How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in 2026?

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth—but they come with a significant price tag. Understanding the true cost of dental implants, what affects pricing, and your payment options can help you make an informed decision about this life-changing investment in your oral health.

This comprehensive guide breaks down dental implant costs in 2026, explains the different types of implants and their pricing, covers insurance and financing options, and shows you how to get quality care within your budget.

Average Dental Implant Costs (2026)

Dental implant costs vary based on the type of procedure, number of implants, and additional treatments needed. Here's what you can expect:

Procedure Type	What's Included	Average Cost
Single Tooth Implant	1 implant + abutment + crown	$3,000 - $6,000
Implant-Supported Bridge	2 implants + 3-4 tooth bridge	$6,000 - $15,000
All-on-4 (Per Arch)	4 implants + full arch restoration	$15,000 - $30,000
All-on-6 (Per Arch)	6 implants + full arch restoration	$20,000 - $35,000
Full Mouth (Both Arches)	Complete upper and lower restoration	$25,000 - $95,000

What's Included in the Cost?

A dental implant is actually a three-part system, and each component has its own cost:

Additional Costs to Consider

Many patients need preparatory procedures before implant placement:

Additional Procedure	Why It's Needed	Average Cost
Initial Consultation	Exam, X-rays, treatment planning	$100 - $300
3D CT Scan	Detailed bone imaging for placement	$150 - $500
Tooth Extraction	Remove damaged tooth before implant	$150 - $600
Bone Graft	Build up jawbone for implant support	$300 - $3,000
Sinus Lift	Add bone below sinuses (upper jaw)	$1,500 - $3,000
Temporary Crown/Denture	Wear during healing period	$200 - $1,000

Factors That Affect Dental Implant Costs

Several variables influence how much you'll pay for dental implants:

1. Number of Implants Needed

More implants = higher cost, but there are economies of scale. Replacing a single tooth costs $3,000-$6,000, while full-mouth restoration using the All-on-4 technique ($25,000-$60,000) costs less per tooth than individual implants.

2. Implant Material and Brand

• Titanium implants: Most common, proven track record, $1,000-$2,000 per implant
• Zirconia implants: Metal-free option, newer technology, $1,500-$3,000 per implant
• Premium brands (Nobel Biocare, Straumann): 20-30% higher cost but superior research backing
• Economy brands: Lower cost but may have fewer long-term studies

3. Crown Material

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): $1,000-$1,500 (durable, less natural appearance)
• All-ceramic/porcelain: $1,200-$2,500 (most natural appearance)
• Zirconia: $1,500-$3,000 (extremely durable and natural-looking)

4. Your Geographic Location

Dental implant costs vary significantly by region:

• Major metropolitan areas: 30-50% higher than national average
• Northeast and West Coast: Typically most expensive ($4,500-$6,000 per implant)
• Midwest and Mountain West: Generally more affordable ($3,000-$4,500 per implant)
• Rural areas: Often lowest cost but fewer specialists available

5. Provider Experience and Credentials

• Oral surgeons: Highest training level, typically highest cost
• Periodontists: Gum and bone specialists, similar pricing to oral surgeons
• General dentists with implant training: May charge 10-20% less
• Prosthodontists: Often handle complex cases, premium pricing

6. Need for Additional Procedures

Bone grafts, sinus lifts, and extractions can add $1,000-$5,000+ to your total cost. Your surgeon will assess this during your consultation.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the least-covered dental procedures. Most insurance plans consider them "cosmetic" despite their functional benefits.

What Insurance May Cover

• ✅ Initial consultation and X-rays
• ✅ Tooth extraction (if needed)
• ✅ Crown portion of the implant (sometimes classified as "major restorative")
• ❌ Implant surgery itself (often excluded)
• ❌ Bone grafting (usually not covered)
• ❌ Abutment (often excluded)

Medical Insurance Option

In some cases, medical insurance (not dental) may cover implants:

• If tooth loss resulted from accident or trauma
• If implants are needed after cancer treatment
• If tooth loss causes documented medical issues (malnutrition, TMJ disorders)
• Requires detailed documentation and often pre-authorization

Payment Options and Financing

Since insurance rarely covers the full cost, most patients use alternative payment methods:

1. Dental Office Payment Plans

Many oral surgery practices offer in-house financing:

• 10-20% down payment, then monthly installments
• 0% interest if paid within 12-24 months
• No credit check required at some offices

2. Healthcare Credit Cards

Specialized financing for medical/dental expenses:

• CareCredit: 0% APR for 6-24 months on qualifying purchases
• Proceed Finance: Longer terms available, competitive rates
• LendingClub Patient Solutions: Fixed rates, predictable payments
• Caution: Interest rates of 15-27% APR apply after promotional period

3. Personal Loans

• Banks, credit unions, and online lenders
• Fixed rates typically 6-15% APR (depending on credit)
• Terms from 2-7 years
• May offer better rates than dental financing for those with good credit

4. HSA/FSA Accounts

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Pre-tax dollars, no expiration
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax, but "use it or lose it" annually
• Effectively reduces cost by 20-30% through tax savings
• Dental implants are HSA/FSA eligible expenses

5. Dental Schools

University dental schools offer implants at 30-50% lower cost:

• Supervised residents perform procedures under faculty oversight
• Longer appointment times and wait lists
• Same quality implant materials
• Utah: University of Utah School of Dentistry, Roseman University

How to Save Money on Dental Implants

Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?

While dental implants have a higher upfront cost than alternatives, they often provide better long-term value:

Additional Benefits of Implants

• Preserves jawbone: Prevents bone loss that occurs with missing teeth
• Protects adjacent teeth: No grinding down healthy teeth like bridges require
• Natural function: Eat, speak, and smile like natural teeth
• No adhesives or removal: Fixed in place, no denture hassles
• High success rate: 95-98% success rate over 10 years

Questions to Ask About Cost During Consultation

Don't leave your consultation without clear answers about pricing:

• "What is the total cost for the entire implant procedure, including crown?"
• "Will I need bone grafting or any additional procedures?"
• "Is this quote all-inclusive, or are there separate surgical and prosthetic fees?"
• "What brand of implant do you use and why?"
• "Do you offer payment plans or financing?"
• "What portion might my insurance cover?"
• "Are there any warranties on the implant or crown?"
• "What happens if the implant fails—is replacement covered?"

The Bottom Line

A single dental implant costs $3,000-$6,000 including the implant, abutment, and crown. Full mouth implants range from $25,000-$95,000 depending on the technique and number of teeth being replaced. While insurance coverage is limited, financing options make implants accessible to most patients.

Dental implants represent a significant investment, but for many patients, they provide the best long-term value. Unlike bridges and dentures that need regular replacement, implants can last a lifetime with proper care. When comparing costs, factor in the long-term expenses and quality-of-life benefits.

The key is finding an experienced oral surgeon or implant specialist you trust. A skilled provider using quality materials gives you the best chance of a successful, lasting result—which ultimately saves money compared to dealing with complications or failed implants.