How much is a tooth implant?

If you’re missing one or more teeth, getting a tooth implant is a typical effective way to restore your teeth so you can eat, speak, chew, and smile freely. However, getting a tooth implant can be expensive, especially if you do not have dental insurance and are planning on paying the entire cost of treatment out-of-pocket.

The cost of a tooth implant varies depending on a variety of factors, including type of implant, location, your dentist, how many implants, among other factors.

You may not know this, but dental insurance companies aren’t the ones who typically set the prices of dental implants - its dentists who set their own fees¹. This means the cost can vary depending on where you live, the dentist you visit, and other factors. The most reliable way to determine the cost of a dental implant near you is to call dentists and compare prices.

How much you actually end up paying out-of-pocket will also depend on your level of dental insurance coverage. Depending on the type of dental insurance plan you are enrolled in, your insurance company may pay up to 50% of the cost of a tooth implant, subject to waiting periods and annual maximums.

Note that while dental insurance companies don’t typically set treatment prices, they do often work with a select network of dentists to negotiate lower rates, further helping you lower your out-of-pocket costs for tooth implants and other services. If you think you may require a tooth implant and you’re concerned about how much it may cost, consider visiting a dentist in your insurance provider’s network. You’ll typically enjoy the most savings off standard dental insurance rates with an in-network dentist.

We’ll go into more detail about how much typically a tooth implant costs on average and how you may be able to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs with the help of dental insurance..

What is a tooth implant?

Also known as a dental implant, a tooth implant is a popular and effective way of replacing a missing tooth. Designed to blend in with your other teeth, a dental implant is made up of titanium and other durable materials that are compatible with the human body². They are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw to function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth or dental crowns³.

But honestly, a tooth implant is so much more than just a false tooth. It’s an investment in your smile and overall oral health. While less expensive tooth replacement options may exist, a tooth implant are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile, providing a very natural-looking restorative procedure that looks and feels just like a natural tooth.

Not all patients may be good candidates for tooth implants. Tooth implants are typically recommended for patients who are in good general health, as some chronic illnesses such as diabetes or leukemia may interfere with healing after surgery⁴. Patients with significant bone loss in their upper jaw may not be good candidates for tooth implants, either, though specialty zygomatic implants that anchor to the cheekbone instead of the jaw bone may be an alternative⁵.

If you are considering getting a tooth implant to replace a missing or deteriorated tooth, discuss it carefully with your dentist to see whether you’re a good candidate and to explore your dental implant options.

Does a tooth implant cost more for patients over 65 on Medicare?

Tooth loss is a common oral health problem for older adults. According to a CDC study, nearly 1 in 5 adults age 65 or older have lost all of their teeth⁶. However, that doesn’t mean patients over 65 will necessarily pay any more than younger patients for a tooth implant. Age alone does not make a dental implant cost more or less, but out-of-pocket costs may vary due to dental insurance coverage.

Original Medicare does not cover most dental care, including cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, or tooth implants⁷. Medicare may cover certain dental procedures deemed medically necessary, but aside from that, policyholders that do not have additional dental coverage will typically pay 100% for non-covered services, including tooth implants⁸.

By this standard, a younger person with a private dental insurance plan that does cover major services such as implants may indeed pay less out-of-pocket than an individual over 65 who only has Original Medicare coverage. But seniors can also save on dental costs by purchasing a private dental insurance plan, or by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) with extra dental benefits⁹.

Note that dental implants are not the only option seniors have for replacing missing teeth. Full dentures that replace all teeth or partial dentures that replace just a few teeth may also be worth considering, especially if multiple teeth need to be replaced. Original Medicare typically does not cover the cost of dentures either¹⁰, but dentures may be a more affordable tooth replacement option for seniors paying all of their dental expenses out-of-pocket.

Teeth Implants

Sometimes, more than one tooth needs to be replaced. In that case, you may get multiple implants to replace each tooth, but that can get rather expensive. Patients typically pay per implant, so typically the more teeth are replaced, the higher the cost becomes. What’s more, most dental insurance involves an annual maximum which may be quickly exhausted by the cost of multiple implants. If you have the budget for it, multiple teeth implants are an effective way for help restoring your smile - but you have other options, too.

You may want to look into an implant-supported bridge or denture, which replaces a few missing teeth in a row with two dental implants on either side¹¹. The middle teeth are attached to one another rather than rooted in with a titanium anchor, allowing for less surgery and a lower cost. These bridges are also known as partial dentures. Like implants, implant-supported bridges are not removable.

Partial or complete removable dentures may also be a good option for patients who are looking to replace more than one tooth but do not wish to pay the cost of multiple implants. These are customized, fully removable replacements for teeth that are typically attached to a gum-colored plastic base and built onto a cast metal framework for strength¹². Implant-retained dentures are also available, which are removable dentures that click into place by latching onto teeth implants¹³.

Cost of dental implants

Again, dental implant costs vary greatly based on where you’re located and the dentist you visit, among other factors. But the type of dental implant you choose and how many teeth you are replacing can influence the price, too.

So how much is a tooth implant? If you’re looking to replace just one tooth with a single tooth implant, the average cost can range from $3,000 to $4,000¹⁴.

An implant-supported bridge that replaces multiple teeth typically costs between $5,000 and $16,000¹⁵.

All-on-4 dental implants, or implants that restore the entire upper or lower jaw with overdentures secured by 4 tooth implants, range from $15,000 to $20,000 per arch¹⁶.

3-on-6 dental implants, or implant-retained dentures that involve three individual dental bridges, can range from $10,000 to $15,000 per arch¹⁷.

Note that other costs such as consultations, x-rays, tooth extraction, bone grafting, and other treatments could make your total bill even higher.

If you can’t afford the cost of dental implants, consider other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges. Partial removable dentures start at costs as low as $650, and dental insurance may cover up to 50% of that cost¹⁸.

Dental insurance can help pay for tooth implants or other tooth replacement procedures. Guardian Direct® mid and top-tier plans both cover major care such as implants at up to 50% after up to a 12-month waiting period depending on the state you live in, subject to annual maximums.

If you don’t have dental insurance, ask your dentist’s office about financing options. They may offer payment plans or discounts for paying cash.

Affordable dental implants & Insights

If you’re looking for affordable dental implants, call various dental offices in your area to compare costs. Be sure to choose a dentist that’s within your insurance provider’s network to enjoy the most savings available to you by using an in network dentist. If you don’t have dental insurance, you can enroll in a plan today – even if you don’t need a dental implant right away, it’s best to purchase coverage* before you need it so you’re adequately covered.

Dental implants are an effective, long-lasting way of replacing missing or deteriorated teeth, but they typically are not the most affordable way. If you’re not set on getting dental implants and you’re open to other tooth replacement options, dentures or bridges may be a more affordable choice for you.

Related resources:

• Dental bridge price

• Tooth extraction cost without insurance

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery

• Does dental insurance cover dentures?

• How much do veneers cost with dental insurance?