How much does a tooth implant cost without insurance

The average cost of dental implants ranges from about $2,500 – $11,500, with an average around $3,500 per single tooth. While there are many factors to consider, the largest cost considerations include placing the implant post (around $2,500 per tooth, on average) and restoration – the implant crown or bridge – which averages around $1,050 per tooth. Read below for more information.

 
Dental implants are a highly sought out treatment for those who are experiencing tooth loss or need damaged teeth replaced, but it is also one of the most expensive dental procedures you can undergo. So, how much do dental implants cost exactly?

The cost of dental implants varies from patient to patient, however the average cost of placing just the implant post can range from $2,000 to $10,000, with an average around $2,500 per tooth. Then there’s the restoration (your crown or bridge), which can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,600 per tooth. That said, the cost of dental implants fluctuates based on a variety of factors including whether you are receiving one or several implants as well as the type of restoration you need. 

Despite these costs, implant-supported restorations are typically the best option for replacing teeth because they allow you to fully restore the function and aesthetics of your smile. Learn more about dental implant costs and how you can save on your treatment by using the links below.

• What Are Dental Implants?
• Are Dental Implants Worth It?
• Benefits of Dental Implants
• How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
  • What Factors Affect the Cost of Dental Implants?
• Dental Implants and Insurance
• How to Save Money on Dental Implant Costs
• Dental Implant FAQs
  • How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
  • Do Tooth Implants Hurt?
  • What Are the Disadvantages of Dental Implants?
  • Why Are Tooth Implants So Expensive?
  • Can Dental Implants Be Done in One Day?
  • Should I Get a Bridge or an Implant?

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are typically made of Titanium. Titanium is used because it is “biocompatible.” This means it does not rust or corrode and the human body has a better chance of not reacting to the implant or rejecting it. Dental implants serve as the base for dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures.

Once an implant is placed, the tooth replacement is attached on top, and the new tooth (or teeth) should function like your natural teeth.

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

Many individuals find themselves wondering “Are dental implants worth the cost?”. While dental implants are one of the most expensive dental procedures you can undergo, they are an investment in your health. 

If you fail to replace missing teeth, you could find yourself spending far more over the next few years to address further oral health issues that arise due to these conditions, such as the surrounding teeth shifting around and becoming misaligned. Some of the other oral health issues that can result from tooth loss include:

• Infection 
• Further tooth loss
• Malnutrition

So yes, for many individuals suffering from tooth loss, dental implants are a worthwhile investment. They also offer many benefits that can improve your quality of life over traditional dentures that are not supported by implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Some of the most notable benefits of dental implants include: 

• Ability to chew normally (dental implants are highly durable and considered to be as strong as natural teeth)
• Improved stability (implants prevent dentures from sliding out of place)
• Prevent jawbone recession (which can happen where there is no tooth to stimulate the bone)
• Long-lasting (dental implants can last decades with proper care)
• Clear speech (dentures can move around, causing difficulty with annunciation, but dental implants alleviate this problem)
• Increased self-confidence (with a highly realistic restoration, your new tooth can blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile)

Based on these many benefits, dental implants are considered to be the all-around best option for patients who are struggling with tooth loss.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Tooth implant cost can vary significantly from patient to patient. As mentioned, there are several parts to dental implants, which add up to give you the total price of dental implants. Here is the general breakdown for dental implant costs without insurance coverage: 

• The cost for placement of the implant post can range from $2,000 to $3,000, with more complicated procedures ranging from $8,000 to $10,000.
• The cost of a dental restoration can cost $1,200 to $1,600 for a bridge or $500 to $1,500 for a crown
• The cost for tooth extraction (if needed) can range from $250 to $400 depending on whether it’s a simple or surgical extraction

Keep in mind that there are also post-surgical costs associated with dental implant care such as medication, recovery supplies, and more. For the most up-to-date treatment prices in your area and full list of available discounts, please visit the 1Dental procedure price list and enter your zip code.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Dental Implants?

There are a variety of factors that can impact the overall cost of receiving dental implants, including: 

• The number of dental implants you need
• The type of dental implant you receive (there are several materials and sizes that can be used for dental implants)
• The type of restoration you’re receiving
• Whether the dental implant is being placed in the anterior (front) or posterior (back) of the mouth
• Whether the tooth that is being replaced is an upper or a lower tooth. Upper teeth tend to be much more expensive because the implant has to take into account the sinus cavity.
• The location of your dental office (costs may be higher in certain regions due to the cost of operation for the practitioner)

Dental Implants and Insurance

Typically, dental implants are classified as both a cosmetic procedure and as oral surgery. With most kinds of dental insurance, anything cosmetic is not covered, and most insurance also typically has pretty severe restrictions on anything surgical. In most cases, the only thing that is covered is the dental restoration—whether that be a crown, bridge, or dentures—and even then, it may only cover a portion of the cost, depending on the materials used, or have upwards of a one-year wait before the procedure will be covered.

How to Save Money on Dental Implant Costs

With little to no insurance coverage, tooth implant costs can seem unaffordable to many patients in need of tooth replacement. However, there are other options that can help you make dental implant costs more affordable including:

• Dental savings plans: A dental savings plan gives you access to discounts that can reduce the cost of dental implants significantly. With our dental savings plans, you can take advantage of the following dental implant discounts:
  • 20-60% off extractions
  • 15-50% off implant placement
  • 20-60% off dental crowns and bridges
• Treatment at a Dental School: Certain dental programs may offer discounted dental implant services if performed by an apprentice with doctor supervision.
• CareCredit®: This is a dental credit card that can be used toward your dental implants treatment. This option allows you to make payments over time, but keep in mind that you may also have to pay interest on top of the balance. 
• Payment Plan: You may be able to coordinate a payment plan through your dentist that allows you to split up the cost over several months or longer.

Dental Implant FAQs

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants can last for decades when properly cared for. This includes regular dental visits, proper dental hygiene, and replacement of your restoration when necessary. Dental crowns, bridges, and dentures may need to be replaced every 10 years or so.

Do Tooth Implants Hurt?

While the dental implant procedure is surgical, there are several steps involved to alleviate any discomfort during treatment. First, you will be put under sedation and second, a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the treatment area. 

The majority of pain management occurs during recovery. While recovery can be uncomfortable, you will usually be prescribed something for pain relief and should receive instructions from your doctor for how to minimize discomfort and risk of complications.

What Are the Disadvantages of Dental Implants?

While there are many benefits of dental implants, there are a few drawbacks to consider as well:

• Dental implants are not typically covered by insurance.
• Dental implants are more costly than traditional crowns, bridges, and dentures.
• Dental implants require surgery (however, the complication rate is low).
• The healing process can take several months (typically about three to six months between implant placement and the attachment of your final restoration).
• There is a small chance dental implants can fail (only about 5 to 10% of dental implants fail).

Despite these costs and risks, dental implants are considered the best solution for replacing missing or irreparable teeth.

Why Are Tooth Implants So Expensive?

One of the first things you’ll find when you search “How much do dental implants cost?”, is that they are expensive. But why are they so costly? There are several reasons:

• Insurance does not cover the expenses.
• Dental implant surgery and creating realistic restorations requires skilled care. 
• A restored dental implant requires three separate parts. 
• Dental implant treatment requires multiple office visits.

Can Dental Implants Be Done in One Day?

There are certain dental implant techniques that allow you to place and restore teeth in a single day. However, the restoration is a temporary, not the final customized restoration, so you still have to return eventually to finish the treatment process.

Additionally, these dental implant techniques are typically much more expensive than the traditional method.

Should I Get a Bridge or Implant?

If you have lost one or more teeth in a row, you have a choice between a traditional dental bridge and an implant-supported bridge. But what’s the difference between dentures vs. dental implants? 

With a traditional bridge, the missing teeth are replaced by a restoration that uses one or more pontics (false teeth) that are secured by attaching it to crowns on healthy teeth on either side. These crowns act as an anchor, holding the entire restoration in place. 

On the other hand, an implant-supported bridge uses dental implants to secure the bridge in place. So, in a scenario where you are missing three teeth in a row, there will be one pontic in the middle and an implant used to replace each of the teeth on either side. Typically, an implant-supported bridge is recommended in order to prevent further tooth loss.

Find Out If You Can Save on Dental Implants

Even if you are able to get your insurance provider to cover a portion of your dental implant cost or work out a payment plan with your doctor, why not save as much as possible on your treatment? Signing up for one of our dental savings plans can help you cut costs to make this valuable procedure more affordable. Your wallet and your smile will thank you later.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist with any questions you may have regarding your oral health.

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