Why Are Dental Implants So Expensive?What you’re really paying for, and how to pay less
An implant quote can be a shock. But the price has real reasons behind it. Here’s what goes into the cost, what extras to watch for and how to keep your bill down.
You’re paying for three parts, a surgery and time.
A dental implant is not just one tooth. It’s a titanium post placed in your jaw, a connector called an abutment and a custom crown. Add 3D planning, skilled surgery and months of healing, and the cost adds up. Ask the Dentist puts the average at $3,000 to $4,500 per tooth.
At Best Dental, our cash price is $1,995, with the post, abutment and crown included. See our dental implants for Houston patients.
The 3 Parts You Pay For
Each part is made for you. Typical prices below come from Ask the Dentist.
The implant post
A small titanium screw that goes into your jawbone. It acts like a tooth root.
Often $1,500 to $3,000The abutment
A small connector that joins the post to the new tooth on top.
Often $300 to $600The crown
The custom tooth you see. It’s shaped and shaded to match your smile.
Often $900 to $1,500Some offices quote only the post. That can make the price look lower than it is. At Best Dental, all three parts are in our $1,995 implant price. Want to see the steps? Read about dental implant surgery.
8 Reasons Implants Cost What They Do
It’s not just one thing. These all add up.
It’s a surgery
The post is placed in your jawbone. That takes skill, a clean room and careful work.
Strong, safe materials
Implants are made of titanium, which bone can grow around. Quality parts cost more.
3D planning
Many offices use a 3D scan to find the right spot. DentistryIQ says these scans often cost $250 to $400.
Custom crowns
Each crown is made to fit your bite and match your other teeth.
Months of healing
The Cleveland Clinic says bone takes 3 to 9 months to fuse to the post. That means check-ups along the way.
Several visits
You come in for the exam, the surgery, check-ups and the final crown.
Extra steps for some
If the bone is thin or a tooth needs to come out first, those steps add cost.
Office and location
Rent, staff and equipment cost more in some areas, and prices follow.
Extra Costs to Ask About
NewMouth lists these as things often billed on their own. Not everyone needs them.
Pulling the old tooth
If a broken tooth is still there, it comes out first. A tooth extraction is $250 at Best Dental.
Bone grafts
If the bone has shrunk, a graft rebuilds it. Ask the Dentist says grafts often add $200 to $3,200. Ours are $500 per site.
Sinus lift
Upper back teeth sit near your sinus. Some people need extra bone there first.
3D scans
A CT scan shows your bone in detail. DentistryIQ puts it at about $250 to $400.
Sedation
Nervous? Oral sedation is $199 and IV sedation is $500 at Best Dental.
Extra visits
Some offices charge for check-ups before and after surgery. Ask if yours does.
Missing more than one tooth? An implant supported bridge can replace several teeth with fewer implants.
Our Implant Prices
Flat cash prices, with a written plan before we start.
Typical U.S. price
Average per tooth, from Ask the Dentist. Extras are often billed on top.
Best Dental
With insurance, your cost depends on your plan.
Want a quick estimate? Try our implant cost calculator. Then ask us about our current specials.
Stop by our office for an exam and a written implant quote.
Ready for a real price? Get it in writing.
We’ll check your bone, explain your options and list every cost before you decide.
See Our Implant Options →How to Pay Less for an Implant
An implant is a big cost. These steps can make it easier.
Get an itemized quote
Ask if the price covers the post, abutment and crown. Then ask about scans and grafts.
Don’t wait too long
Bone can shrink after a tooth is lost. Less bone can mean a graft and a bigger bill.
Use your insurance
Some PPO plans help. We take plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Guardian.
Pay over time
Split the cost into monthly payments with Cherry or CareCredit. See our payment plans.
Check specials
Ask about our current specials before you book.
Pick the right dentist
Implant Cost Questions
Tap a question to open it.
Key Takeaways
- An implant is three parts plus a surgery: post, abutment and crown.
- The typical U.S. price is about $3,000 to $4,500 per tooth.
- Ask about extras. Our bone grafts are $500 per site and extractions are $250.
- Healing takes 3 to 9 months, but an implant can last a lifetime.
- At Best Dental, one implant is $1,995 cash, crown included.
- Always get an itemized, written quote.
A Lasting Smile at a Fair Price.
Call us for an exam and a written plan with every price. Learn why Houston patients choose us for affordable dental implants.
