Tooth Implant Cost: What You Need to Know

What Is a Tooth Implant?

A tooth implant is when a doctor puts a new tooth in your mouth. This new tooth looks real. It helps you eat and smile.  

The new tooth has two parts:

• A metal part that goes in your jaw
• A crown that looks like a tooth

How Much Does a Tooth Fix Cost?

A tooth fix costs a lot of money. Most people pay between $3,000 and $6,000 for one tooth.  

If you need to fix all your teeth, it can cost $10,000 or more. That is a lot of money!

What Makes the Price Go Up or Down?

The price changes based on:

1. What the crown is made of
2. Where you live
3. How hard it is to put in
4. If your jaw needs help first

Crown Types and How Much They Cost

The crown is the part that looks like a tooth. You can pick what it is made of.

Zirconia crowns cost more money. But they last a long time. They do not break easy.  

Porcelain crowns look most like real teeth. They cost less than zirconia. But they can chip.

Metal crowns are the cheapest. But they do not look like real teeth.

Where You Live Changes the Price

The price of a tooth fix is not the same in all places.

• In big cities like New York or Los Angeles: $4,000 – $6,500
• In small towns or the middle of the USA: $2,800 – $4,500

You can save money by going to a place where it costs less. You might save 20% to 30%.  

Other Things That Make the Price Go Up

Bone Help

Some people have a weak jaw bone. The doctor needs to make it stronger first. This is called bone grafting.

Bone grafting costs $500 to $3,000 more. About 3 out of 10 people need this.  

How Hard It Is

Some tooth fixes are harder to do:

• Front teeth cost more because they need to look good
• Back teeth can cost less
• Same-day tooth fixes cost 10-20% more

How Many Doctors You See

If you see more than one doctor for your tooth fix, it costs more. It can add $1,000 to the price.  

Will My Tooth Fix Last?

Most tooth fixes work for a long time. But sometimes they fail.

Here’s how long they last:

• After 5 years: 93-97% still work
• After 10 years: 85-91% still work
• After 20 years: 72-80% still work

If your tooth fix fails, you have to pay to fix it again. This can cost $3,000 to $6,000 more.  

Tips to Pay Less

You can save money on your tooth fix. Here are some tips:

1. Look at many clinics – prices can be very different
2. Ask for a discount if you pay cash
3. Get more than one done at once – many doctors give a discount
4. Go to a dental school – they charge less
5. Check if you can go to a place where it costs less

Does Insurance Help Pay?

Insurance might help pay for part of your tooth fix. But most insurance does not pay for all of it.

Most insurance plans pay half of the cost if you need the tooth fix for health. They do not pay if you just want to look better.  

Other ways to help pay:

• Dental discount plans: save 15-30%
• Payment plans: pay a little each month
• Care Credit: a special credit card for health care

What If My Crown Breaks?

Crowns do not last forever. They can break or wear out.

If your crown breaks, you need a new one. A new crown costs $800 to $2,500.  

Zirconia crowns last longer. They may cost more now but save money later.

Questions People Ask a Lot

What to Think About When You Pick a Tooth Fix

When you pick a tooth fix, think about:

1. How long do you want it to last?
2. How much can you pay?
3. Do you care more about how it looks or how long it lasts?

The best tooth fix is one that:

• You can pay for
• Looks good to you
• Lasts a long time
• Is put in by a good doctor

Sum Up

A tooth fix with a crown costs $3,000 to $6,000 for one tooth. The price changes based on what it is made of, where you live, and if your jaw needs help.

You can save money by:

• Looking at many clinics
• Going to places where it costs less
• Asking for discounts

Pick a crown that will last a long time to save money in the future.