How much do dental implants cost?

Key takeaways

A dental implant is an artificial tooth held in place by an artificial root inserted into the jawbone.
The cost varies from $1,000 to $6,000 per tooth depending on your situation, the provider and where you live.

What are dental implants?

The Canadian Dental Association defines dental implants as an artificial root made of titanium metal inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the natural tooth. An artificial replacement tooth is attached to the implant. The implant acts as an anchor to hold the replacement tooth in place.

Why do people need dental implants?

Dental implants are an alternative to partials or dentures to replace missing teeth. They can be the closest thing to still having your own teeth. People may choose dental implants because they don’t find dentures attractive for 1 reason or another.

Types of dental implants

Endosteal implants

These are screwed into your jawbone which is a more invasive procedure and involves considering factors such as the size of your jaw, your bone health and strength, and your sinuses. This solution might be better and last longer for young, healthy people.

Subperiosteal implants

These are placed under the gum, then aligned and secured to the jawbone or directly above it. This solution may be better for older patients and people who have a weaker jaw and skull.

What do dental implants cost?

Depending on where you live, the cost per tooth for a dental implant can range from around $1,000 to $6,000.

Factors that can impact the cost include:

The type of implant
The number of pre- and post-surgery appointments required
The complexity of the specific patient’s case
Where you live
The dentist doing the procedure

Many health insurance plans don’t cover dental implants, however, some do. If you don’t have dental benefits through your workplace benefits, you may consider getting personal health and dental insurance.

What’s next?

Now that you know more about dental implants, check with your workplace human resources department or your benefits provider to determine if your plan covers them.

The information provided is general in nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice in any specific situation. For specific situations, advice should be obtained from the appropriate legal, accounting, tax or other professional advisors.