The Cost of Dental Implants and Other Tooth Replacement Options

Dental implants replace one or more missing teeth, and are more expensive than alternative treatments like dentures. The cost of an implant varies from patient to patient, and many factors impact the overall treatment price.

Geographic location, sedation or other pretreatemnts that prepare the mouth for implants can also add to costs. Fortunately, financing options like CareCredit and Cherry offer 0% APR** to help keep the cost within your budget.

Costs for Dental Implants

Implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. They provide natural-looking, long-lasting restorations that prevent a host of issues including jawbone degeneration, bite problems and eating restrictions caused by dentures and bridges.

However, cost of dental implants Raleigh NC can cost a significant amount, especially for those without insurance. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the costs.

The first step is to determine how many dental implants you need. On average, a single dental implant costs $1,500-$2,000 per tooth (not procedure). This includes the actual implant itself which can be made of titanium or zirconia, as well as an abutment that connects the implant to the crown.

Other treatment-related expenses can also drive up the total cost of your dental implant. These include x-rays, consultations and office visits. You may also need to undergo a bone graft or sinus lift, both of which increase the overall investment. Shop around to find the best price for your dental implant and consider eliminating extras that aren’t necessary.

Costs for Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are artificial tooth-shaped caps that cover a damaged or decayed biological tooth, replacing it entirely. These tooth-shaped caps are often fabricated from ceramics like porcelain, zirconia or composite. Porcelain crowns provide the most aesthetic results and are best suited for front teeth, while zirconia crowns are more suitable for back teeth because they are stronger and less likely to wear down or chip over time.

Dental insurance typically covers 50% or more of the cost of restorative crowns, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, utilizing an in-network provider may reduce costs, as these dentists have agreements with insurance companies to offer services at pre-negotiated rates.

Patients without dental coverage can save on the cost of dental crowns by comparing prices online or through patient reviews. Alternatively, healthcare credit cards that offer flexible payment terms can be used to finance dental treatments, allowing for affordable monthly payments over time. A personal loan can also be an option, though this will require a credit check and will generally come with higher interest rates than other options.

Costs for Bridges

Dental bridges are a highly effective way to fill gaps left by missing teeth, enhancing both function and aesthetics. However, they can also come with a high price tag, especially without insurance.

If you’re thinking about getting a dental bridge, consider the following factors that can affect your total cost.

The material of your bridge has a significant impact on the overall cost. For example, zirconia and porcelain bridges tend to cost more than traditional all-ceramic ones.

Additionally, the type of bridge you choose has an effect on your costs as well. A traditional or cantilever bridge requires re-shaping of adjacent healthy teeth to support the abutment and fake tooth/teeth, while a resin-bonded bridge requires minimal -- if any -- re-shaping. Lastly, the type of dentist you visit will also impact your costs. Choosing an in-network dentist will reduce your costs because they’ll be covering a larger percentage of your treatment. The same goes for dental implants, as many insurance plans cover 50% or more of the implant process.

Costs for Dentures

When compared to other tooth replacement options like dental bridges, dentures, or full/partial dentures, dental implants are more expensive. But they provide superior durability, a long lifespan and a natural appearance that enhances both oral health and quality of life.

The cost of dental implants Raleigh NC can vary significantly based on the type of implant, location, materials used (including titanium and zirconia) and the laboratory that manufactures the crown and abutment. In addition, a patient’s insurance coverage will influence out-of-pocket expenses.

The good news is that many insurance providers are beginning to cover some or all of the costs associated with dental implants. Our team can help patients navigate their individual insurance plans to make the best use of available benefits. In addition, we offer affordable financing through CareCredit to break up out-of-pocket costs into low monthly payments. We also encourage potential patients to schedule a consultation for a personalized treatment plan and an accurate cost estimate.