Missing a tooth (or multiple teeth) due to poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition or playing hockey? Whatever the reason, one of the most popular options for tooth replacement is dental implants.
And while dental implants are a great option, a lot of folks, understandably, have concerns about the costs involved in getting implants.
And that’s exactly what this article is all about – first you’ll get the latest average costs for dental implants in the U.S. Then, on the next page, see our Dental Implants Savings Guide with information about 5 ways you may be able to save a bundle on implants.
Dental Implant Cost Info
While below we give you some good average cost data for getting dental implants in the US, there is no straightforward, one-size-fits-all answer to the question – how much are dental implants?
When you’re talking costs, there are a few factors that go into it.
So let’s unpack this all so you get a better sense of the costs involved.
First, the implant itself. There are a few part of the implant… .
- The implant itself. This is the part that’s inserted into your jawbone (this is done under anesthesia during this so you’ll be in your happy place when this happens!).
- The abutment. This is the part that attaches to the implant using a screw.
- The restoration/crown. This is the part that actually looks like a tooth.
Each of these have costs associated with them. And the materials used for each will affect pricing.
Also adding to the costs are things like exams, X-rays/CT Scans, all surgical procedures, etc.
With that background info out of the way, let’s get to the much less than million dollar question…
How Much Are Dental Implants?
Average Dental Implant Cost Per Tooth in 2019: $2000
Cost Range for a Full Set of Dental Implants in 2019: $24,000 – $100,000
Ouch! That ain’t cheap.
This enormous range in prices for a full set of dental implants above is like the difference, cost-wise, between buying a Toyota and a Tesla. The reason for this is there could be a huge difference in pricing due to things like:
- The condition of your mouth
- How many implants you need (and where in the mouth they’re located)
- The materials used
- Where you live
- The experience level of your cosmetic dentist.
Another note about the pricing above…
… The $2000 dental implant cost per tooth figure is just for the implant itself. Once you lump in the costs of restorations/crows and other things mentioned above, it could add another $2000 or so on average. That brings the total for the whole shebang to an average of $4000 for dental implants per tooth in the United States.
However, to make implants more affordable for their patients many cosmetic dentists offer payment plans and/or affordable financing options for implants. These can help spread the costs out over time instead of dropping a big wad of dough down at one time.
Also, more insurance plans are starting to cover part of the cost of dental implants because they understand the cost benefit involved. It’s a good idea to at least check with your dental insurance company to see if you can sweet talk them into picking up part of the tab.
Bottom line is that implants ain’t cheap and there can be a huge difference in price. Your best bet is to contact a few cosmetic dentists near you that can help you with dental implants and get a cost estimate based on your situation.
That said, there are some ways you may be able to save a bundle on dental implants. See the top 5 ways to save in our Dental Implants Savings Guide on the next page.
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Unless you won the lottery or have a sugar daddy, deciding to get a dental implant will likely have a significant impact on your financial situation.
Since most people don’t have either of those things, we decided to do an article providing advice on ways to save on dental implants. While there’s no magic secret here and the options below may not work for everyone, when you’re talking about spending this kind of money, it pays to look into the 5 options listed here.
So, without further adieu, here are the 5 best ways to save some significant money on dental implants…
Shop Around
Even within the same city, you may find the cost for dental implants may vary widely between cosmetic dentists. If you live in a major city, driving an hour or two to a more rural location can result in big savings.
Doing some research and shopping around is worth some time and effort. When it comes to dental implants, it could literally save you thousands of dollars.
Travel Abroad – Dental Tourism
Dental tourism is a big thing these days with the cost of implants and other cosmetic dentistry procedures so high.
Around 1.4 million Americans will travel abroad for health and dental care according to the group Patients Beyond Borders.
The idea here is to travel to a foreign country where the costs of dental procedures are significantly lower than they are in the U.S. And, while you’re at it, take a vacation while you recover.
When it comes to dental care, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Thailand are some of the more popular destination for Americans.
Obviously there are some big risks involved with travelling abroad for health or dental care. You have to really do your homework and make sure the provider you choose is trustworthy and reliable.
No matter how much you may save, complications from a botched procedure in another country isn’t worth the price.
Go To Dental School
No, we’re not suggesting you go to dental school so you can perform the dental implant procedure yourself!
What we mean is that you should contact a local dental school to see if they offer discounted procedures.
Having dental school students perform the implant procedure for you could be a win-win situation.
The students get experience doing a dental implant surgery (under the watchful eye of an experienced dentist) and you get implants for a lot less than you’d pay going to a local cosmetic dentist.
This may not be an option for everyone though. Dental schools usually have a wait list for people who want implants. Plus, they also usually only accept a certain number of people and extend the offer only to those with lower annual incomes.
Dental Discount Plans
Dental discount plans may be a good way to go to save on dental implants and other dental procedures.
With these plans you pay a fee to become a member. Then, when you visit one of the dentists that accept the plan, you can save between 10% – 60% on dental treatment costs.
The great thing about dental discount (also called dental savings) plans is they have no co-pays, no health restrictions, and there’s no annual limit on how many times you can use your plan.
Before signing up for a plan, check out their discounts when it comes to dental implants. Savings will vary from plan to plan, but you can expect to save around 20% or so which can add up to a big chunk of change.
Alternative Options
Dental implants are not the only game in town when it comes to replacing lost teeth.
A tooth supported fixed bridge or removable partial dentures are alternatives that can cost much less than implants. They have their drawbacks though (for example, they tend not to last as long as implants) so you’ll have to weigh those against the cost savings.
Bottom Line on Cheap Dental Implants
Don’t let the sticker shock on dental implants convince you they’re too expensive. Look into the options outlined above and you may find they’re more affordable than you thought.