The Truth About Dental Implants: Are They Really Worth the Investment?

Dental implants are a popular teeth replacement option. In fact, over 3 million Americans have dental implants. This number is even expected to increase by 23% by 2026. With all this hype, are they really worth the investment? In this article, we’ll uncover the truth about dental implants.

We’ll discuss the benefits, disadvantages, and cost-effectiveness of dental implants. We’ll help you decide if they’re right for you. So read on to find out if they are worth your time and money.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are permanent replacements for your missing or damaged teeth.

They are:

• made of titanium and other materials
• durable, lightweight, and biocompatible
• surgically placed into your jawbone
• replacement tooth roots and serve as a strong foundation for fixed or removable teeth replacement

A dental implant has three parts:

• The implant body (the screw-like structure inserted into your jaw)
• The Abutment (the connector)
• The crown or bridge (the replacement for missing teeth)

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants are not for everyone. You need to meet specific conditions to get dental implants.

You need to have:

• good overall health
• healthy gums, free from any periodontal diseases
• enough jawbone density to hold the implant
• commitment to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits

The Cost of Dental Implants

There is no national standard for the cost of dental implants. The price varies from one dental facility to another.

Forbes Health reports that 2023 single tooth implants cost $3,500 to $4,500. Meanwhile, full arch dental implants can range from $24,000 to $50,000. Full mouth implants are even more expensive at $60,000 to $90,000.

Why Do Dental Implants Seem Expensive in the US?

Sometimes, many patients face price shopping challenges. These include unethical pricing and lack of transparency.

Some dental facilities use this technicality when you ask for a quotation. They only give you the price of the implant body. This makes it difficult to shop for prices.

So make sure to ask for the price of the complete procedure when you shop for prices. Tell them to give you the price from start to finish.

You might be wondering, “Why is there no standard rate?” Well, no two implant procedures are the same. The cost primarily depends on your individual case.

Additionally, there are other factors that affect the final cost. Let’s explore some of them.

Cost Factors of Dental Implants

Other than your personalized treatment plan, these factors also affect the cost of your treatment.

#1. Type of full mouth dental appliance and final prosthetics material: Your choice of dental appliance is the primary cost factor.

The material of your final prosthesis also affects the price. You can choose from acrylic, Pekkton, or Zirconia.

Below are the national average costs of dental implants based on appliance type and final prosthesis material.

Average US National Costs of Dental Implants

#2. Brand of materials used: Using popular implant brands costs more than regular brands. These brands include Nobel Biocare, Straumann, and Zimmer Dental.

These brands have a reputable track record of success rate. We encourage you to go for these premium brands as a worthwhile investment.

#3. The expertise and qualifications of the dentist: Expert and experienced dentists can use advanced technologies and techniques. Their services provide exceptional quality, safety, and precision. These are all reflected in your bill.

#4. The number of dental implants necessary: Using more implants for your treatment means higher costs. The number of implants necessary depends on your individual case and the density and strength of your jawbone.

#5. Location of dental practice: Where you get your dental implants also affects the price. This is because the lease and labor expenses of the area influence the cost.

For example, it’s more expensive to get this treatment in New York or Hawaii than in Idaho or Oklahoma.

TIP: You can get the same quality implants for less abroad. The lower expenses of real estate and labor affect the rates of dental care. For example, dental work costs 50–70% less in Mexico than in the US.

#6. Additional materials and procedures necessary: Your treatment plan will determine what other procedures are necessary. These can include:

• Consultation
• X-Ray and CT Scans
• Bone Grafting
• Tooth Extraction
• Anesthesia and Sedation

You will also need temporary dentures. This is what you wear while your implants heal.

Below are some of the procedures involved and their costs.

Costs of Other Procedures and Materials Involved in Full Mouth Dental Implants Treatment

Advantages of Dental Implants

You enjoy many benefits with this treatment. After the restoration, implants can:

• preserve and improve your facial structure
• prevent further bone loss
• improve your ability to chew and bite
• they look and feel like your natural teeth
• improve your overall oral health

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants have their own disadvantages, just like any treatment. These include:

#1. Dental implants are not inexpensive: They are more financially demanding than traditional dentures. They can also come with more upfront costs.

#2: They can involve additional procedures: These can include tooth extraction, bone grafts, sinus lifts, X-Rays, CBCT scans, and IV sedation. These also add to the cost and treatment time. Which additional procedure is necessary depends on your case.

#3. Treatment time can take months: It can take 6 to 9 months to complete the treatment. This depends on your case and recovery time. Additional procedures like bone grafts can also prolong the treatment time.

However, the long-term benefits of dental implants outweigh these disadvantages. You can get high-quality dental implants for less with the right research.

Let’s look at some things you can do to save on costs.

How to Save on Dental Implants Costs

#1. Get quotes from different dentists: Ask for treatment plans from different dental offices. Make sure to ask for the price of the procedure from start to finish. Remember, you get what you pay for. So choose the best deals, not the cheapest.

When asking for the treatment plan, choose an implant specialist or an experienced oral surgeon to place your implants. Also, go for known brands like Nobel Biocare, Zimmer Dental, or Straumann for the materials. Remember, it’s quality first, price second.

#2. Explore other dental practice locations: Explore outside your neighborhood when shopping for prices. Some cities and states where lower costs of living may offer more practical rates for dental implants.

#3. Ask for package prices: Some dental clinics offer package prices. This covers the cost of all the materials and procedures from start to finish.

Do not be embarrassed to ask for this. Some dentists prefer you to ask this than demand a discount. But remember to ask for package prices after you have gotten your treatment plan, not before.

#4. Ask for payment plans available: Some dental clinics also offer payment plans. This helps you spread the cost of the treatment over several months. Ask if they have this option.

#5. Use your dental insurance if you have one: Some procedures involved may be covered by your insurance plan. Talk to your insurance company to see what procedures are covered.

#6. Join dental savings plans: Dental savings plans can give you discounts on the procedures involved in dental implants. This is a good alternative if you do not have dental insurance.

#7. Apply for dental financing: Some dental financing plans can cover a portion of your dental implant procedure. You then pay them in monthly installments. This will give you time to save instead of paying for the entire cost upfront.

#8. Go to Mexico: The cost of dental work in Mexico is significantly lower. You can save 50–70% on dental implants and other procedures. Plus, the prices for dental implants in Mexico normally come as a package.

Check out the price difference between the US and Mexico for dental implants.

Dental Implants Cost Comparison: US vs Mexico

Even the cost of additional procedures is significantly lower. Check them out below.

Cost Comparison of Other Dental Procedures Involved: US vs Mexico

But is getting your dental implants done in Mexico worth it? Yes, it is. We have helped thousands of Americans get their dental implants done in Mexico since 2006.

Let’s look at some benefits they’ve enjoyed through dental tourism in Mexico.

Why Get Your Dental Implants Done in Mexico

Below are other benefits of getting your dental implants done in Mexico, other than saving on costs.

#1. You get treatments from US-trained and recognized dentists: You can get superior quality treatment in Mexico through thorough research. Many trusted Mexico dentists completed their training in prestigious US institutions like NYU, UCLA, Loma Linda, and UPenn.

TIP: We’ve done the research for you. We’ve pre-screened Mexico’s trusted dentists and partnered with the top 5%. These are former and current professors, guest speakers, and organizational leaders that set the forefront of dentistry. Dr. Tulio from Tijuana, for example, is a faculty to US Dentists for Implantology and has been a speaker for international conventions held in Europe and Asia. He is also a former president of the College of Implantologists and a pioneer in advanced bone grafting techniques.

#2. You get efficient and precise treatments using advanced techniques and technology: Many experienced Mexico dentists, like the ones in Dayo Dental network, use computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) during your implant surgery. This ensures the accuracy of your implant placement. This method also has higher success rates.

#3. You get guarantees for your dental work: Many trusted Mexico dentists offer guarantees for their work. You can always ask them to fix your dental implants for free if you encounter any issues. This type of guarantee is uncommon with many US dentists.

TIP: Dentists within our Dayo Dental network offer a 5-Year Guarantee. You can have the peace of mind that your investment is protected.

#4. Your treatment is done faster: In the US, you need to schedule a different appointment with an oral surgeon in a different clinic. It can take weeks to get an appointment alone. Plus, scheduling your surgery can take another 3 to 6 weeks of wait time.

In Mexico, most dental clinics are all-in-one facilities. Most of the specialists you need are in the same clinic. You can get your surgery done as early as the next day after your consultation.

Dental implants are one of the most complex procedures in dentistry. We understand that aside from the cost, the procedure itself can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be.

That’s why we’ve made it easy for you. We’ve prescreened Mexico’s top 5% dentists and negotiated preferred pricing with them for you. We want you to get your dream smile for less.

Contact us today at 877-987-3296 to book your free consultation. We’ll help you explore the best dental implant options for your needs.

References and Further Readings

1. American Academy of Implant Dentistry. (2021, March 8). What are dental implants? The Dental Implant Experts.
2. American Dental Association. (n.d.). Are dental implants really that expensive in the US? ADA Marketplace.
3. Bennett, J., & Bennett, M. (2022, December 10). The day we went to Mexico for Dental. RV Love.
4. Chun, J. S., Har, A., Lim, H. P., & Lim, H. J. (2016). The analysis of cost-effectiveness of implant and conventional fixed dental prosthesis. The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics, 8(1), 53–61.
5. Elani, H. W., Starr, J. R., Da Silva, J. D., & Gallucci, G. O. (2018). Trends in Dental Implant Use in the U.S., 1999-2016, and Projections to 2026. Journal of dental research, 97(13), 1424–1430.
6. Gupta, R., Gupta, N., & Weber, K. Dental Implants. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan.
7. Implants vs. Dentures & Bridges—the Dental Implant Experts—AAID-Credentialed Dentists. The Dental Implant Experts. (2022, April 8).
8. Kapos, T., & Evans, C. (2014). CAD/CAM technology for implant abutments, crowns, and superstructures. The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 29 Supplementary, 117–136.
9. Khorsandi, J. (2021, May 29). Dental Implants Cost & Insurance: Single & full mouth. Byte®.
10. Multiple tooth dental implants. American Academy of Periodontology. (2019, June 21).
11. Russell, A. M. (2023, April 3). How much do dental implants cost in 2023? Forbes Health.
12. Wiatrak, B. (2018, April 10). Dentistry in Mexico: Is it really worth the trip? Houstonia Magazine.