Average Cost of Dental Implants: Single and Multi-Tooth

By David Hudnall, DMD

Dental implants are a life-changing solution to replace missing teeth. Imagine having implants that function like your own natural teeth without worrying that your denture or partial may slip while talking or eating.

Many assume that implants are cost-prohibitive without knowing the facts. The cost of dental implants may seem high compared with other tooth replacement alternatives, like dentures. But implants — which have a greater than 95% success rate — are an investment in your future dental health and overall well-being.

On average, dentures require replacement every five to seven years. Implants are designed to last much longer. In addition to longevity, implants provide self-assurance and confidence when interacting in social settings that dentures can’t match. They also prevent continued bone loss which causes a person to look prematurely old. When you consider all of the long-term benefits, implants are worth the investment.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of dental implants depends on the type that your dentist recommends you to get. Here are some of the average costs of dental implants.

Single-Tooth Implant Cost

A single-tooth implant is a procedure where one dental implant is placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. After healing and integration with the bone, the implant is restored with a crown. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the average dental implant cost in 2021 ranges from $3,000 to $4,500. This price takes into account all of the typical services necessary for a single-tooth implant to become fully functional, such as the implant placement surgery, abutment, and final restoration.

You’ll see ads for dental implants quoted at much lower prices that seem too good to be true. Ask questions. Realize that the ad may be for the cost of dental implants themselves and might not cover all of the services necessary to restore your tooth completely. Be wary if someone quotes you a price for a dental implant without examining your specific situation first.

Since dental implant treatments are customized, the per-tooth implant cost will vary. Most dental providers address this in their advertising by using a phrase like “starting from” to qualify the price.

The total cost of treatment depends on a number of factors, including how many teeth are being replaced, where they’re located in your mouth, and the number and type of implants used. Another factor is if any additional procedures — like bone grafts — are necessary to prepare your mouth for implant placement. Your geographic location can also affect the price. Dental offices located in areas where operating costs are high will naturally charge higher fees for services.

Multiple-Tooth Implant Cost

There are a number of ways to apply dental implants. A case that uses two implants to support a three- or four-unit fixed bridge has an average cost of $5,000 to $12,000. Other multiple implant cases may employ four to six implants to secure a single removable denture, and the average cost of dental implants would range from $2,500 to $5,000, including the denture. The all-on-four technique that uses four implants to support a full-arch Zirconia fixed bridge costs $9,000 to $25,000 per arch on average, including the bridge.

Generally speaking, when multiple dental implants are placed at the same time, the per-tooth implant cost is lower than the cost of a single implant surgery. However, the cost of the restoration increases proportionately with complexity. Because each case is unique, many of the same considerations apply as previously discussed with single tooth implants when it comes to the overall cost of treatment using multiple implants.

Full-Mouth Implant Cost

Restoring a full mouth with dental implants can mean different things to different people. One full-mouth restorative solution is the all-on-four technique. Another full-mouth restorative procedure involves using many more implants to support both individual crowns and fixed bridges, thus mimicking the natural teeth. For a case like this, it is best to work with a prosthodontist — a restorative specialist — to obtain a superior result. You can expect to spend $20,000 to $50,000 per arch, or more, for this type of restorative case.

With all implant cases, it is important to recognize and consider the cost of yearly maintenance to protect your investment. There is nothing more tragic than to see a patient who spent a large sum on restoring their mouth only to ignore the maintenance and have the work fail.

A Low-Cost Alternative: A Nesbit Partial

If you are missing one or two adjoining teeth, a much more economical tooth replacement approach to consider is a Nesbit partial denture. A Nesbit partial hooks to the teeth that surround the empty space and is supported by your gums, filling the gap where teeth are missing and restoring your beautiful smile.

Because it is a removable appliance, it cannot be treated like an implant and will need to be removed for cleaning after eating. The beauty of a Nesbit partial is that it can serve as a long-term temporary tooth replacement option, allowing you to save up for an implant-supported crown.

European Denture Has a Solution for You!

European Denture Center is in the business of tooth replacement and offers many solutions to replace your missing teeth. Our caring denturists and staff will offer you a variety of options, each with its own distinctive benefits that specifically address your tooth replacement needs and budget.

Because we understand how beneficial dental implants are, the best option may involve the use of implants to replace individual teeth, secure dentures, or support a non-removable bridge. Ultimately, the choice of treatment is yours. Our goal is to help you to understand all of the options available to you.

For more information on European Denture Center’s implant treatment options, follow this link: https://eurodenture.com/advance-comfort-full-dentures/denture-implants/