Cost and Insurance

Most people considering All-on-4 implants will be concerned about the cost. The cost of a complete arch of teeth can vary considerably.

Factors that can influence the price include:

• Diagnostic tests.
• Removal of any existing, failing teeth.
• The condition of your jawbone.
• The implant system selected.
• Sedation dentistry.
• Temporary restoration.
• Materials used to make your permanent implant teeth.

Diagnostic Tests Required

You will need diagnostic tests. These tests include digital X-rays providing clear 2-D images from inside your mouth. Dental X-rays allow us to evaluate your jawbone and see if there is a good enough bone level to support dental implants.

Cone beam CT scans are essential because they provide three-dimensional images of your jaws, so we can examine the height, width, and length of jawbone available and determine exactly where to insert each implant.

Dental impressions let us check how your upper and lower jaws meet together. Sometimes, these impressions are used alongside digital photos to create mockups of your proposed prosthesis to gain a clearer image of how your new teeth will look.

These tests will likely cost several hundred dollars; the most expensive is the cone beam CT scan, but this is extremely important to ensure your treatment is a complete success.

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Removing Existing Failing Teeth

Many people who come to see us for this treatment have teeth that are failing and must be removed before implants are placed. Tooth extractions are not expensive, but the cost can increase if you need bone grafting material to fill the empty tooth sockets and build up your jawbone. Tooth extractions may also increase the overall timeframe.

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Jawbone Condition

Dental implants must be supported by a certain amount of high-quality bone, ensuring a good foundation so the implants can become firmly fused in place. When there is insufficient bone, we can replace it using the latest bone grafting techniques.

Bone grafting is less likely to be required with All-on-Four implants because the implants are inserted at the front of the jawbone. Your jawbone is naturally thicker and stronger here.

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Implant System Selected

The cost of different implant systems can vary tremendously depending on the brand. Some dental offices use cheaper generic brands. We prefer to use high-quality dental implant systems that have been extensively researched and developed and produce reliable, long-term results.

Different brands have different components which are not interchangeable. Therefore, it pays to choose a well-known brand whose components are easy to access wherever you are in the world. Although it is unlikely that you would need to replace any components often, it is reassuring to know that you can.

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Sedation Dentistry

You may wish to have sedation dentistry because several dental implants are required for this treatment. Using dental sedatives will help you feel more relaxed, but the cost of this treatment can depend on the type of sedation provided. For example, nitrous oxide only provides mild sedation and is less expensive than intravenous sedation, a far more specialized treatment.

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Temporary Restoration

A temporary restoration may be needed while your implants heal and fuse with your jawbone. The temporary prosthesis is made before your surgery and fitted soon afterward. It remains in place for several months until healing is complete. At this point, it is replaced with your permanent implant teeth. If you already wear a full denture, it may be possible to adapt this for use during healing, but it is important to ensure you have some temporary teeth to wear so you can talk and eat during this period.

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Materials Used to Make Your Permanent Implant Teeth

The materials used to make your implant teeth are a huge consideration. The cheapest material is acrylic, which is used to fabricate removable implant teeth. The most expensive is zirconia, a hard-wearing and durable ceramic material used for permanently fixed prostheses.

Acrylic is reasonably durable and inexpensive but may need replacing after a few years. Zirconia is more expensive to repair if it happens to break, but breakages are unlikely because the material is so strong.

Understanding the Costs

Understanding these costs may initially seem daunting, but please don’t worry. When you visit us for a consultation, we provide a clear treatment plan with a breakdown of all the costs involved so you know what is included from start to finish.

Knowing the costs from the start to completion of treatment is important because some estimates may not include everything needed, such as diagnostic tests, final restorations, or other components like temporary restorations. Otherwise, it can be a shock to discover that your implant treatment may not cover the final restoration or other important costs.

Will Insurance Cover the Cost of Implants?

Most dental insurance policies do not cover the cost of full arch treatments like All-on-Four. While dental health insurance policies are increasingly covering some implant procedures, most will only cover the cost of traditional dentures to restore a complete arch of teeth.

However, it is worth contacting your insurance company to determine if they will cover some of the costs involved, such as tooth extractions or bone grafting. Otherwise, financing can affordably spread the cost of All-on-4.