How Much Do Dental Implants Cost Without Insurance?
Dental implants are an oral surgery you may need to replace teeth, eliminate the need for dentures, and maintain your dental health. The average dental implant for a single tooth can cost between $3,500 to $6,700. However, this cost may increase with additional teeth, the material used, and the procedures needed.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost by State
The cost of dental implants may vary depending on your state and how many dental implants you receive. Your dentist may recommend implementing a single implant. If your dental health is more severe, a full mouth of implants costs an average of $43,000. Below is a table showing the price of dental implants without insurance by state and by how many dental implants you need.
Price of Dental Implants by State without Insurance
| State | Single Tooth | Full Mouth |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $3,000 - $4,500 per tooth | $35,000 |
| California | $2,000 per tooth | $50,000 |
| Texas | $1,500 per tooth | $20,000 |
| Florida | $3,000 - $6,000 per tooth | $28,000 - $52,000 |
| New Jersey | $3,800 - $5,500 per tooth | $34,000 |
Additional Procedures for Dental Implants
According to the American Dental Association, the total cost of a single dental implant, abutment, crown, and other needed dental procedures costs $3,100 to $5,800. In addition to dental implants, the prices shown above may also require the following dental procedures:
Cost of Additional Procedures for Dental Implants
| Procedure | Procedure Explanation | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| CT Scan | 3D dental scan to determine your eligibility for dental implants | $350 - $515 |
| Tooth Extraction | Removal of a tooth, often replaced by a dental implant | $75 - 600 |
| Abutment | Connector piece that fixes the dental implant into your mouth | $750 - $2,000 |
| Dental Crown | Tooth-shaped caps placed over damaged teeth | $1,100 - $2,000 |
| Dental Bridge | Fills space between one or more missing teeth | $2,500 - $5,000 |
What factors affect the price of dental implants?
The price of a dental implant may vary widely depending on additional factors. This oral procedure can have different costs based on the type of implant, the number of implants, which tooth is being replaced, and your oral health.
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Type of Dental Implant
There are two different types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal implants. Endosteal implants are the most common type that goes into your jawbone to fix dental implants in place. These are often recommended for those who have dentures or bridges. Subperiosteal implants are placed under your gum; they’re used in patients who cannot wear denture or don’t have enough bone in their jaw to support the implant.
Additional Procedures
In addition to the dental implant, your dentist might recommend additional procedures to supplement your implant. For example, bone augmentation increases the bone mass in your jaw to support an implant. If your jaw is too narrow to carry the implant or you have an abnormality in your jaw structure, your dentist may suggest a ridge modification to better support the implants.
Number of Implants
A single dental implant will be significantly cheaper than multiple or full-mouth implants. Additionally, if you need an implant in a hard-to-reach tooth, your dentist may charge you additional fees for their surgical techniques. Full-arch fixed implant bridges, or “All-on-4 “implants, are another option for those who need multiple dental implants.
Does Insurance cover Dental Implants?
Depending on your insurance, your dental insurance plan may partially cover your dental procedures. If your procedure is medically necessary rather than cosmetic, your insurer is more likely to pay for it; your insurer may ask for a letter of medical necessity from your oral surgeon and appropriate documentation. Dental insurance plans usually cover up to 50% of the procedure cost. You can check with your insurer to see if your insurance plan covers dental implants.
Many Medicare plans do not cover dental services. However, Medicare Advantage and more extensive plans offer partial coverage for dental services. Medicaid participants in certain states provide more than $1,000 worth of dental care. It's important to note that this does not include dental implants.
If you do not have insurance, many dental schools and clinics offer free or low-cost dental implants. If you need additional dental services, the Dental Lifeline Network is a resource that connects patients with free dental care in their state.
Why would you need a dental implant?
Dental implants are a teeth replacement option for oral health, aesthetics, and functionality. Below are some reasons your dentist may recommend a dental implant:
- Cavities
- Self-esteem
- Restore your bite
- Prevent jawbone loss
- Misaligned teeth
- Treat speech problems
- Overall oral health
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dental Implants
Dental implants are available to promote patients’ dental health and improve patients’ quality of life. Below are some questions you might have when considering dental implants:
What Are the Risks of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are routine, but this surgery may have some risks. Following your dental implant, you may experience an infection, injury to surrounding tissues and nerves, and sinus complications.
How Do I Prepare for My Dental Implant?
In preparation for your dental implant procedure, your doctor will schedule a dental exam to evaluate your teeth, dental X-rays, and CT scans to determine the appropriateness of your dental implant. If needed, your dentist may require you to have additional procedures to prepare for your implant. This could be bone augmentation or tooth extractions. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers or antibiotics for you to take following your surgery.
What Should I Expect After My Dental Implants?
Following your dental procedure, you might notice swelling of your mouth and face, bruising on your skin and gums, bleeding, and mouth pain. If prescribed, it is important to adhere to the antibiotics your dentist prescribed to prevent infection.
After your dental implant surgery, you should eat all-liquid meals, including soups, shakes, juices, and water. Your dentist may recommend maintaining a soft-food diet for 10 to 14 days. This includes protein shakes, scrambled eggs, soft vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
Bottom Line
Dental implants may be expensive without insurance, but this cost ranges from various factors. How many dental implants you need, your geographic location and the reason for your dental implants can contribute to the total cost of your dental procedure. Fortunately, there are many options for low-cost or subsidized dental services.
Blanche Palasi is a 2024 PharmD. Candidate currently attending St. John's University. A Queens native, she is passionate about helping patients identify and navigate social determinants of health.
