A dental implant offers a permanent solution for replacing a lost tooth or multiple teeth.1 The process typically spans several months and requires multiple appointments for placement.2
How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?
The cost of a dental implant varies based on individual circumstances. Factors influencing the cost include:
- Type of implant needed: Different implant types and materials can have varying costs.3
- Number of implants required: Replacing multiple teeth will naturally incur a higher total cost.4
- Dental benefits coverage: Whether you have dental insurance that covers implants.
- Dentist’s network status: If your dentist is in-network with your dental plan, you may receive fee discounts.5
For a single dental implant (to replace one tooth, without dental benefits), the cost generally ranges from $2,800 to $5,600.6
You can often use a cost estimator tool provided by dental benefit companies to find a price range for dental services in your area.
Are There Alternative Solutions to Dental Implants?
If you’re considering options for missing or damaged teeth, discuss the best choice for you with your dentist. They might recommend lower-cost alternatives to a dental implant, such as:
- Dental bridges: These fill the gap left by a missing tooth.7 They are held in place by crowns attached to the natural teeth on either side of the empty space.8
- Dentures: These are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and tissue, typically representing the least costly solution.
More on Dental Implants
- What are dental implants? Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, usually made of titanium, that are surgically placed into your jawbone.9 They provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.10
- Step-by-step dental implant process: The process typically involves an initial consultation and examination, implant placement surgery, a healing period for osseointegration (where the implant fuses with the bone), abutment placement, and finally, the attachment of the crown or prosthetic.11
- How much does a dental implant cost? (As detailed above, factors vary, and a single implant typically costs $2,800-$5,600 without benefits).
- Dental implant alternatives: What are your options? (As detailed above, bridges and dentures are common alternatives).
What Does the Price of a Dental Implant Include?
The specific steps of your dental implant procedure and its cost will depend on your unique oral health situation and your dental benefits. However, generally, the price of the procedure typically includes:
- The surgical placement of a dental implant into the jawbone.12
- Supporting structures for the crown (the abutment).
- The crown that replaces the tooth.
Additional procedures like bone grafts, sinus lifts, or tooth extractions are often extra costs.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Dental Insurance?
Many dental benefit plans help with the cost of dental implants, but some plans do not.13 If covered by a dental plan, consider a few things:
- Deductibles or waiting periods: These may need to be met before benefits begin.
- In-network dentist: Choosing an in-network dentist for your plan can provide access to fee discounts.
It’s advisable to ask your dentist for a pre-treatment estimate to understand how much of the cost your dental plan will cover.
Does Delta Dental Offer Insurance That Covers Dental Implants?
Yes. While the specifics of your benefits plan may vary, many Delta Dental plans do cover part of the cost for implants.14
You can compare their plans for individuals and families to find a suitable fit for your needs.
How Can I Pay for the Remaining Costs Not Covered by Dental Insurance?
Dental benefits are very helpful, but other methods can cover the remaining costs, including:
- Health Savings Account (HSA): HSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax money for qualified medical expenses, including dental implants.15 Funds not spent in one year roll over to the next. Check if your employer’s health benefit plan offers an HSA.
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): This is an employer-funded health plan that reimburses employees tax-free for qualified medical expenses.16
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): FSAs are similar to HSAs but generally have lower contribution limits and typically do not allow you to carry over funds from year to year.17
Important Note: Dental implants are not always covered by these accounts. Verify with your HSA, HRA, or FSA provider to confirm if your procedure qualifies.
Medicare and Medicaid usually do not provide coverage for dental implants, although certain Medicare Advantage plans might offer some benefits.
Discuss Dental Implants with Your Dentist
If you’re interested in dental implants, speak with your dentist about what’s best for you and review your dental benefits plan to understand the coverage it provides.