How to Get Low-Cost Dental Implants

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically implanted into your jawbone. It restores your missing tooth while mimicking the color and function of your natural tooth.

Dental implants are one of the most common restorative procedures for people who have:

• Missing teeth
• Newly extracted teeth
• Severely damaged natural teeth (typically caused by an injury or accident)
• Decaying teeth that are not savable with root canal treatment

How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?

The average dental implant cost is about $4,800 for a single dental implant. Prices range from $3,500 to $6,700 based on location and the dentist performing the procedure.⁷ 

This price typically includes the implant (artificial tooth root), the abutment (support post), and the dental crown (false tooth). If bone grafts are needed, the cost of treatment will increase.

Average Cost For a Full Set of Dental Implants

The average cost of full mouth implants in the U.S. is $43,000. But prices go as high as $56,000.⁷

Full mouth dental implants, also called all-on-4, are implant-supported dentures. They involve a full mouth of false teeth supported by four dental implants. 

While all-on-4 dental implants cost significantly less than replacing each tooth with a single-tooth implant, they’re still quite expensive. Fortunately, alternative options are available to help people find low-cost dental implants.

What are the Additional Costs of Dental Implants?

In addition to the implant and dental procedure, you may have to pay for additional services. These vary based on your individual needs but may include:⁷

• Oral evaluation — $100 (range: $50 to $200)
• X-rays — $130 (range: $100 to $250)
• Bone graft procedure — $650 (range: $350 to $1,000)
• Tooth extraction — $300 (range: $200 to $700)

5 Ways to Get Affordable Dental Implants Without Insurance

Here are five ways to find affordable dental implants without spending thousands of dollars on insurance annually.

1. Dental Discount Plans Cover Implants

Dental discount plans are a great way to save money on dental implants. Many discount plans are available, and all of them work similarly: 

• No annual spending limit — Receive discounts on the dental treatments you need without an annual limit. 
• Members pay a yearly fee — For access to a network of dentists who offer reduced rates to members.
• No approvals or claim forms are required — Simply take your ID card to the dentist and save on services.

DentalPlans is a popular dental discount option that provides 20 to 50 percent savings on dental care costs. Unlike insurance, there’s no yearly spending limit on dental services. Patients pay one low annual fee and can use their plan to save on dental treatments all year. 

2. Dental Implants From ClearChoice

ClearChoice centers specialize in performing same-day dental implant procedures. Their dentists perform more implant surgeries yearly than many other facilities because they have an innovative, all-inclusive approach.

Most ClearChoice implant centers charge one flat fee to remove all your teeth (top and bottom) and replace them with implants. On average, the cost for All-on-4 implants is between $35,000 and $55,000.

3. Cheap Dental Implant Payment Plans

A dental implant payment plan may be an excellent option for those who don’t have insurance.

Your dentist or oral surgeon may allow you to pay off a portion of the implants over a few months. Instead of paying for the implants through an insurance provider, you would pay your dentist directly.

It’s important to note that not all dentists offer a payment plan for implants. Talk with your dentist to determine the best option for your needs. 

4. Cosmetic Dentistry Grants

Cosmetic Dentistry Grants (CDG) is a nonprofit dental organization that provides funding for various dental procedures. In some cases, people can get free implants through this organization.

5. Discounted Services at Dental Schools

Many university dental programs offer discounted dental services in the U.S. and worldwide. The public can visit these on-campus clinics to receive treatment from current dental students. 

Dental professionals check each step in the process during treatment. Supervision ensures the dental student does everything “by the book.”

Most university programs offer 50 percent savings on preventive and restorative treatments, including dental implant surgery.

Dental Tourism

Some people travel to other countries for cheap dental implants. 

Dental tourism involves traveling abroad to get dental work done at a fraction of the price. It’s become a popular option for dental implant procedures.

How Much Can Dental Tourism Save for Implants?

That depends on various factors, including the cost of flights and accommodations in the country you choose to visit.

Dental practices in Costa Rica offer some of the cheapest dental implants at an average cost of $1,199 for a single tooth implant.⁸ That’s about 25% of the cost of a dental implant in the U.S.

One thing to consider is if the type of dental implant you get overseas is available in the U.S. If not, replacing or repairing them may require additional trips abroad.

Is it Safe to Travel Abroad for Cheap Dental Implants?

Yes. When done properly, dental care overseas is as safe as you would expect in the U.S. However, it’s essential to research the clinic and dental professional before you go.

Pros and Cons of Insurance for Dental Implants

Dental insurance plans reduce the cost of dental care and help people maintain excellent oral health throughout life. 

However, there are pros and cons to dental insurance:

Pros of Dental Insurance

Insurance enables patients to spend less out-of-pocket and detect oral diseases early on. According to CIGNA’s website, many insurance providers use the 100-80-50 plan.¹

This plan covers 100 percent of preventive treatments, 80 percent of the cost of basic procedures, and 50 percent of extensive operations like dental implants.

Cons of Dental Insurance

Dental insurance can be costly, especially for the average American family. If you can’t afford dental insurance, there are other ways to get low-cost dental implants.

Dental Implant Alternatives

A dental implant procedure is expensive and may not be the right option. Your dentist may recommend a different tooth replacement option if you have more than two missing teeth or need full mouth rehabilitation.

Alternatives to dental implants include:

Dental Bridge

A bridge is a type of dental restoration comprised of one or more artificial teeth supported by neighboring teeth. The bridge fills the gap created by missing teeth.

Dental bridges are also called fixed partial dentures.

Complete Dentures

Dentures are false teeth. Complete dentures replace all the teeth in your mouth. There are many types of dentures, some of which are removable and others that are permanent (fixed). 

Note that some permanent dentures, such as All-On-4s, are supported by dental implants and require an invasive procedure.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures may be an option if you need to replace multiple teeth, but not all of them. Partial dentures can be removable or fixed (dental bridges).

Summary

Dental implants are expensive in the U.S., costing about $4,800 for a single implant. Replacing all your teeth can cost up to $56,000. Even with insurance, expect to pay about half the cost out of pocket.

There are several ways to get dental implants at a more affordable price, including grants and discounted services at dental schools. Many dentists and oral surgeons offer payment plans. Traveling abroad to get cheap dental implants may also be an option.