In the United States, the average cost of a dental implant is approximately $2,000. On the low end, the cost of a dental implant may be around $1,545 while on the high end the dental implant cost can be as much as $2,500. This article breaks down data from over 1,000 dentists from across the United States, and details the cost of dental implants, to help patients make an informed decision about their oral health. It will also discuss the different factors that can affect the dental implant cost so that patients never receive surprise bills in the mail.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jawbone to hold a dental prosthetic (false tooth) in place. Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to provide a solid foundation for dental prosthetics. These implants are typically made of titanium, a material that is well-tolerated by the human body and can fuse with bone without rejection.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Dental Implants?
Number of Implants Required
The dental implant cost is directly affected by the number of implants that are required. Some patients may only require a single dental implant to replace a missing tooth while others may require multiple implants to support a dental prosthetic. The number of dental implants that are required will be determined by the dentist based on the specific needs of the patient. In general, the more dental implants that are needed, the higher the dental implant cost will be.
The Type of Dentist
Both general dentists and oral surgeons generally perform dental implants. General dentists can be trained to perform dental implants, but they may refer you to an oral surgeon if they feel like you need specialized care. Oral surgeons are specialists with more training and may therefore charge more for their services.
Location of the Dentist
The geographic location of the dentist also affects the dental implant cost. Dentists in rural areas typically charge less for their services than dentists in urban areas. This is because the cost of living in rural areas is usually lower than in urban areas, so dentists can charge less and still make a profit.
Additional Procedures Before/After Implant
The dental implant cost may also be affected by additional procedures that are required before or after the dental implant is placed.
Before an implant can be placed there are various procedures that may take place. The most common procedure is tooth extraction. Another common procedure, if the patient does not have enough bone to support the dental implant, is a bone graft.
After a dental implant is placed, the patient will most likely require an abutment (the part that connects the implant and the head of the new tooth) and the new tooth itself. This can be in the form of a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture. These can further vary in price depending on the materials they are made of.
What is the Average Cost of a Dental Implant Based on These Factors?
Although there are various factors affecting the cost of a dental implant, we can take a look at the average costs of current dentists to help inform our decision-making. The following data is from a survey completed by over 1,000 dentists from across the United States. It includes both the dental implant cost as well as the abutment/dental prosthetic and related procedures for a SINGLE tooth.
Dental Implant Cost
| Dental Implant | Average Dental Implant Cost ($) | Low-End Dental Implant Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Dental Implant Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endosteal Implant | 2,013.73 | 1545 | 2500 |
Abutment (Implant to Tooth Connection) Cost
| Abutment Type | Average Abutment Cost ($) | Low-End Abutment Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Abutment Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prefabricated Abutment | 717.97 | 450 | 990 |
| Custom Fabricated Abutment | 872.56 | 600 | 1150 |
Actual Tooth Cost (Crown or Bridge)
| Tooth Type | Average Cost ($) | Low-End Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crown: High Noble Metal | 1,456.48 | 1100 | 1825 |
| Crown: Porcelain + High Noble Alloy | 1,511.04 | 1085 | 1993 |
| Bridge: Porcelain + High Noble Metal (Tooth directly on Implant)* | 1,443.88 | 1050 | 1828 |
| Bridge: Porcelain + High Noble Alloy (Tooth directly on Implant)* | 1,509.74 | 1050 | 1957 |
| Bridge: Resin-Based Composite (Tooth between implants)* | 982.41 | 682 | 1220 |
| Bridge: Porcelain/Ceramic (Tooth between implants)* | 1,184.07 | 950 | 1468 |
Additional Procedures
| Additional Procedures | Average Cost ($) | Low-End Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implant Maintenance (e.g. cleaning of prostheses and abutments) | 212.47 | 70 | 371 |
| Implant Removal | 640.78 | 260 | 974 |
| If Bone Graft is Required at Time of Implant | 552.15 | 285 | 813 |
When all is said and done one can expect to pay $4,000-5,000 for a new tooth, from start to finish. For a full breakdown of all dental procedure costs click here.
How can I get a Low-Cost Dental implant?
At the end of the day, dental implants are extremely expensive. Ideally, one takes care of their teeth and gums to avoid having to get dental implants in the first place. However, for those who already have dental implants or are considering dental implants, there are a few ways to get low-cost dental implants:
Dental Schools
One way to get low-cost dental implants is to go to a dental school. Dental schools are educational institutions that train students to become dentists. They typically have clinics where students can gain hands-on experience treating patients. The treatments provided at these clinics are usually very cheap or even free. However, the downside is that students typically are much slower and less experienced than practicing dentists.
Community Dental Clinics
Another option for getting cheap dental implants is to go to a community dental clinic. Community dental clinics are non-profit organizations that provide dental care to underserved communities. They typically offer their services at a reduced cost or even for free. However, the downside is that these clinics are often very busy and have long waitlists.
There are a few organizations that provide free dental implants to low-income individuals. One such organization is the Dental Lifeline Network. The Dental Lifeline Network is a non-profit organization that provides free dental care to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Another organization that provides low-cost dental implants is the Give a Kid a Smile Program from the American Dental Association. The Give a Kid a Smile Program is a non-profit organization that provides free dental health education, screenings, preventive care, and/or treatment for kids.
HMOs
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are organizations that provide health insurance coverage to their members. Many HMOs have dental plans that cover part or all of the cost of a dental implant. However, the downside is that HMOs often have a limited network of dentists that they work with.
Dental Discount Plans
Another option for getting a low-cost dental implant is to sign up for a dental discount plan. Dental discount plans are not insurance plans, but rather membership plans that offer discounts on dental services from a network of dentists. These plans typically have an annual fee that entitles the member to a certain percentage off of dental services. The downside is that dental discount plans often have a limited network of dentists that they work with.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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