Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost? By Ann R. Sielicki, DDS on June 26, 2023

If you are looking to replace missing teeth, you’ve probably heard about dental implants. Dentists agree that these artificial tooth roots, in combination with custom restorations, are far and away the best treatment for missing teeth. However, the price points associated with treatment leave many prospective patients wondering if dental implants are really worth the cost.

Our team at Sonoran Dental Design in Scottsdale, AZ, hears this question nearly every day. We’re here to help you break down dental implant costs, what factors into those costs, and what you can do to keep treatment affordable, regardless of your budget. Take a look:

How Much Do Implants Typically Cost?

According to the American Dental Association, in the United States, it typically costs around $3,000 to $4,500 to replace one tooth with a dental implant and crown. It can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $45,000 to replace a complete set of teeth, depending on the materials and methods used.

It’s important to remember that the dental implant process is uniquely customized for each patient. No two smiles are the same, so no two treatment plans will be the same, either.

There are a number of factors that can affect your final treatment price.

5 Factors That Influence Dental Implant Costs

Preparatory Procedures: Many people are not immediate candidates for dental implants. Because your jawbone begins to weaken after tooth loss, it can reach a point where it is no longer strong enough to support dental implants. Procedures like bone grafts and sinus lifts can replenish lost jaw tissue to build a healthy foundation. Additionally, issues like tooth decay or gum disease will need to be treated prior to implant surgery. These procedures will add to your total costs, but they ensure the healthiest possible foundation for your dental implants.
The Number of Teeth You Need to Replace: It makes sense that it costs more to replace a greater number of teeth. If you are missing just one tooth, you’ll only need a single implant, abutment, and crown to replace it. Replacing a full arch of teeth can require as many as eight implants and eight abutments, as well as a larger restoration in the form of a denture. These additional materials and the additional time it takes a practitioner to place or craft them lead to higher costs, but many patients say the confidence boost and increased quality of life are well worth the price.
Who Places the Implants: Many general dentists offer implant placement, but at Sonoran Dental Design, we do things a bit differently. Our team will closely oversee the design and manufacture of your lifelike dental restorations, but we will coordinate your implant placement surgery with a board-certified oral surgeon or periodontist. Care from a specialist does tend to increase costs, but it also ensures that you receive the highest quality of care with a reduced risk of complications, such as implant failure, down the line.
Whether Sedation Is Used: You may be surprised to learn that dental implant surgery isn’t especially uncomfortable and can often be completed with just local anesthesia. However, there are many different reasons why a patient may want an extra assurance of comfort, so we gladly offer oral conscious sedation to implant patients. Incorporating this medication into your treatment plan will cost a bit more, but it can ensure your comfort and peace of mind during the procedure.
Materials Used to Craft Restorations: Implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures can be crafted from a variety of materials, but not all are equal in terms of quality. Sonoran Dental Design in Scottsdale prefers using porcelain and zirconia for their durability and incredibly natural look. Porcelain and zirconia restorations tend to cost more than those made from dental composite or amalgam, but they simply look better and can last far longer, which can actually save you time and money in the long run.

So, Are Dental Implants Really Worth It?

Dental implants aren’t just any old purchase or any old dental procedure. They are a true investment in your long-term oral health, confidence, and quality of life. Let’s break down some categories in which implants are unmatched among tooth replacement options:

Function

Traditional removable restorations are less expensive than implant restorations, but they have a tendency to slip out of place, leading to uncomfortable or embarrassing situations. Implants are anchored in the jaw, so the restorations they support stay firmly in place at all times.

Longevity

Implant-supported restorations can last longer and require less upkeep than traditional ones. For example, if you wear a removable denture, you know that they can require adjustments every few years to ensure a good fit. An implant denture does not require these adjustments. It can last you 15 years or longer as is, and the implants themselves can last you a lifetime.

Jaw Preservation

Dental implants are the only treatment that can stop jawbone deterioration after tooth loss. This is because they are the only treatment that replaces teeth from root to crown. Once in your jaw, the implants mimic the function of the natural tooth roots, stimulating your jaw to keep it strong. This helps prevent complications like further tooth loss and changes to your facial appearance.

Implant-supported restorations are especially beneficial to replace missing teeth at the front of your smile. With unparalleled stability, you'll never have to worry about a denture slipping out of place. View more cases in our photo gallery.

Concerned About Dental Implant Costs? Insurance and Financing Can Make a Big Difference

If you have dental insurance, your provider will likely help cover the cost of your implant-supported crowns, bridges, or dentures. We accept most types of dental insurance, and we’ll be happy to file a claim on your behalf and help you make the most of your coverage.

Unfortunately, though, dental insurance providers rarely cover dental implants themselves. We don’t want this fact to put you off the idea of receiving this life-changing treatment, so we accept financing through CareCredit®. You can obtain a loan with little or even no interest, repayable in monthly installments that work for your budget.

Want to See If Implants Are Right for You? Visit Us for a Free Consultation

The dental implant process can be confusing, and the associated costs are no different. Feeling unsure where to turn for answers? Our friendly Scottsdale team is here for you. If you’re a new patient, we’d love to welcome you to our office for a free dental implant consultation. We can review all your treatment options, as well as helpful ways to keep them affordable. Just send us a message or give us a call to get started.

About Ann Sielicki, DDS
Dr. Ann Sielicki is a member of the American Dental Association and the Arizona Dental Association. She continues to hone her craft through the Spear Dental Study Club.