Single Tooth Dental Implants Cost and Procedure Guide

If you’ve ever lost a tooth, you know how much it can change your smile, your confidence and even the way you eat or speak. That small gap may not only affect your appearance, but it may also affect the health of your jawbone over time.¹

Fortunately, a single tooth implant can replace your missing tooth with a natural-looking crown that may last decades.¹

What Is a Single Tooth Implant?

A single tooth implant is a treatment your dentist might recommend if you’re missing just one tooth.¹

With this procedure, a titanium post (also known as a dental implant) is surgically placed into your jawbone, replacing your root. A crown that matches the appearance of your remaining natural teeth is later attached to the titanium post.¹

You may be a good candidate for a single tooth implant if you:

• Are missing only one tooth¹
• Don’t want your adjacent, healthy teeth filed down²
• Have enough bone to support an implant¹
• Have healthy gums (otherwise, you may need a gum graft with your implant)³
• Have no health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes³
• Want a natural-looking replacement tooth³
• Want to best preserve your jawbone³

Types

There are two size-based types of implants:⁴

• Full-size (standard) implant. This is a commonly used option, sometimes just called a dental implant.
• Mini implant. A mini implant is smaller and may be a good choice if you don’t have as much jawbone to support a full-sized implant.

Alternatives

Your dentist might recommend the following alternatives to a single tooth implant, depending on your situation:

• Dental bridge. A dental bridge is a permanent prosthetic that replaces a single tooth, but it’s supported by your adjacent healthy teeth rather than your jaw. This requires filing down your healthy teeth so the prosthetic can be cemented onto them.²
• Multiple-teeth implants. If you’re missing more than one tooth, you might get two dental implants to support three or four replacement teeth at once.¹
• Partial dentures. A partial denture is a removable prosthetic used to replace a missing tooth. Dentures may sometimes slip or move when you chew or speak.³

With single tooth implants, because the implant replaces the missing root, it helps preserve the jawbone, which can be an advantage over bridges or dentures.³

How Much Does a Single Tooth Implant Cost?

The national average cost* for a full-size single tooth implant is $2,143, but the cost can range between $1,646 and $4,157.⁵

Factors influencing the cost of your implant include:

• Dentist’s experience
• Type of crown material used
• Type of implant material used (titanium vs. ceramic)
• Whether additional procedures are needed (such as bone grafting or extractions)⁵

Calculate the costs of a single tooth implant near you*

Average cost of a single dental implant by state/district

Geographic location can also impact your price. Below is the average cost* for a full-size single tooth implant in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.⁵

Insurance Coverage for Single Tooth Implants

Whether or not your medical or dental insurance will cover your single tooth implant really depends on the policy.⁶

• Dental insurance. Some dental plans might cover your implant at least partially, but most plans have annual maximums, often ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. And they may also have waiting periods.
• Health insurance. Health insurance may not cover an implant unless there’s a medically necessary reason for it.
• Medicaid. Medicaid might help cover an implant, but it depends on the state.
• Medicare. Medicare usually doesn’t cover implants.

Even if insurance does cover your procedure, you may want to consider financing depending on your deductible, copay, co-insurance and other factors.

Getting a Single Tooth Implant

From start to finish, the process of getting a single tooth implant can take about eight months.⁷

Preparation

First, you’ll have a consultation with an oral surgeon to assess if you’re a good candidate for a single tooth implant. Your surgeon will also determine if you need any extra procedures, like bone grafts.⁷

Your surgeon will give you clear instructions on anything you need to do prior to your surgery. This might include:⁸

• Filling prescriptions in advance, such as antibiotics
• Having an adult ready to drive you home if you undergo anesthesia
• Not drinking or eating after midnight before your surgery if sedation is involved

Procedure

You’ll have more than one visit with your surgeon before your implant is finished. During your first surgery, your surgeon will insert the implant into your jawbone. You may be given a sedative or anesthesia to minimize any discomfort.⁷

The jawbone takes time to heal and bond with the implant. This could take two to six months. You’ll likely be given a temporary crown to wear during this time.²

After your bone heals, an abutment will be attached to the implant (this is what connects the crown to the metal post), and you’ll get your final, natural-looking crown. Healing time is unique to each patient and may take several weeks or longer after this procedure.⁷

Recovery

As with any dental surgery, there are potential complications and side effects. These may include:⁹

• Abutment (crown needs replacing over time)
• Implant failure when it doesn’t properly bond to your jawbone
• Infection
• Minimal bone loss around the implant
• Nerve damage
• Peri-implantitis (similar to gum disease)
• Sinus cavity complications if the implant is in the upper jaw

But in general, recovering from your implant shouldn’t be too difficult. These surgeries are very safe and have a high success rate.⁹ You may have minor pain and swelling, but over-the-counter pain medication may be recommended to manage it, and it should only last a few days.⁷

Your surgeon may recommend that you avoid habits that might damage your crown, such as biting down on hard items.⁷

A Single Tooth Implant Can Be Worth the Investment

A single tooth implant is a natural-looking and durable way to replace a missing tooth. While the process takes time, the result can help preserve your jawbone, protect surrounding teeth and restore full function. By understanding your options and what to expect, you can work with your dentist to determine the treatment that’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Single Tooth Implants

Do you still have questions about single tooth implants? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Financing Single Tooth Implants With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you’re getting a single tooth implant or you’re simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news and animal health and is a business owner, non-practicing attorney and writer.