How Much Do Implant Retained Dentures Cost
Traditional dentures, which rest on the gums, tend to move, can be uncomfortable, and may lead to undesirable appearances over time. Implant retained dentures can be a more comfortable and better functioning alternative but because surgery is required, the procedure is more involved and can be more costly. Patients that are considering implant retained dentures are likely curious about the expense associated with the procedure. This article will discuss the typical cost associated with implant retained dentures as well as factors that can influence overall expense.
Typical Cost of Implant Retained Dentures
Several factors influence the overall cost of implant retained dentures including the type and number of implants used, the quality of the denture, the dentist performing the procedure, any necessary preparatory procedures, and geographic location where the procedure was performed. The health of the patients existing gums, teeth, and jaw will also influence the final treatment price.
In general, patients can expect the procedure to cost between $5,000 to over $30,000. Clearly, this is a wide price range so an examination of some of the factors that influence price is warranted.
Factors That Affect Implant Retained Denture Cost
- Number of Implants Needed: If more implants are needed to adequately support the dentures, the cost will be higher. In general, a full denture will require six to eight implants but some dentists offer a procedure called “All-on-4” that uses four implants to support the denture. Fewer implant posts can be used to support partial dentures.
- Type of Implant Used: Implants come in two basic types: traditional and mini. Traditional implants generally cost between $1,500-$2,500 per implant and because they are wider than mini implants, offer the greatest amount of stability necessary for larger restorations. Unfortunately, some patients have insufficient bone density to support traditional implants. In these cases, mini implants can often be substituted. At a cost of $500 to $1,500 each, mini dental implants are less expensive but do not provide the same support and generally require replacement in the future.
- Preparatory Procedures: If a patient has existing oral health issues like gum disease or tooth decay, treatment will be required prior to proceeding with dental implants. Should the patient have insufficient jawbone density, a bone graft may be needed to support the implants. The costs for these procedures is generally in addition to those of the implant retained denture treatment. A bone grafting procedure, for example, could add an additional $2,500 to the overall cost.
- Denture Quality: Lower quality dentures often start around $300 but do not offer the same level of stability, aesthetics, or comfort as their higher quality counterparts. Higher-end dentures that alleviate these issues can cost up to $5,000.
- Choice of Dentist: The experience and reputation of the dentist will also influence cost. While a more experienced dentist may cost more upfront, their expertise in correctly placing the implants will reduce the likelihood of failure and costly replacement. The geographic location of the dentist can also affect costs as a professional in a large urban area can be more costly than one in a small town.
- Insurance Coverage: Because it is largely considered to be a cosmetic procedure, dental insurance companies rarely cover the cost of dental implants which can significantly contribute to out-of-pocket cost to the patient. Patients should check their dental insurance benefits prior to undergoing an implant procedure to verify their coverage.