Dental Implant Cost: What to Expect

The invention of dental implants changed the lives of millions of people around the world. Their ability to mimic natural teeth is so impressive that patients tend to forget they ever underwent the implanting procedure.

When your natural tooth can’t be saved, your dentist offers several options. The most efficient solution is an implant. It requires little maintenance and can last a lifetime.

The cost of dental implants worries many patients. However, saving on tooth restoration procedures now could reduce your quality of life in the future.

Let’s talk about the typical cost of dental implants so it doesn’t come as a surprise.

We’ll discuss:

• How much dental implants cost
• The breakdown of dental implant costs
• If dental insurance covers implants
• Ways you can afford dental implants
• If dental implants are a worthwhile investment

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The average cost of dental implants is $3,000 — $5,000. It includes the post, abutment, and crown placement. Bone grafting, tooth extraction, CT scan, and X-ray are paid for separately. Additionally, the cost depends on the following factors:

• Experience — The more experienced your dentist is, the more money they’re likely to charge since working with top-notch professionals minimizes risks.
• Materials — Implants are usually made from titanium or zirconium. The quality of these materials dictates their price.
• Preliminary procedures — If you need additional preparation procedures like tooth extraction, sinus elevation, and bone grafting, the total dental implant cost goes up.
• Laboratory — The cost of the crown can depend on the laboratory your dentist works with.
• Location — The total dental implant cost may depend on where your dentist is located.
• Individual characteristics — Dental implants are highly customized for each individual case. That’s why the cost may vary from patient to patient.

Breakdown of Dental Implant Cost*

• • Post — $1,000 — $3,000
  • Abutment and crown — $1,000 — $3,000
  • Bone grafting — $200 — $3,000 (depending on how complex the procedure is)
  • Tooth extraction — $75 — $650 (depending on complexity)
  • CT scan — $250 — $1,000
  • X-ray — $20 — $200

*These prices are a national average. They don’t reflect Distinctive Dental Care’s prices.

It’s important to understand that with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. By investing time and money in them today, you’re saving yourself significant worries and efforts in the future.

The procedure has a higher ROI (Return on Investment) than other missing tooth replacement solutions. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they don’t require you to modify healthy teeth or need regular replacement. With dental implants, you don’t have to practice eating or speaking. They feel like your natural teeth.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

In most cases, dental insurance doesn’t cover dental implants. Some providers may offer partial coverage for the implant crown.

Even though dental implants are gaining popularity due to their prevailing efficiency, insurance companies still consider them an elective procedure. With time, insurance providers are likely to recognize the long-term patient benefits over other missing tooth replacement options.

If your insurance doesn’t cover dental implants (or covers only a small percentage), you could ask to give you an allowance toward the treatment equal to the cost of a dental bridge or traditional dentures.

According to Investopedia…Opens a new window to the Investopedia website…, the best dental insurances that cover implants are:

• Delta Dental Insurance
• Denali Dental
• Spirit Dental & Vision
• Ameritas
• Cigna Dental

By researching these and similar options, you can enjoy affordable dental implants instead of settling for less expensive procedures. It’s important to check out dental insurance providers in advance since approval for some plans may take a while.

How Can You Afford Dental Implants?

If your dental insurance doesn’t cover implants and you don’t have the time or opportunity to switch providers, there are a few other ways you can afford the procedure.

1. Dental Loans

Dental loans are personal loans that help you fund expensive procedures like dental implants. When choosing the right dental loan to cover your implant, pay attention to the following factors:

• Annual percentage rate
• Additional fees
• Approval time
• Requirements (minimum income, credit score, etc.)

You can also consider using CareCredit…Opens a new window to the CareCredit website…. This healthcare credit card comes with a variety of plans to help cover implant costs.

Take the time to shop around for the best solution.

2. In-House Payment Plans

Many dentists offer in-house payment plans. Each case is negotiated separately. These types of plans are usually more affordable than loans. They are easier to set up as well.

You simply make small payments toward your balance until the entire cost of the implant work is covered.

3. FSA, HRA, or HSA

Dental implants are an eligible expense for your FSA (Flexible Spending Account), HRA (Health Reimbursement Account), and HSA (Health Savings Account) accounts if not installed for cosmetic reasons.

If you have one of these accounts set up, you can reduce the financial burden of installing a dental implant.

Why are Dental Implants a Worthy Investment?

Today, dental implants are the most efficient way to replace a missing tooth. People who choose dental implants live a normal life without feeling any discomfort while chewing, smiling, or speaking.

Patients who feel intimidated by the cost of dental implants can choose one of the two alternatives: dentures or dental bridges.

Unfortunately, both of these options come with serious downsides:

• Dental bridges — Healthy teeth need to be shaved down to install a bridge. It’s rarely an efficient solution when more than two adjacent teeth are missing. Dental bridges are difficult to clean.
• Dentures — They take a while to get used to (speaking and eating require practice). They need special care and timely replacement. Improper installation could lead to gum infections. Poorly fitted dentures slide around the mouth, making it hard to speak, eat, or smile.

In the long run, both alternatives could cause additional teeth and gum problems. They also need regular replacement. Even though the initial cost of implants is higher, in the end, you may be paying much more for maintaining bridges and dentures as well as fixing new problems they could cause.

It’s worth noting that not all patients are eligible for dental implants. To find out if you qualify, speak to your dentist.

Dental Implant Cost: The Takeaway

Since each case is different, the dental implant cost varies from patient to patient. It depends on a number of factors, from the surgeon’s experience to the number of preliminary treatments.

Even though insurance doesn’t usually cover dental implants, there are many ways to help make the procedure more affordable.

We are a father-and-son dental practice and want to make the dental implant process as easy as possible for you.

Contact us to see if dental implants are the right solution for you:

• Schedule an appointment
• Call 928-445-3181 to talk to our team directly
• Email us at info@wulffdmd.com to get more information

Our dental office is located in Prescott, AZ, and we are happy to serve patients from all communities in Yavapai County and beyond.