Dental Implants Cost, Types, Benefits, & More

Dental implants replace natural tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts which provide a permanent base for artificial teeth that look and function like a patient's natural teeth. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or all of the teeth.

Because dental implants fit, feel and function like natural teeth — when compared to dentures, bridges and other options — they are popular and may be an effective long-term solution for people suffering from missing teeth, failing teeth or chronic dental problems.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to anchor replacements for your natural teeth, called dental crowns, into the jawline, and replace one or more missing teeth. In some instances, a dental implant can replace your entire upper or lower set of teeth.¹

Why would you need a dental implant?

Missing teeth can result from injury, tooth decay and gum disease. If you've lost one or more teeth, the gap in your mouth may make you self-conscious, less likely to smile and may even negatively affect the way you eat. Fortunately, dental implants may be able to replace those missing teeth.

What are dental implants made of?

Dental implants are typically made from titanium alloy. Titanium is as strong as steel, but much lighter in weight. It also resists corrosion.²

Titanium is nontoxic, and biocompatible. It's considered a safe substance to use for implantation anywhere throughout the body. Titanium is also used in a wide range of medical procedures, including hip, shoulder and knee replacement surgeries.³

Dental implants vs. bridge

Unlike a dental implant, a bridge doesn't replace the root of a missing tooth. Instead, it's made up of one or more false teeth (pontics) that are held in place on either side by healthy teeth known as abutments.⁴ The doctor drills down the abutment teeth and covers them with crowns when placing the bridge.⁴ In some instances, your provider will use a dental implant as an abutment to secure a bridge.⁵

Dental implants vs. veneers

For damaged and infected teeth, a dental implant can fully replace the entire tooth. A dental veneer is a resin-composite or porcelain shell that a dentist bonds to the front of an existing healthy tooth, improving its shape and appearance without actually replacing it. Veneers are less expensive than implants and require no surgery.⁶

Dental implants vs. dentures

Implants offer those with missing teeth a permanent solution. Dentures are artificial teeth and gums which you remove for daily cleaning and require an adhesive to stay in place while being worn. Dentures are full or partial. Unlike implants, dentures don't require surgery but you can't eat chewy or crunchy foods with them.⁷

Dental implants vs. crowns

A dental implant replaces a missing tooth while a crown is a type of cap used to protect and save an existing tooth. Crowns are made from the same material as the top portion of a dental implant.⁸

Dental implants vs. root canals

When your provider removes your tooth, a dental implant can replace it. A root canal, on the other hand, saves the tooth. With a root canal, the dental surgeon removes all infected tissue within the tooth and replaces it with filling material called gutta-percha. In most cases, a dental crown is also placed on top to protect the tooth.⁹

9 Types of Dental Implants

There are multiple options available for someone considering dental implants. Your dentist will select the best one for you based in part on the amount of healthy jawbone you have.

1. Endosteal implants

Endosteal implants are the most common type of implants. If you have enough healthy jawbone to support it, your provider may recommend an endosteal implant.⁴

Endosteal implants resemble small screws. Your dental surgeon will surgically insert the implant deep into your jawbone. The screw takes the place of the missing tooth's root. Unlike natural tooth roots, an implant can anchor several teeth instead of just one. Over time, your natural jawbone will grow around the dental implant, making it stronger and more stable.⁴

The surgeon attaches replacement teeth (crowns) to dental implants with a metal extender called an abutment. The provider attaches the abutment during the initial implant procedure or within several months.⁴

These procedures are anxiety producing for some people. That's completely understandable.¹⁰

Endosteal dental implants can last a lifetime, particularly if you have good oral hygiene habits such as avoiding sugary foods and drinks. The crowns may, however, require replacement every 10 to 15 years.¹¹

3. Endosteal implant with bone augmentation

If you don't have enough healthy jawbone for an endosteal implant, bone augmentation procedures are sometimes done ahead of time that replace or build up bone.¹⁴ This eliminates the need for a subperiosteal implant and may provide a more permanent, stable option for you.

Bone augmentation is also referred to as a bone graft. During this procedure, the doctor places bone from either your own body or another source in your jaw or below the sinus cavity. In some instances, they will use a synthetic, bone-like material instead.¹⁴

The bone grafting material promotes new, healthy bone growth. This creates enough bone to hold and maintain an endosteal dental implant.¹⁴

2. Subperiosteal dental implants

When there isn't enough jawbone to support an endosteal implant, your doctor may use a subperiosteal implant. This procedure isn't common and these implants aren't as sturdy as endosteal implants.¹²

Subperiosteal implants are surgically inserted under the gums to sit on or above the jawbone. They are not drilled into the bone itself. If you have a subperiosteal implant inserted, the metal implant post remains visible above the gumline, until the provider affixes an artificial tooth to it.¹³

4. Single vs. full implants

A single implant replaces only one tooth, while a full set of implants replaces all of the teeth in your mouth. The type of implant used varies based on what is best for the patient.¹³

For some patients, a dentist may recommend replacing each individual tooth with a single implant. This is the most expensive and surgically intensive option. In other cases, patients may receive implant-secured dentures, also called an implant-supported bridge. Implant-secured dentures consist of a row of false teeth secured with as few as four implants along the upper or lower jawline.¹³

5. All-on-4

For those missing most of the teeth along the top or bottom of their mouth, a good option might be the All-on-4. The All-on-4 is a row of dentures secured with four dental implants along the upper or lower jaw that avoids having to do a bone graft.¹⁴ An All-on-4 is a permanent solution but the overdenture is removable for dental cleanings and exams.¹³

6. 3-on-6

The 3-on-6 consists of three individual dental bridges attached to six dental implants. This is similar to the All-on-4 but provides additional dental implants to stabilize the bridges.¹³

7. Implant-supported bridge

For those with several missing adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge can replace them. Here, a single implant anchors several teeth together on a bridge.¹³

8. Zygomatic implants

For patients with significant bone and gum loss, zygomatic implants allow patients to skip bone graft surgeries. These implants are longer than traditional dental implants and require special skill and training to place.¹⁵

9. Immediate-load implants

Also referred to as "Teeth in a Day," these implants let you walk out of your initial appointment with a temporary set of teeth attached to the implant until the area around the implant heals. Later, your dental surgeon will add a permanent crown to the implant, but in the meantime, you have the look and feel of real teeth.¹⁶

Dental Implants Cost

The average cost of a dental implant can depend on various factors, including the region or area where a patient lives and the dental professional performing the procedure. The average cost of dental implants range from $3,000 to $4,500 per implant, which includes the implant surgery and all the necessary components, such as the implant crown.¹⁷

Dental implants can last a lifetime and are usually more expensive than alternatives such as dentures.^4,17 In addition, many dental insurance plans may not cover your dental implant cost or only cover some of the cost.¹⁷ Check with your plan's provider to determine your out-of-pocket costs.

Single vs. full dental implant cost

The average dental implant cost ranges from $3,000 to $4,500 per implant. Dental crowns and the hardware used to attach them to each implant may have an additional cost. On the other hand, a full-mouth set of implants may run anywhere from $60,000 to $90,000. This would include separate implants to replace an entire mouth of teeth.¹⁷

Cost by type of dental implant

The type of implant you get can greatly affect the dental implant cost:

Additional dental implant cost considerations

The exact price you can expect to pay for dental implants depends in part on the number of missing teeth you have and the number of implants you need. Bone augmentation procedures can add to the price tag. Your dental surgeon can give you an estimate of the total cost for your dental implants before you begin.

Dental implants cost with insurance

In many cases, dental insurance providers consider implants an elective procedure and won't cover any dental implant cost. Some plans may help pay for the implant crown or pay up to $1,500 per implant per year.¹⁷ Check with your plan provider to determine your specific benefits including any deductible or co-pay requirements.

Dental implants cost without insurance

The average dental implant cost ranges from $3,000 to $4,500 per implant. Dental crowns and the hardware used to attach them to each implant may have an additional cost. Once you add in these ancillary costs, you might pay as much as $6,000 per tooth, without insurance.⁴

How to pay for dental implants

If you are in need of a dental implant, there are several payment options you can consider.

• Cash: If you have the funds readily available, you can use them.
• Health savings account: You could use a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for the procedure if you have one.
• Payment arrangement with your provider: A few providers may provide a payment arrangement or extend credit to patients through their practice, where patients would receive bills from and pay the provider directly. This would allow you to pay off the bill over time.
• Standard Credit Cards or the CareCredit credit card: Almost all providers accept general purpose credit cards and many accept the CareCredit credit card, which may be a convenient way to pay for the procedure.

Dental Implant Alternatives

There are alternative procedures for replacing missing teeth that you may wish to consider. These include dentures and dental bridges, and there are pros and cons to each of these options.

Dentures

Dentures are held in place by an adhesive when worn, fitted to the contours of your mouth, and don't require a surgical procedure. Your doctor may need to pull decayed or damaged teeth before you're fitted for dentures.⁴

Dental bridges

Dental bridges are false teeth anchored on either side by abutments (healthy teeth). To insert the bridge, a doctor must drill down the abutment teeth and cover them with crowns.⁴

Dental implants vs. alternatives

There are pros and cons to each of these options, such as longevity. Dental implants may last a lifetime. Dental bridges and dentures typically last up to 15 years.⁵

Dentures and dental bridges don't require drilling into your jawbone and dental implants can take as long as nine months and several procedures to install.⁴

Dentures require daily maintenance and removal. They can also feel uncomfortable.⁷

And, of course, there's cost. Dental implants are more expensive than dentures and dental bridges, and are not usually covered by dental insurance. Unlike implants, most dental insurance plans cover some of the cost of dentures and dental bridges.⁴

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Do you still have questions about dental implants? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Financing Dental Implants With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you're getting dental implants or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.^* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 18 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care, and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy, and more.