Dental implants are an increasingly popular choice for replacing teeth. Dentists place more than three million implants each year.¹

Dental implants involve placing a post into the bone of your mouth where the replacement tooth will be placed. This holds the new tooth in place. The procedure can be stable and long-lasting. Single tooth dental implants may cost $3,000 or more, while full-mouth implants can cost upwards of $60,000.²

Dental insurance may help cover costs, but it depends on your plan and level of coverage. Here's a closer look at this dental procedure, including its typical costs, coverage and how to pay for it.

Introduction to dental implants and their costs

Dental implants can be a dental solution for missing teeth. They involve placing an artificial post in your jaw to hold a replacement tooth in place. These are often made of titanium or zirconia. Implants mimic the look and feel of natural teeth.

So, how much do dental implants cost? Costs can vary by dentist and location, but a single implant may cost around $3,000 to $6,000. If you need to replace multiple teeth or get a full-mouth restoration, the price tag could add up to $60,000 or more.²

General dentists as well as specialists like an oral surgeon or periodontist can perform the procedure. There are also several parts to the process that can take several months to complete, including:

• Implant: This is a small, screw-like metal post that's implanted into the jaw.
• Abutment: This metal extension is placed on top of the implant.
• Crown: This is the replacement tooth that goes on top of the abutment.

After receiving the implants, you'll need to visit your dentist a few more times to check the healing process and fit. You'll also have regular follow-up visits to keep your implants and other teeth healthy.

Understanding dental implant costs

Here's a closer look at the question, "How much do dental implants cost?" A single dental implant may cost about $3,000 to $6,000. Here's how this price tag could break down by each part of the process:

• Implant post: $1,000 - $3,000
• Abutment: $500 - $1,000
• Crown: $800 - $3,000

If you need to replace multiple teeth, costs can add up quickly. However, a full-mouth dental implant could end up costing less per tooth overall.

Dental implants are a major investment. Implants are durable and long-lasting, especially if you're proactive about at-home care. Because of this, you may have fewer dental expenses in the future with implants than you would with bridges or dentures, which tend to have a lower upfront cost, but need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years.³

Financing options for dental implants

If you're interested in dental implants, you won't necessarily have to cover the full cost out of pocket. There are several financing options that may be available to you.

• Dental insurance: If you have dental insurance, find out if your plan offers full or partial coverage for implants. Coverage options all depend on your plan — some will help with costs, while others exclude dental implants because they’re considered as cosmetic procedure. Keep in mind that insurance plans often have deductibles that you have to meet before the plan starts paying out. Read over the details of your plan to understand what your insurance covers and what it doesn't.
• Dental implant payment plans: Some dental offices offer payment plans that let you spread out the cost over time, rather than having to pay it all upfront. Ask your dentist about your options, and find out if they charge any interest or fees for using a payment plan.
• Loans for dental implants: You can find personal loans from banks, credit unions, and online lenders to cover the cost of dental implants. Most personal loans have fixed interest rates and repayment terms over several years. You'll need to meet a lender's credit and income requirements to qualify.
• Healthcare credit cards: Medical credit cards are designed to help you pay for healthcare costs. Some cards offer a 0% APR promotional period, so you can pay down your balance interest-free. When this period ends, though, interest rates could shoot up.

You may be able to find low-cost dental implant options, especially if you're a senior, veteran, or have a low income. Look for clinics that offer discounts, but make sure to read patient reviews and ensure providers have the appropriate board certification.

You may also find affordable dental implants at dental schools where students perform procedures under supervision.⁴ Enrolling in a dental discount plan for a fee could also help you access implant services at lower costs from participating providers.

Dental implant procedure and recovery

Dental implants require one or more surgical procedures that are spaced out over several months. You'll start with a review of your medical history; if you are a candidate for implants, you will receive a full dental exam that involves X-rays and 3D images. Then your provider will go over your treatment plan with you.

During the surgery, you may receive local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Your provider will remove the damaged tooth, prepare your jawbone, and place the dental implant. Then, you'll wait some time to allow for bone growth and healing. This process is known as osseointegration, and it involves a connection forming between the bone and implant. In some cases, bone grafting or zygomatic implants may be necessary.

Once osseointegration is complete, your surgeon will reopen the gum to place the abutment. Then, they'll wait another two weeks for your gums to heal before preparing and placing the artificial tooth (crown).

After the surgical aspects of the procedure, you may experience swelling, bruising, pain, and minor bleeding. Your dentist may recommend the following:the 

• Pain medicine or antibiotics
• Soft foods while the surgery heals
• Regular cleaning of your tooth and gums with a specially designed brush
• Avoiding habits that could damage your implant, like chewing hard items, smoking, or drinking caffeine

You'll also have regular follow-up appointments so your provider can check on your healing and answer any questions you have about at-home care.

Insurance coverage and dental implants

Dental insurance coverage for dental implants varies by plan. Some plans offer coverage, especially if the implants are considered medically necessary. However, basic dental plans often only cover preventive care and exclude implants for falling into the cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry category, rather than general dentistry.

MetLife's PPO and HMO plans both offer coverage for dental implants. The PPO plan may cover 50% of the cost, though this figure will vary depending on the plan you have. MetLife's HMO plans tend to have more limited coverage, and they require you to get pre-authorization, choose an in-network primary care dentist, and follow other guidelines.

To find out what your plan offers, log into your insurance’s portal your insurance provider's portal and review your summary of benefits (if you’re a MetLife dental plan member, you can log in to MyBenefits for the information you need). You can also contact customer service to go over the details or ask questions about your benefits. As you review your coverage, look out for any exclusions, waiting periods, annual maximums, or deductibles.

Alternatives to dental implants

Dental implants are a long-term solution for damaged or missing teeth, but they're not your only option. Two common alternatives are bridges and dentures.

• Bridges: These are artificial teeth that are supported by your other natural teeth. They often cost less than implants (with MetLife dental insurance, for example, a member in Chicago would pay around $1,500 to $5,000), and the procedure is less invasive with a shorter healing time. However, dental bridges need to be replaced every five to 15 years and may require some enamel removal from adjacent teeth to place the crown.⁵
• Dentures: Dentures are removable artificial teeth that are attached to an acrylic or metal base. You can get partial or full dentures, depending on your needs. There's no surgery required, but they may cause soreness or affect your speech, especially as you get used to them. You'll have to remove and clean dentures every day to maintain good oral hygiene. They typically last 7 to 10 years.⁶  What’s the cost? As an example, with MetLife dental insurance in Chicago, dentures may cost $1,000 to $3,000.

Speak with your dentist to see whether a bridge, dentures, or an implant make the most sense for your specific treatment and needs.

Should you get dental implants?

Getting dental implants is a big decision, so make sure to weigh the pros and cons before you move forward. Some advantages of dental implants include:

• A long-lasting solution to damaged or missing teeth
• The look and feel like natural teeth
• The ability to eat and chew with ease
• Help in preventing bone loss in your jaw
• Ease of care — implants just require regular brushing and flossing

On the flip side, there could be some disadvantages:

• Upfront costs can be high, and insurance doesn't always provide coverage.
• Certain lifestyle habits, such as poor oral hygiene and smoking, can damage implants.
• Implants may not be an option for people with certain health issues, like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
• It requires surgery, multiple appointments, and a lengthy healing process.

If high costs are your main objection, make sure you've reviewed your financing options, including payment plans and insurance coverage. Dental implants can be a valuable long-term investment in your oral health. If you'd like to move forward with the procedure, check out your dental insurance benefits and consult with a qualified dentist about your next steps.