The overall cost of implant supported dentures depends on multiple different elements, including the health of the teeth, gums, and bone; the complexity of the implant procedure; the geographical area of the dentist; and the overall quality of the restoration, including the materials used and the experience and reputation of the dentist. Of course, the number of teeth being replaced also affects the cost of treatment, both because of the number of implants that will need to be placed and due to the cost of the dental prosthetic itself. For a complete set of dentures made of lifelike, lustrous porcelain, patients can expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 for the dentures themselves, exclusive of preparatory procedures, sedation, or dental implant placement. Each of these procedures contributes to the cost, and each patient will differ in the number and extent of these additional procedures.
When patients have oral health concerns like gum disease or tooth decay when they’re planning their implant supported denture treatment, these issues will need to be addressed before implants can be placed. Decayed and diseased tissue will be removed and the remaining tissues will be treated accordingly; when the jawbone has begun to deteriorate in the absence of natural teeth, bone regeneration surgery might be a necessary step in these preparatory procedures. None of these preparatory procedures is included in the base cost for implant supported dentures, and each will come with its own variable cost. For example, treating tooth decay with a dental filling can cost as little as $150 without insurance, while bone grafting procedures can range in price from $600 to as high as $3,000.
The number of dental implants needed to complete treatment will also significantly affect the overall cost of implant supported dentures. Dentures typically use around six or eight dental implants to support a full arch of tooth, though some dentists offer procedures where four strategic implants can support a full row of teeth. Partial dentures, which include fewer teeth, require fewer implant posts. Traditional dental implants, made of medical-grade titanium, tend to cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 per implant. Mini implants, which can only be used in certain clinical cases, range from $500 to $1,500 per implant but are less stable than traditional implants and cannot be used for larger restorations. While less stable, mini dental implants can be a good option for patients who lack the bone density necessary to support traditional implants, though they should not be expected to last as long as traditional implants.
While custom-made porcelain dentures can cost as much as $5,000 for the dental prosthetic alone, these are considered the gold standard for implant supported dentures, providing comfort, stability, and the most lifelike appearance possible. Lower quality dentures can often be purchased for as little as a few hundred dollars, but the low price is clearly reflected in their appearance and comfort. For many patients, there are happy mediums between these two extremes, and your dentist can review the subtleties of pricing for your dental prosthetic when you have your initial consultation. While you may feel inclined to cut corners when you consider the overall cost of your implant supported dentures, remember that quality implant supported dentures can last a lifetime; invest in your own future, because you’re worth it. Choosing sturdy components and an experienced, reputable dentist will help reduce your risks of implant failure, which costs far more in the long run, and financing plans, like CareCredit, are often available for procedures not covered by insurance.