Teeth serve various purposes, like enabling individuals to speak, chew, and enhance their appearance with a bright smile. But as one ages, one might experience tooth loss, which could affect one’s ability to do these things. Luckily, with technological advancements, seniors can now get full-set dental implants to help them restore the lost functionality of their teeth. That said, one must understand various factors that determine the cost of dental implants to make the right choice.

Factors that determine the cost of full-set dental implants
It is important to note that every dental implant is different. Therefore, those wondering how much full-set implants cost in 2024 should know the price will have a wide range. A few factors that may influence the cost of full-set implants are:

• The comprehensive dental exam, including 3D imaging
• Installation of the dental implant(s)
• Extraction of problem teeth, if required
• Placement of the abutment hardware
• Fabrication of the dental crown
• Placement of the crown

Moreover, the price of each associated factor may also differ based on the dental practice. Some dental practices offer a free CT scan at the beginning of the process. However, if one has to pay for 3D imaging, they could be billed between $350 and $515 for the service.

Average cost
Dental implants are a long-term investment and are priced accordingly. Therefore, the total cost per tooth may run between $3,000 and $4,500, and those who require a full-set dental implant may have to pay about $60,000 to $90,000. There is no standard price because implant fees are determined by the type and complexity of the work.

The cost of multiple tooth implants
Those who need to replace more than one tooth, and if the teeth are next to each other, may benefit from multiple pricing options. For instance, to fill a gap of three or four neighboring teeth, a simple bridge might work with two implants to hold it in place. In this situation, the price could decrease, and one may have to pay between $6,000 and $10,000. Since two implants can support three or four adjacent teeth, the cost of the dental procedure becomes less expensive in comparison to four individual implants.

The additional cost of full-set dental implants
Before deciding on getting dental implants, seniors should speak to the dentist about pricing and understand all associated costs. While most dentists present the entire cost upfront, some elements might be overlooked. Therefore, it is crucial to check all fees associated with the procedure before making a payment. If an individual sees multiple specialists, they must consider both sets of fees (oral surgeon plus dentist costs). Apart from this, one might incur expenses, such as prescription charges.

Insurance coverage
Previously, dental insurance companies categorized dental implants as an elective procedure. This means that it was typically not covered under one’s insurance plan. However, today, some insurance options offer dental implant coverage at an added premium. A few insurance companies may cover a small amount of the implants. Therefore, individuals, including seniors, could get full-set dental implants at affordable prices. The percentage of reimbursement may differ depending on the procedure. For example, if one has dental insurance, one can expect to be reimbursed about $1,500 per implant per year. However, if the implant procedure spans over two calendar years, the individual might be able to get a partial reimbursement for both years. One should check the details with the insurance provider to understand the costs one may incur before initiating a procedure.

Financing options
In addition to the insurance policy, various financing options are also available to pay for full-set dental implants. These include:

Dental financing
This option enables users to pay for dental work over an extended period, typically between two and seven years. It may help make dental care more affordable by breaking down costs into monthly payments. Dental financing may include healthcare credit cards, a conventional loan, a personal loan, and a zero-percent loan. The best financing options are available for individuals with a credit score of 680 or above. One could speak to the dentist about the ideal option for their procedure.

FSAs and HSAs
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) are similar and can cover some costs associated with dental implants. These accounts either pay for or reimburse expenses incurred, including the difference between what the insurance provider covers and what the insured individual must pay out-of-pocket. It is important to note that in the case of an HSA, the fund can be rolled over year to year, even if it hasn’t been used for healthcare expenses. Therefore, one can continue contributing money to the HSA even after the dental implant procedure and make it a long-term saving tool.

Other options
In addition to the options above, one could use other means to pay for their full-set dental implants.

Retirement plans
If one has a 401 (k), IRA, or other retirement plan, one could borrow up to 50% of the funds without paying any taxes or penalties. The interest rate is usually lower than a personal loan, and the repayment period is five years or less.

Home equity loans
A home equity loan lets the user borrow against the equity in the home. These loans usually have a lower interest rate than personal loans and credit cards, and the interest may be tax-deductible. While these options can help finance full-set dental implants, the individual should prioritize dental insurance and consult an expert before making any decision.