How Much Do Dental Implants Cost? Review Current Prices and Insurance Coverage

If you’re missing one or more teeth due to injury or gum disease, you’re not alone. In the U.S., the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more missing or decayed teeth. About 17% of people age 65 and older have lost all their natural teeth.

One way to restore your bite is to get dental implants. A dental implant is an artificially rooted tooth that’s permanently attached to your jaw. It is typically made of titanium and consists of three parts: the implant body, abutment, and crown. 

Dental implants can cost thousands of dollars depending on the number of teeth you need to replace and where they’re located, among other factors. If your insurance doesn’t cover dental implants or you don’t have insurance, there are other ways to save money. 

How much do dental implants typically cost?

The typical cost for a single dental implant is between $3,000 and $7,000, although it can be higher depending on the complexity of the case and any additional procedures required. That cost covers the implant device and its surgical placement.  

A newer implant option is a one-piece device made entirely of zirconia, a type of ceramic. Pricing from selected dentists around the U.S. suggests zirconia implants will cost you a few hundred dollars more than titanium.

What factors affect the cost of dental implants?

Dental implants aren’t one size fits all; they’re customized to fit peoples’ specific needs. This also means that there are various factors that can affect the price, including:

• Geographic location: The city or state you live in may affect how much you pay for implants. For example, dental professionals may charge more in cities with higher costs of living. 

• Insurance coverage: Usually, dental insurance covers major procedures like implants. But with other types of coverage, including Medicare, you can expect to pay out of pocket. If you have insurance, review your plan for more details.

• Number of implants: Getting a single dental implant is generally much less expensive than getting multiple implants or implant-supported bridges.

• Implant location: Implants in difficult to reach areas of the mouth might require sinus surgery — and add to your costs. 

• Type of implant: Titanium is the most common and cost-effective material for implants. Zirconia implants are a newer technology and tend to be more expensive.

• Complexity of procedure: Tooth extractions, bone grafting, and health conditions such as periodontal gum disease can impact implant costs. And you may need a dental specialist such as an oral surgeon or periodontist if your situation is more complex.  

Additional costs related to dental implants

Beyond the price of the implant device(s) and surgical placement, your other expenses might include:

• Dental exams and X-rays: Preliminary evaluations can add another $200 to $450 to your total if you’re uninsured.

• Bone grafting: This procedure costs an additional $600 on average. And you’ll have to wait for the graft site to heal before you can get an implant.

• Sinus lift: This procedure increases bone thickness in the upper jaw and could add $1,500 to $2,500 to your bill.

• Anesthesia: Sedation can cost $50 to $200, while general anesthesia, which must be administered by an anesthesiologist, is likely to cost several hundred dollars or more per hour.

• Specialist care: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons usually charge more than dentists for procedures such as implants.

Does insurance cover dental implants?

If you have dental insurance, it may cover some implant expenses or at least defray the overall cost by covering specific steps. If an implant is needed to maintain or restore the health of your teeth and gums, your insurer is more likely to pay. If the implant is a cosmetic fix, it won’t be covered. 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Are dental implants right for you? Learn more about the procedure, how to decide if you’re a good candidate, and treatment alternatives. 

• The cost of dentures: If you’re missing some or all of your natural teeth, dentures may be a better fit than dental implants. Read about the pros and cons of dentures and how much you can expect to pay. 

• Deducting your dental care: Certain dental expenses, including implants, can be tax deductible if they’re deemed medically necessary. Find out how to claim dental care on your taxes.

It’s important to review your insurance plan to better understand your dental coverage. Below is an overview of common rules and coverage for different types of insurance plans: 

• Private dental insurance: Full-coverage dental policies will often pay 50% of the costs of major procedures, up to the annual maximum benefit amount (typically around $1,500). Some plans explicitly cover implants, but even if yours doesn’t it may still cover certain aspects. For example, you might have coverage for a crown but not the implant body or the abutment.

• Medicare: Original Medicare excludes coverage for virtually all dental care, including implants. If you have Medicare Advantage, you probably have access to preventive dental coverage and more extensive benefits. For further details, contact your plan.

• Medicaid: Dental coverage under Medicaid varies from state to state. While some state Medicaid programs provide adults with extensive or comprehensive dental care for preventive and diagnostic procedures, it is less common to receive coverage for dental implants unless it is considered medically necessary. Check with your state’s programs to get a better understanding of coverage limits and requirements. 

Are dental implants worth it?

Though expensive, getting dental implants can be a worthwhile investment. Living with missing teeth can make chewing difficult. And the remaining teeth can shift or move to fill the empty space, causing bite misalignment.

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If you have dentures or bridges, replacing them with implants can relieve issues with chewing and talking. Implants are also more durable than full or partial dentures.

Though, implants may not be recommended if your body has difficulty healing. This could be because of diabetes, leukemia, low estrogen levels, or another health condition. Or it could be related to smoking. According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, the more cigarettes you smoke each day, the greater your risk of implant failure.

Problems due to a broken screw or loosened abutment do occur and can be fixed. Occasionally, dental implants fail. Here are a couple reasons why:

• Short-term failure can occur when the bone doesn’t heal around the implant body. Fixing this could require a bone graft and a second implant attempt.

• Long-term failure can result from chronic gum and bone infections. Symptoms of implant failure include discomfort and bleeding. This will probably require the removal of the implant.

Pros of dental implants

The benefits of a dental implant include:

• Restoring the missing tooth’s function and appearance

• Preserving the health of the jawbone and gums

• Preventing nearby teeth from moving

Cons of dental implants

Some of the potential risks with a dental implant are:

• Damage to the nearby teeth or the gums, sinuses, jawbone, or nerves during implantation

• Infection of nearby bones or gums

• Misalignment or color mismatch

Questions for the dentist

When you’re consulting a dentist, oral surgeon, periodontist, or endodontist about the implant procedure, it’s wise to ask some questions about the costs, benefits, and risks. Some examples of questions you might ask are:

• How many implants have you performed, and what’s your success rate?

• What steps will be required for my implant procedure, and how much will each one cost?

• What unexpected procedures or costs could I face?

• What are the benefits and risks of your recommended approach?

• What should I expect as far as missing work and recovery time?

Why are implants so expensive?

The high price reflects the cost of the implant materials plus the length and complexity of the placement process. Start to finish, getting a dental implant takes at least a few months.

Dental implant process

The process usually begins with a dental exam and consultation. When it’s time for the procedure, your dentist or periodontist will give you local anesthesia or IV sedation to guard against pain. Then, they’ll insert the screw-shaped implant body into your jawbone in the gap where the tooth once was. This is called an endosteal implant. The goal is for your body’s natural healing process to cause your jawbone to fuse to the implant body. 

If your jawbone is less substantial, your dentist may recommend a subperiosteal implant. This type of implant is installed under the gum but above the jawbone.

The next part of the process will take place several weeks or months later, once the implant site has healed. Your dentist or periodontist will extend the implant body with an abutment, a reinforcing post to anchor the artificial tooth. Then, you’ll have an impression taken, so that a dental lab can manufacture a custom-made crown that matches the color of your existing teeth. These crowns are usually made of ceramic or porcelain.

Finally, once the crown is ready, you’ll return to your dentist or periodontist’s office to have it fastened onto the abutment with a screw or dental cement.

How can I find affordable dental implants?

There are ways to save money on dental implants, whether or not you have insurance. Local dental schools and clinics across the country frequently offer lower-cost implants, for example. The Dental Lifeline Network provides free dental care to qualifying individuals nationwide. And state dental societies may also be able to suggest resources.

How long do the benefits of dental implants last?

Studies have shown that nearly 97% of implants last for at least 10 years. And practicing healthy brushing and flossing habits and getting regular checkups can help implants last for decades.

What are some alternatives to dental implants?

If you want to avoid the expense or long wait for implants, there are other options:

• Dental bridges: Dental bridges can fill gaps of up to two adjacent missing teeth. Prices vary, but bridges average $2,000 to $5,000 or more. 

• Dentures: Partial dentures range in cost from $800 to $3,100, depending on the type and size of device and the materials used.

The downside of these less expensive prosthetics is that you’ll probably have to replace them eventually. Research shows full dentures can last 10 years, for example.

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Written by:

Lora Shinn, MLIS

Lora Shinn is a freelance writer with more than a decade of experience writing about health and personal finance, and has written for outlets such as Prevention, Healthline, The Paper Gown, and The Balance. Topics covered have ranged from medical clowning to creating a healthier home.

Edited by:

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA, is a personal finance editor at GoodRx. She has been a certified public accountant for over a decade.

Reviewed by:

Shari L. Grigsby-Young, DDS

Dr. Grigsby-Young is a general dentist who was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She completed her undergraduate studies at Xavier University of Louisiana.

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