This Is How Much Denture Implants REALLY Cost

Denture implants offer many benefits; besides improving your smile, they can ensure that you can eat and speak without fault. However, while denture implantsprovide the opportunity to restore your mouth’s function, they do come at a cost.

The actual cost of a denture implant depends on one’s circumstances and insurance coverage. The average price of the procedure is $6,000, although a patient’s insurance policy could cover up to 20% of the cost of the implant itself.

Regardless of these upfront costs, denture implants still serve as a practical solution for those in need of replacement teeth. In the remainder of this article, we’ll cover the different factors that influence the cost of denture implants so you—and your wallet—know what to expect.

The average cost of a denture implant will be around $6,000 for the entire procedure plus dentures:

1. A dental surgeon will x-ray your jaw to ensure that your bone structure is capable of supporting denture implants.

2. Four or more dental implants (abutments) are surgically inserted into your jawbone.

3. Your jawbone and gums will be given three to six months to heal with the implants. This will promote stability later. You may be provided a temporary denture during this time

4. Once your jawbone and gums have healed, a specialized denture molded for your mouth will be snapped onto the implants previously inserted.

All these required steps will contribute to the cost, from x-rays to anesthesia for the surgical procedure.

However, the final price you end up paying will vary, depending on different factors:

• Type of denture implant procedure (number of implants used)

• If you need additional treatment before the denture implant

• Your insurance provider and policy

Types of Dental Implant Procedures

There are two types of denture implants :

• Bar-retained: 2-5 implants are inserted into the jawbone are held together by a thin metal bar. The dentures themselves are fixed to the bar with a clip.

• Ball-retained: these are also referred to as stud-attachment dentures. Ball-shaped connectors are fixed onto the implants. Sockets are then placed onto the connectors in place of a bar.

According to this article in Dental Economics, the following are some of the different affordable denture implant procedures available to patients:

(Source: Dental Economics )

The type of procedure best for you will depend on your current oral health and dental needs. Your dentist will be able to work with you to determine which option is ideal for your case.

Additional Treatments

Your dentist may recommend additional treatments before receiving a denture implant if they find it necessary for your oral health and to guarantee your implant's success. For example, patients with a single tooth remaining in a quadrant of the mouth may need to have it surgically extracted before having dentures or implants to support the dentures added.

Naturally, the more treatments or procedures you need before the denture implant treatment, the more that will add to your final costs.

Does Insurance Cover Denture Implants?

Your dental insurance may cover a portion of denture implant treatment costs, which can make the procedure even more affordable for you. However, your actual coverage may vary depending on your insurance provider and your specific plan. For example, this provider claims to cover about 20% of the implant itself.

There is also a chance that both your medical and dental insurance providers will offer coverage for a denture implant procedure.

The major limiting factor in getting coverage for this procedure would be the annual limit your insurance provider has set for you. If you have had any other treatments (i.e., crowns, root canals, or fillings) during the current insurance cycle or year, then you may be limited in the amount of cost-assistance you receive.

Before committing to any dental procedure, you are certainly encouraged to check with your specific provider to see just how far your coverage will go. Usually, there will be an online portal that you can access to view your plan and remaining balances on your annual limits. Your dentist can also check to see if your specific denture implant treatment plan is covered by insurance.

If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to denture implants, consider conventional dentures. Conventional dentures for either the lower or upper jawlines can cost just under $2,000. And if you need a full set of dentures, then you can expect to pay somewhere within the range of $2,500 to $5,000.

This traditional denture style sits directly over the jaw bone. Glue or denture cement may become necessary to hold the whole piece in place while you chew or speak.

Although not as permanent of a solution as denture implants, conventional dentures still meet many patients’ needs adequately despite some inconveniences. They are more affordable and are certainly less invasive than implant-supported dentures.

Denture implants do involve a more complex and costly process, at least initially. However, there are many benefits of implant-supported dentures that can make this procedure well worth the time and costs.

According to Dr. Galluci with the Harvard School Of Dental Medicine, the following are a few benefits you can expect with denture implants:

• You will find it easier to speak and chew at the same time when you don’t have to worry about your dentures moving out of place.

• Newer implants are stronger and smaller in diameter, requiring less jawbone volume.

• Even patients experiencing osteoporosis may be able to qualify for a denture implant.

• Denture implants last longer than conventional dentures.

• Implant-supported dentures

• typically last

• 10-20 years before needing to be replaced. In some cases, they may even last longer than 20 years.

• By comparison, conventional dentures

• generally are expected to last 5-10 years

• . Getting traditional dentures to last that long without repairs can be a challenge, though; since they are subject to being maneuvered daily, it can be far too easy to drop, misplace, or otherwise damage them.

Of course, if you want your denture implants to be worth the hefty investment, you’ll need to do everything you can to ensure they’re well cared for and last for years to come. Denture implants will require daily cleaning to ensure that the dentures and implants themselves remain in good condition.

Although the implants themselves do not have to be removed, you will need to remove the denture implants' detachable components for proper cleaning. Cleaning should be performed twice a day: after breakfast and after your last meal of the day.

Additionally, dental hygiene is of utmost importance for you to keep your mouth happy and healthy.

Despite their high initial investment, denture implants are considered a highly beneficial treatment choice for patients needing several teeth to be replaced but can’t afford multiple dental implants. If you’re unsure whether this procedure is for you, contact your dentist or a certified oral or maxillofacial surgeonto determine your eligibility and help break down potential costs.

Contacting your health and dental insurance provider will also provide you with insight into what types of procedures your policy can cover and if it includes denture implants and other treatments associated with it that you may need.