Discovering the Price of Dental Implants: Understanding the Costs Involved in Tooth Replacement.
When it comes to replacing damaged, unhealthy, or missing teeth, dental implants are widely considered the optimal choice for the majority of individuals. However, it's not uncommon to be taken aback by the price range associated with this top-tier tooth replacement solution.
What is the Cost of Dental Implants?
The cost of dental implants can vary significantly since each procedure is unique, leading to a wide price range. According to Dr. Roger Levin, CEO of the Levin Group, Inc., a dental management consultancy, dental implant procedures involve multiple components, each with its own associated fees.
The total cost of your new tooth or teeth includes various elements such as a comprehensive dental exam with 3D imaging, extraction of problematic teeth if necessary, installation of the dental implant(s), placement of the abutment hardware, fabrication of the dental crown, and the crown placement itself. The specific cost of each component depends on the dental practice you visit.
Some dental practices may offer a complimentary computed tomography (CT) scan as part of the initial process to determine your suitability for dental implants. However, if you need to pay for the 3D imaging, the service can range between $350 and $515.
Overall, dental implants are considered a long-term investment and are priced accordingly. Dr. Levin estimates that the total cost per tooth, from start to finish, typically falls within the range of $3,000 to $4,500. For individuals requiring multiple implants, the final price can range from $60,000 to $90,000.
The lack of a standard price is primarily due to the unique nature of each procedure. As Dr. Levin explains, implant fees are based on the type and complexity of the work involved, unlike a single service like a filling.
Other factors that can influence the price of dental implants include the location of your dental practitioner, with larger metropolitan areas tending to have higher costs.
In conclusion, it is essential to inquire about the estimated cost in your specific case before proceeding with dental implant treatment.
The Price of a Single Tooth Implant
Purchasing a single implant involves more than just the implant itself, as it refers to the metal or ceramic screw placed in the jawbone. Additionally, you require an abutment, which connects the crown to the implant, and the crown itself. Each of these components comes with its own individual cost.
In many cases, patients may also need a sinus lift or bone graft to enhance the jawbone's health and ensure the stability of the implant. These procedures contribute to the overall cost as well.
According to a cost survey conducted by the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute, the total cost of an implant, abutment, crown, and any other necessary procedures typically ranges from $3,100 to $5,800.
The Price of Multiple Tooth Implants
If you need to replace multiple teeth that are located next to each other, you have various implant options available, which results in different pricing choices.
For instance, if you have a gap involving three or four adjacent teeth, you might be able to use a bridge held in place with only two implants. This approach reduces the total cost, ranging from approximately $6,000 to $10,000. Since two implants can support three or four neighboring teeth, it is a more cost-effective solution compared to using four individual implants.
The Price of Full Mouth Implants
The cost of full-mouth tooth replacement varies greatly depending on the chosen approach.
The most expensive option involves individually replacing each tooth. This method offers the highest level of comfort and allows for the preservation of healthy existing teeth. The price range for this option typically falls between $60,000 and $90,000.
A more cost-effective alternative is implant-supported dentures, where a complete set of false teeth replaces the natural upper and lower teeth (after any remaining teeth have been removed), similar to non-implant-supported dentures. The dentures are anchored to four to six implants in both the upper and lower jaw. This option, commonly referred to as All-on-4, typically ranges from $24,000 to $50,000 for a complete set.
Additional Costs of Dental Implants
It is crucial to discuss pricing with your dentist to have a clear understanding of the costs involved. According to Dr. Levin, hidden costs are rare, as most dentists provide the entire cost upfront. If you are consulting multiple specialists such as a dentist and an oral surgeon, it's important to consider the fees of both.
The only additional expenses you might incur are over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as painkillers after certain procedures or antibiotics before or after treatment, if deemed necessary by the dentist.
Since dental implantation is a lengthy process, the costs are typically paid over several months. If you require a payment plan, approximately 80% of dentists offer them, often through CareCredit, LLC, the largest dental financing group.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Traditionally, dental insurers have considered implants to be elective procedures and have not covered the associated costs. However, according to Dr. Levin, coverage for dental implants is improving, with insurance companies increasing their reimbursement amounts each year.
Currently, dental insurance usually pays for a small portion of the total implant cost, with the percentage of reimbursement varying by procedure. There may also be a cap on reimbursement for a specific calendar year or a lifetime cap for a particular procedure.
If you have dental insurance, you can generally expect reimbursement of around $1,500 per implant, per year. If your implant treatment extends over two calendar years, you may be eligible for reimbursement in both years.
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs) can all be used to cover expenses related to dental implants. These accounts operate similarly, either by paying for or reimbursing the expenses incurred, including the difference between what your insurance covers and your out-of-pocket expenses.
Before beginning the procedures, it is essential to consult with your insurance provider or administrator to fully understand the costs for which you will be responsible.