You’ve probably thought about dental implants if you use dentures or have lost all of your teeth. Cost is a significant worry, particularly with All-on-4 dental implants. There are various aspects that influence the cost and we will discuss them all in this article.
The typical price range for All-on-4 dental implants for a full mouth is $36,000 to $76,000. The average cost for one arch, upper or lower, is between $18,000 to $38,000. These expenses are affected by several factors:
- Expert or Physician’s Fees
- Diagnostic Examinations
- Tooth Extractions
- Condition of the Bone
- Brand of Implant
- Material Used
Here is a summary of possible expenses, which includes those that are frequently concealed in product listings:
| Service | Cost |
| Initial Consultation | $250 |
| X-ray | $95 |
| CT Scan | $380 |
| Temporary Denture (per arch) | $700 |
| All-on-4 Dental Implants Only (per arch) | $12,000 – $17,000 |
| All-on-4 Dental Implant Prosthesis (per arch) | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Total Average Cost of All-on-4 Dental Implants (Per Arch) | $18,000 to $38,000 |
This table shows the comprehensive costs involved in getting All-on-4 dental implants, ensuring you’re aware of all potential expenses beyond the advertised prices.
What are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
If you’ve ever had to deal with missing teeth, you know the struggle of finding the right replacement. Dental implants are a great option, but do you really need one implant for every single missing tooth? With 32 teeth in a full set, that would be a bit much, wouldn’t it? Thankfully, that’s not necessary.
For those missing just one or two teeth, single-tooth implants are fantastic. They offer individual crowns that aren’t connected, with a feel similar to your natural teeth and making flossing a breeze. But what if you’re looking at replacing an entire upper or lower arch? Or what if you’re tired of dealing with dentures? And if you’re on a budget, can you still enjoy the benefits of dental implants?
This is where All-on-4 dental implants come in. Instead of needing a separate implant for each missing tooth, you can get a whole new set of teeth supported by just four implants per arch.
Here’s the scoop: we place a fixed prosthesis over four strategically placed implants in each jaw. This gives you a permanent (non-removable) set of brand-new teeth. It’s like getting a full-mouth makeover with just a few implants. So, if you’re dreaming of a full, beautiful smile without the hassle of individual implants for every tooth, All-on-4 might just be your perfect solution.
Factors Affecting the Cost of All-on-4 Dental Implants
Professional Fee or Doctor’s Fee
The first step in pursuing an all-on-4 dental implant is to find a good dentist who can meet your needs. Consultation fees may be different based on the dentist’s expertise and training. Keep in mind, a higher fee does not always guarantee better results.
While more experienced dentists may charge higher fees, this does not imply that younger dentists lack capability. It is important to pick a dentist who is knowledgeable about the latest technology, training, and practices in dental implants.
Invest time in finding dentists with proven results, as not all dentists who place implants excel in the prosthesis aspect. Some dentists add the consultation fee into the total cost of the procedures, while others may charge based per appointment.
Dental implant consultations are usually more expensive than regular consultations because of the additional training needed for dentists to perform implant placements. The consultation will be your first meeting with the dentist, where your dental and medical history will be discussed. This appointment is also an opportunity to communicate your expectations clearly with the dentist.
Diagnostics
The placement of dental implants must be meticulously planned and strategically positioned to ensure the prosthesis remains stable and can endure biting forces.
During your first dental consultation, your dentist must obtain all the necessary diagnostic aids to assess your case. In addition to the consultation fee, these diagnostic aids may incur extra charges, particularly if they need to be repeated or updated periodically.
Teeth Extraction
Depending on your circumstances, your dentist may need to do preparatory work like bone grafting and tooth extraction in order to get ready for All-on-4 dental implants. The total cost and duration increase if the dentist has to extract teeth that are broken or infected. Depending on how much bone grafting material is needed, the cost of this operation may change.
Some people can go straight to the implant insertion stage since they already have dentures. Your dentist might need to use bone grafting material to fill the sockets and reinforce the bone if they haven’t healed completely. This process and its necessity will be fully explained in the section that follows.
Current Bone Condition
The state of your bone is a crucial factor when considering dental implants. If your jawbone lacks the necessary height or thickness, bone grafting or socket augmentation might be required. Depending on the severity, this procedure could add between $500 and $4,200 to your overall cost. Additionally, temporary dentures might tack on another $1,500.
Once your diagnostics are complete, your dentist will use a Dental CT Scan to evaluate your bone structure. Dental implants need to be anchored in bone with sufficient height and thickness to withstand the pressures of biting and chewing.
But what if you don’t have enough bone? Don’t worry, dental implants are still an option! This is where bone grafting or ridge augmentation, also known as guided bone regeneration (GBR), comes into play.
In this procedure, your dentist will place artificial bone granules or bone blocks onto your existing bone to achieve the necessary dimensions. Often, they’ll mix these with Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) derived from your own blood to speed up the healing process.
Bone grafting is another surgical procedure, and it requires patience. You’ll need to allow at least three months for the bone to heal and mature before the dental implants can be placed. During this period, your dentist might fit you with a temporary denture or prosthesis to protect the surgical site from trauma.
This temporary solution also serves as a rehearsal, helping you get used to the feel of your final prosthesis, as it is often designed to mimic the final product. Understanding this process not only helps you prepare for the journey ahead but also ensures you appreciate the meticulous care involved in achieving a stable and lasting dental implant solution.
Material
One key factor influencing the cost of your dental implants is the material chosen for the permanent denture or prosthesis. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Among the options, acrylic stands out as the most affordable and typically the quickest to fabricate.
How Insurance Impacts the Cost of All-On-4 Implants
Most dental insurance policies do not cover the cost of All-on-4 implants. It’s essential to contact your insurance provider to confirm whether these implants are included in your policy.
Medicaid and Medicare
Providers like Medicare and Medicaid typically do not cover All-on-4 implants, as they classify these implants as cosmetic surgery.
Financing Options
Fortunately, there are several payment options available to help manage the cost of All-on-4 implants. Many dental offices offer internal financing and flexible payment plans.
Standard Implants vs. All-On-4
All-on-4 implants generally come with a heftier price tag compared to standard dental implants. This is because the All-on-4 procedure is more invasive and carries a higher risk of complications. However, All-on-4 implants offer a more permanent solution. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime, providing a durable and lasting fix that makes them a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of an All-on-4 dental implant can vary based on factors like the material you choose and the condition of your existing bone structure.
To get a personalized estimate for your All-on-4 dental implants, schedule your free consultation with our team of dentists at 32ology Dental Studio. All oral surgeries including implant placement are performed by our implant specialist Dr. Choi while the restorative and cosmetic portion of the procedure is completed by our cosmetic dentist Dr. Kudaverdian.
We are eager to discuss your specific needs and provide you with the best possible treatment plan. Don’t wait—take the first step towards a brighter smile today!