If you have recently discovered that you need dental implants to replace your missing teeth, you probably wonder what this involves and how much it will cost you. Patients can expect the price for dental implants to vary depending on various factors, including insurance coverage (or lack thereof), the number of missing teeth, the type of dental implants required, and the quality of the dental practice performing the surgery.
Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option that places surgical implants into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. The implant, shaped like a screw, bonds with your jawbone to create a base that supports the dental crowns for artificial teeth. Crowns are usually made of porcelain because they match your natural teeth’s shape, appearance, and color. Sometimes, an abutment may be placed between the crown and implant to hold them together. Abutments are also used to connect crowns to dental bridges, partial dentures, and removable dentures.
Major Kinds of Dental Implants
The two major types of dental implants are endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants (also called root-form implants) are the most popular and are made with small titanium screws and alloplastic metal. Endosteal implants are cheaper than subperiosteal implants because they are less complicated and risky. Patients with good oral health are advised to get endosteal implants.
Subperiosteal implants are rare because they are expensive and only recommended for patients with alarming dental health. Unlike endosteal implants, which are surgically implanted in the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are placed under the gums above or below the jawbone. This implant is recommended for patients whose jawbones are not healthy enough to support endosteal implants.
Single Tooth Implants – $3000 to $5000
Single tooth dental implants are suitable for patients who are missing one tooth. A single implant is surgically placed in the jawbone to support a single crown. This kind of dental implant will cost you anywhere between $3,000 and $5000. Patients with comprehensive insurance can expect drastically reduced fees or none, depending on their policy coverage. This treatment will ensure you receive the functionality, comfort, and aesthetics you seek.
Implant Supported Bridge – $6000 to $16,000
An implant-supported bridge may be the most suitable option if you miss several teeth. When you get an implant-supported bridge, the surgically implanted implant in your jaw serves as an anchor for a bridge instead of a crown, as in a single dental implant. The fixed dental bridge is used to restore optimal functioning by preventing your teeth from moving. An implant-supported dental bridge will cost you between $6,000 and $16,000. It is a very efficient way of restoring speaking and eating functions that may have been affected by the loss of several teeth. Patients with insurance coverage will pay highly reduced fees depending on their coverage.
All-on-4-Dental Implants – $15,000 to $20,000 per arch
All-on-4 dental implants are recommended for patients missing many teeth and seeking a permanent solution. These implants can be used to restore a patient’s entire lower and upper jaw. It is the most expensive dental implant, costing patients between $15,000 and $20,000 per arch. If your dentist has recommended all-on-4 dental implants, it is essential to determine whether your insurance will cover a percentage of the fees or the entire amount. Some dental offices offer flexible payment plans that clients without comprehensive insurance can rely on to enjoy quality care without breaking the bank.
3-on-6 Dental Implants – $10,000 – $15,000 per arch
Patients who may not want implant-retained dentures can opt for 3-on-6 implants. These implants consist of three individual dental bridges attached to six dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone. If you miss several teeth, you should consider getting 3-on-6 dental implants. This procedure can cost patients between $10,000 and $15,000 per arch. Comprehensive health insurance is likely to cover the entire cost or a percentage of the total cost of your dental surgery.
If you consider getting dental implants, ensure you do sufficient research to identify a high-quality dental practice that offers affordable services and flexible payment plans. You should also consult your health insurance company to discover the extent of your coverage. Dental implants are a permanent solution, and it is critical to ensure you get high-quality services that will serve you efficiently for a lifetime.
