How Much Do Dental Implants Cost With and Without Insurance?

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Unlike dentures, which rest on the gums, implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, providing a permanent, stable foundation for replacement teeth. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth. But that quality comes at a price, and dental implants are among the most expensive dental procedures available.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately 17% of adults aged 65 and older are edentulous, meaning they have lost all their natural teeth. Many more have lost one or more teeth. For these individuals, dental implants can dramatically improve quality of life, but the cost can be a major barrier.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of dental implant costs, explains what insurance does and does not cover, and offers practical strategies to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

The Cost Breakdown: What Goes Into an Implant

A dental implant is not a single item. It is a system made up of multiple components, each with its own cost. Understanding the components helps you understand why implants are so expensive and where there may be room to save.

• Implant post (fixture): $1,000 to $3,000. This is a titanium or zirconia screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone. It acts as the root of the artificial tooth. The surgery to place the post is the most involved part of the process.
• Abutment: $300 to $500. This is the connector piece that attaches to the top of the implant post and holds the crown in place. It is placed after the implant post has fused with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration that typically takes 3 to 6 months.
• Crown (prosthetic tooth): $1,000 to $3,000. This is the visible part of the implant that looks like a natural tooth. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or porcelain fused to metal. The material chosen affects both the appearance and the cost.
• Bone graft (if needed): $300 to $3,000. If your jawbone has deteriorated due to missing teeth or bone loss, a bone graft may be necessary before an implant can be placed. The graft builds up the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for the implant post. Simple grafts cost less, while more complex grafts using donor bone or synthetic materials cost more.
• Initial exam and imaging: $200 to $500. Before implant surgery, you will need a comprehensive exam and 3D imaging (CBCT scan) of your jaw. These diagnostics help the surgeon plan the placement.

Adding up all the components, a single dental implant typically costs $3,000 to $6,000 total. With a bone graft, the total can reach $7,000 to $9,000.

Single Tooth vs. Full Arch Implant Costs

The cost of dental implants varies significantly depending on how many teeth you need to replace:

• Single tooth implant: $3,000 to $6,000. This includes one implant post, one abutment, and one crown.
• Implant-supported bridge (3-4 teeth): $5,000 to $15,000. Two implant posts support a bridge that replaces three or four adjacent teeth. This is more cost-effective than placing individual implants for each missing tooth.
• Full arch (All-on-4 or All-on-6): $20,000 to $50,000 per arch. Four to six implant posts support a full set of fixed replacement teeth for an entire upper or lower jaw. This is a popular option for people who are edentulous or have multiple failing teeth.
• Full mouth (both arches): $40,000 to $100,000. Replacing all teeth in both the upper and lower jaws with implant-supported prosthetics.
• Implant-supported dentures: $6,000 to $20,000 per arch. Two to four implants support a removable denture that snaps into place. This is less expensive than fixed full-arch implants but provides more stability than traditional dentures.

What Dental Insurance Covers for Implants

Not all dental insurance plans cover implants. Some plans specifically exclude them. Among those that do cover implants, they are typically classified as a major service with 50% coverage after the deductible. However, the annual maximum on most plans severely limits the actual benefit you receive. For recommended plans, see our guide to the best dental insurance for implants.

Here is a realistic example of how insurance coverage works for a $5,000 single implant:

• Plan covers implants at 50%: plan's share would be $2,500
• Plan has a $1,500 annual maximum: plan pays only $1,500 (hitting the cap)
• You assumed you would owe $2,500 but you actually owe $3,500
• If you used any other dental services that year, the plan pays even less toward the implant

In practice, most dental insurance plans provide $500 to $1,000 of actual benefit toward an implant because the annual maximum limits the payout. This means insurance helps but does not come close to covering the full cost. Plans with higher annual maximums ($3,000 to $5,000) provide more meaningful coverage but charge higher premiums.

Also be aware that most standalone dental plans impose a waiting period of 6 to 12 months for implants. You will need to be enrolled and paying premiums for the entire waiting period before the plan covers the procedure.

Medicare and Dental Implants

Original Medicare does not cover dental implants. They are classified as a dental service and fall under Medicare's long-standing dental exclusion. For a detailed look at this topic, see our article on whether Medicare covers dental implants.

Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits that cover implants, but the coverage is subject to the plan's annual dental maximum. Since most Medicare Advantage dental maximums range from $1,000 to $3,000, the actual benefit for a $5,000 implant is limited. A few plans offer higher maximums or separate allowances for implants, but these are not common.

Medicare Advantage dental benefits for implants typically have no waiting period, which is an advantage over standalone dental plans. If you are considering implants and are eligible for Medicare Advantage, compare plans in your area to see which ones cover implants and what the annual maximum is.

How to Reduce the Cost of Dental Implants

Given the high cost and limited insurance coverage, many people look for ways to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses for dental implants. Here are strategies that can help:

• Dental schools: Dental schools with implant training programs offer procedures at 30% to 50% below private practice fees. The work is done by advanced residents under the supervision of experienced faculty. The quality is generally comparable, though the process may take longer and require more appointments. This can save $1,500 to $3,000 on a single implant.
• Dental discount plans: Dental discount plans offer 10% to 60% off dental procedures at participating dentists. Unlike insurance, discount plans have no waiting periods, no annual maximums, and no claims to file. You pay the discounted fee at the time of service. On a $5,000 implant, a 20% discount saves $1,000.
• Financing and payment plans: Many dental offices offer payment plans or work with third-party financing companies. Some offer interest-free financing for 12 to 24 months, which allows you to spread the cost over time without paying extra. Ask your dentist about available financing options.
• Split treatment across benefit years: If you have dental insurance, schedule different phases of the implant process in different benefit years. For example, have the implant post placed in November and the crown in January. This uses two annual maximums instead of one, effectively doubling your coverage.
• Get multiple quotes: Implant costs vary significantly between providers, even in the same city. Get quotes from at least two or three dental offices, including oral surgeons and periodontists who place implants. Ask for itemized cost breakdowns so you can compare each component.
• Consider alternatives: If cost is the primary barrier, discuss alternatives with your dentist. A dental bridge ($2,000 to $5,000) or removable partial denture ($500 to $2,000) may be more affordable options, though they do not offer the same permanence or feel as implants.

Dental Tourism: Savings and Risks

Some people travel to other countries for dental implants, a practice known as dental tourism. Popular destinations include Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and certain countries in Eastern Europe and Asia. The appeal is significant cost savings, with implants in some countries costing 50% to 70% less than in the United States.

However, dental tourism comes with important risks that you should consider carefully:

• Follow-up care: Dental implants require follow-up visits during the healing process. If you had the implant placed overseas, managing complications from a distance can be difficult and expensive.
• Quality standards: Regulatory oversight and quality standards vary by country. Not all clinics use the same grade of materials or follow the same sterilization protocols as U.S. dental offices.
• Corrective treatment costs: If something goes wrong with an overseas implant, corrective treatment in the United States can cost as much as or more than the original procedure. A U.S. dentist may charge more to fix work done elsewhere.
• Travel expenses: Factor in airfare, hotels, and time off work. If you need multiple trips for different phases of the implant process, travel costs can reduce or eliminate the savings.

If you decide to pursue dental tourism, research the provider thoroughly. Look for dentists with international accreditations, read patient reviews, and verify their training and experience with implants. The potential savings can be real, but so are the risks.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?

Dental implants are expensive upfront, but they are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. When considering the value, it helps to think about long-term costs:

• Longevity: Implants can last 25 years or more. Dentures need to be replaced every 5 to 8 years, and bridges typically last 10 to 15 years. Over a 20-year period, denture replacements and relines can cost as much as or more than a single implant.
• Bone preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent the bone loss that occurs after tooth loss. Dentures and bridges do not provide this benefit, and bone loss can lead to additional dental and health problems over time.
• Function and comfort: Implants function like natural teeth. You can eat, speak, and smile without the concerns associated with removable dentures, such as slipping, adhesive, or sore spots.

Whether implants are worth the cost depends on your individual situation, including your budget, oral health, and how you weigh long-term value against upfront expense. Discuss all options with your dentist to make an informed decision.

The Bottom Line

Dental implants cost $3,000 to $6,000 for a single tooth and $20,000 to $50,000 for a full arch without insurance. Dental insurance helps, but annual maximums of $1,000 to $2,000 mean the actual benefit is typically limited to $500 to $1,000. Original Medicare does not cover implants, and Medicare Advantage plans that do cover them are limited by their dental maximum. For more on how annual maximums affect your coverage, see our article on dental insurance annual maximums explained.

To reduce costs, consider dental schools (30% to 50% savings), dental discount plans, financing options, splitting treatment across benefit years, or getting multiple quotes. Dental tourism can offer larger savings but comes with risks that should be weighed carefully. Ultimately, implants are a long-term investment in your oral health that can pay off over decades.

Plans and coverage vary by location. This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute individual advice. Contact a licensed insurance agent or dental professional to explore the specific options available to you.