If you’re considering dental implants, one of the first questions you’ll ask is about cost. It’s a fair question because implants are an investment. You deserve to know what you’re getting into before you commit.
There’s no single, simple price for dental implants. The cost depends on your specific situation, and giving you a number without an exam would be misleading.
Dr. Mark Hagigi at Montgomery Dental Associates & Implantology Center believes in transparent pricing. After your consultation, he’ll give you a clear estimate so you know exactly what to expect. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that affect cost and what you should ask before choosing a provider.
What Affects the Cost
How many teeth you’re replacing. A single implant costs less than a full arch restoration. The more implants needed, the higher the total cost. Factors that affect the cost include:
- Whether you need bone grafting. If your jawbone isn’t dense enough to support an implant, you may need a bone graft first. This adds to the cost but makes implants possible for patients who might otherwise not qualify.
- The type of restoration. A single crown costs less than an implant-supported bridge or a full-arch denture. The restoration’s complexity affects the total price.
- The location of the implant. Front teeth are more visible and require more attention to aesthetics. Back teeth take more chewing force and may require different materials. Both can affect cost.
- The technology used. Advanced imaging, like 3D cone beam scans and 3D-printed surgical guides, improves precision and outcomes. Not every practice invests in this technology, but it can improve your results.
- The dentist’s experience and training. A dentist with advanced implantology training may charge more than a general dentist. But that training often translates to better outcomes and fewer complications.
Why We Don’t Give Ballpark Quotes Over the Phone
We understand the desire for a quick estimate. But we don’t give ballpark quotes over the phone, and here’s why.
Every patient’s situation is different. Two patients with the same number of missing teeth might need very different treatment plans based on their bone density, gum health, and restorative needs. Giving you a number without an exam would set the wrong expectations.
Instead, we do a thorough evaluation. Dr. Hagigi examines your mouth, takes 3D imaging, and discusses your goals with you. Then he creates a personalized treatment plan with a clear, written estimate. You’ll know the cost before you commit to anything.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Most dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for implant treatment. The exact amount depends on your plan, but many cover part of the implant placement or the restoration.
We accept most PPO insurance providers, including Aetna, CareFirst, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife, and UnitedHealthcare. Our team will verify your benefits and file claims on your behalf, so you get the most from your coverage.
Some plans consider implants elective and don’t cover them at all. Others cover them when they’re medically necessary, like when a tooth is lost due to injury or disease. We’ll review your specific plan and explain what it covers.
Financing Options
If the upfront cost is a concern, we offer several ways to make implants more affordable.
- Third-party financing. We work with CareCredit, LendingClub, and LendingPoint to provide payment options that fit your budget. These programs offer low or no interest for qualified patients and let you spread the cost over time.
- Payment plans. For complete treatment plans, we can set up payment arrangements before treatment begins. Our team will work with you to find a schedule that fits your situation.
- Phased treatment. If you need multiple implants or a full-arch restoration, we can phase the treatment over time to spread out the cost.
- In-house discounts. We offer discounts for eligible patients. Ask our team for details.
Cost Over Time: Implants vs. Other Options
Implants cost more upfront than dentures or bridges. But over time, the math often favors implants.
Dentures typically last five to seven years before you need to replace or rebase them. If you live another 20 years, you might go through three or four sets, plus the cost of adjustments along the way.
Bridges typically last 10 to 15 years. They also require grinding down healthy teeth, which can lead to problems with those teeth later.
Implants are designed to last a lifetime. The crown or restoration on top may need replacement after 10 to 15 years, but the implant itself doesn’t need to be replaced. For patients who plan to live another 20 or 30 years, implants often cost less over time.
Dr. Hagigi will walk you through the numbers for your specific situation. No pressure, just honest math.
What to Ask Before Choosing an Implant Provider
Cost matters, but it’s not the only factor. Here are some questions worth asking:
- What’s included in the price? Some practices quote a lower price but charge separately for the abutment, the crown, or additional procedures. Ask for a full breakdown.
- Does the price include follow-up visits? Some practices charge for post-op checkups and adjustments. Ask what’s included.
- What technology do you use? Advanced imaging and surgical guides improve precision and outcomes. Ask about the technology used for your treatment.
- What’s your experience with cases like mine? Ask how many implants the dentist has placed and whether they’ve handled cases similar to yours.
- What happens if something goes wrong? Ask about the practice’s approach to complications or revisions.
Dr. Hagigi is happy to answer all of these questions during your consultation. He believes in transparency and wants you to feel confident in your decision.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t you give me an exact price over the phone?
Every implant case is different, and the cost depends on factors we can only evaluate in person. The number of implants, your jawbone condition, whether you need grafting, and the type of restoration all affect the total. Giving you a number without an exam would set the wrong expectations. We’d rather give you an accurate estimate after we’ve seen your situation.
What’s typically included in the quoted price?
A complete implant quote should include the implant post, the abutment, the custom crown or restoration, and any planning or imaging needed for the procedure. Some practices quote a lower price but charge separately for the abutment or the crown, which can make the final bill much higher. Dr. Hagigi provides a written estimate with every component itemized so there are no surprises.
Does dental insurance usually cover implants?
Most plans offer partial coverage, though the exact amount varies. Some plans treat implants as elective and don’t cover them at all. Others cover a portion when an implant is medically necessary, such as after a tooth is lost to injury or disease. We accept most major PPO plans and will verify your specific benefits before treatment begins.
How much does bone grafting add to the total cost?
Bone grafting typically adds a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars, depending on how much bone needs to be rebuilt and where. It’s an additional procedure that makes implants possible for patients who otherwise wouldn’t qualify. Dr. Hagigi will let you know during your consultation whether you need grafting and how it will affect your treatment plan.
Can I phase the treatment to spread out the cost?
Yes. If you need multiple implants or a full-arch restoration, we can often break the treatment into phases to spread the cost over time. This works especially well for patients who want to start with the most urgent areas first. Dr. Hagigi will help you prioritize what to treat first and what can wait.
What financing options do you offer?
We work with CareCredit, LendingClub, and LendingPoint, all of which offer low- or no-interest plans for qualified patients. We can also set up in-house payment arrangements for complete treatment plans. Our team will walk you through the options and help you find a monthly payment that fits your budget.
Are implants really cheaper than dentures over time?
For many patients, yes. Dentures typically need replacement or rebasing every five to seven years, and the costs add up over decades. Implants are designed to last a lifetime, and only the crown or restoration on top may need replacement after 10 to 15 years. If you’re planning for the next 20 or 30 years, implants often cost less overall.
What happens if I need a revision or a replacement?
If an implant fails or a restoration needs replacement, we’ll evaluate what went wrong and create a plan to fix it. The cost of a revision depends on the cause and the extent of the problem. Dr. Hagigi will explain the situation clearly and walk you through your options before we begin any additional work.
Serving Rockville and Montgomery County
Montgomery Dental Associates & Implantology Center is at 15200 Shady Grove Rd., Ste. 208, in Rockville, MD. We proudly serve patients from Rockville, Potomac, North Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Shady Grove, and throughout Montgomery County.
If you’re considering dental implants in Rockville and want to understand the cost, we’d love to talk with you. Dr. Hagigi will evaluate your situation, explain the factors that affect cost, and give you a clear estimate.
Call our new patient line at (301) 679-7786 to schedule your consultation. You can also request an appointment online.
