Dental Implants: A Closer Look at the Options and Cost of Each

One of the most common dental issues among adults in America is missing teeth. In fact, close to 200 million adults are missing at least one permanent tooth. This is most common among adults over the age of 64.

The most common issues include:

• Difficulty chewing/digesting food
• Increased risk of gum disease
• Gum recession
• Jawbone deterioration
• Additional tooth loss
• Difficulty speaking clearly
• Diminished confidence

The best way to deal with tooth loss is to replace missing teeth. While there are several options available, the ideal option is dental implants. 

Dental implants are a tooth replacement option designed to replace the entire structure of the missing tooth. A traditional implant consists of three pieces:

• Implant screw: acts as a tooth root, implanted into the jawbone
• Crown: replaces the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line
• Abutment: the piece that secures the crown to the implant screw

A mini dental implant is slightly smaller, with only two pieces. The implant screw and abutment are one piece. This option is ideal for patients who have some jawbone deterioration or those with a smaller mouth.

Typically, the implant screw is made of titanium. However, some patients are allergic to the other metals used with titanium. In this case, zirconia implant screws are available, which are slightly more expensive. The crown may be made of porcelain, composite resin, metal, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. An overdenture may be made of composite resin or porcelain.

There are several dental implant options to choose from, based on your needs. The cost ranges from around $5,000 per tooth to $60,000+ for full-mouth replacement. Some dental insurance providers recognize the functional aspects of this replacement and will cover a portion of the treatment. However, there are others that classify it as cosmetic and will not cover any portion of the cost.

• Single Dental Implant Cost

  • $4,000 to $6,000 per implant

  • A single dental implant is designed to replace up to two missing teeth. The cost of traditional single dental implants ranges from around $4,000 to $6,000, with an average cost of around $5,000.

• Mini Dental Implants Cost

  • $700 to $1,500 per implant

  • Mini dental implants are slightly smaller, so they are used in patients who have experienced some jawbone loss, have a smaller mouth, or are unable to undergo surgery for traditional implants. The cost of mini dental implants ranges from around $500 to $1,500 per implant. This is much lower than the cost of a traditional implant. This does not include the cost of a crown or a denture that would then attach to the implants. Mini dental implants have less research to support their use in long-term situations.

• All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost

  • $18,000 to $30,000 per arch

  • All-on-4 dental implants is a hybrid tooth replacement solution that combines the stability of dental implants with the affordability of conventional dentures. This tooth restoration solution uses 4 dental implants strategically placed in the jawbone to support an entire arch of missing teeth.The cost of All-on-4 dental implants ranges from around $18,000 to $30,000 per arch, with an average of around $25,000.

• All-on-6 Dental Implants Cost

  • $24,000 to $40,000 per arch

  • All-on-6 dental implants is a hybrid solution that replaces an entire arch with the support of 6 dental implants. This is typically used for patients who have a larger-than-average mouth or who need additional support due to jawbone deterioration. The cost of All-on-6 dental implants ranges from around $24,000 to $40,000. This option is more expensive than All-on-4 due to the two additional implants.

• Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost

  • $40,000 or More for a complete set

  • Full-mouth dental implants, or replacing each tooth with a single implant, can cost up to $40,000+. This is why most patients opt for one of the above hybrid options instead because the cost is much lower- and the process is much less complicated.

There are several factors that can impact the cost of dental implants:

• Type of implant solution
• Number of teeth being replaced
• Material used for the implant and the prosthesis
• Experience/expertise of the dentist
• Location of the dental clinic
• Location of the tooth being replaced
• Additional procedures required
• Dental insurance coverage

The office staff will work with your provider to determine your coverage. If you need help paying for your dental implants, you may have financing options available.

How are dental implants placed?

The process of getting dental implants usually takes several months to a year or more, depending on the type of implant used.

The first step is the initial consultation. During this visit, the dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, discuss your oral and medical history and current conditions, discuss your oral hygiene habits, and ask about your expectations for treatment. This will determine if you are eligible for implants.

If necessary, preliminary procedures such as tooth extraction, gum disease treatment, bone grafting, and more will be completed first. Once these are completed, implant placement can be done.

The dentist will cut an incision in the gum and drill a hole in the jawbone for the implant to be placed. Typically, once the implant is in place, the incision will be closed, and you will be sent home to heal- which usually takes several months. In some cases, a temporary crown or denture will be placed so that you are not completely toothless during this time.

Over the next few months, the jawbone will heal around and fuse with the implant screw, creating a stable base for your artificial teeth. Once this process is complete, you can return to the office to have your permanent prosthesis put in place. This will give you a set of replacement teeth that looks, feels, and functions more like natural teeth.

Legacy Dental offers Dental Implants, Implant Retained Dentures, Partial Dentures and all-on-4 Dental Implants for People who wish to restore their smile. Our Clinic is located at 1345 E 3900 S STE 116, Salt Lake City, UT 84124.

Give us a Call or Book an appointment for your next dental visit.

We also provide Free Virtual Consultations so you can be certain of your treatment.

• DENTAL IMPLANT COSTS: DIFFERENT TYPES AND HOW THEY WORK. Thrive Dental and Orthodontics
• How Much Do Dental Implants Cost In 2023? Forbes Health
• Full mouth dental implants cost. Aspen Dental
• What are full mouth dental implants and what do they cost? Teeth Express
• How Much Are Dental Implants? Fixodent