tooth, or teeth, in between. The teeth in between don’t usually require their own posts.
- Implant-retained denture: Dentists use an implant-retained denture when virtually all the teeth in an upper or lower arch are missing. It rests on the gum line and gives the appearance of a full set of teeth.
How Much Can You Expect to Pay for Dental Implants?
According to Authority Dental, the average cost of a dental implant using a porcelain crown costs around $4,800. However, the average price range for a dental implant is between $3,500 and $6,700. The cost will vary depending on the type of dental implant or implants you need. For example, an implant-retained denture — which is essentially a full mouth of implants — may cost between $43,000 and $56,000 or more.
The price of dental implants reflects other specific costs, including the cost of the implant materials and the length and complexity of the placement procedure. The full procedure typically takes place over the course of a few months. This is because healing is necessary after implanting the post and before placing the abutment and then the crown.
What Goes Into the Cost of Dental Implants?
Several things factor into the cost of dental implants, aside from the type of artificial tooth you get and whether or not your jawbone requires a subperiosteal implant. A dentist installs a subperiosteal implant under the gum line but above the jawbone when the jawbone itself isn’t substantial enough to support the implant.
According to Authority Dental, the factors that result in extra costs typically include the following:
- Dental exams and X-rays are considered preliminary evaluations and can cost an extra $200 to $450.
- Bone grafting is an additional procedure that you may or may not need, depending on your jaw structure. This procedure can cost around $600 and can also delay your implant schedule.
- A sinus lift is another potential procedure you may need to increase bone thickness. This can cost between $1,500 and $2,500.
- General anesthesia often costs between $50 and $200 and is a necessary part of the procedure.
Will Insurance Cover My Dental Implants?
Fortunately, many dental insurance plans cover a portion of dental implant expenses. This can be an effective way to offset the cost if you need dental implants in the near future. Of course, the primary requirement is that the implant must be necessary to help you maintain the healthy function of your mouth.
Private insurance that includes full-coverage dental policies may pay out a percentage for major services, according to an article from USA Today. If you don’t have a full-coverage policy, you may only receive enough coverage for the crown portion but not the implant itself or the abutment.
Medicare typically excludes dental care. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you may have basic dental coverage. If you have MA coverage, it’s helpful to review your policy or call your Medicare insurance company to find out how much it pays towards dental services.
Medicaid also covers some dental care in 19 states. While this doesn’t typically include dental implants or crowns, it may provide coverage for a set of dentures.
If you need dental implants but are unable to cover the cost, even with insurance, you have options. As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes, you can look into local dental schools and clinics that offer low-cost care. You can also inquire about special financing with your regular dentist and recommended specialist to offset the costs.