How Much Do All on 4 Dental Implants Cost?

An alternative to dentures and traditional dental implants, All on 4 dental implants offer a modern day approach to replacing lost or missing teeth.  As is the case with almost any medical and dental procedure, cost is likely a concern when evaluating whether All on 4 is the right choice.  In this article, we will evaluate the standard price of the All on 4 procedure as well as the other factors that can increase the cost incurred by the patient.

Standard All on 4 Dental Implant Cost

The standard All on 4 process uses four dental implants and acrylic dentures built on a titanium frame.  A single arch, for either the upper or lower jaw, typically costs between $20,000 and $30,000.  As such, a full mouth restoration can cost as much as $60,000.

Factors that Influence All on 4 Cost

Crown Material Used:  The standard All on 4 dentures are made of acrylic but porcelain can also be used in the procedure.  While offering a more realistic look and being longer lasting than acrylic, porcelain dentures are more expensive.  Patients that opt for porcelain All on 4 implants, can expect to pay up to an additional $5,000 per arch meaning the cost for the procedure can be between $25,000 and $35,000.

Number of Office Visits Needed:  Some patients may choose to have the entire All on 4 implant procedure done at a single location whereas others, may split the procedure up and see two different doctors.  When multiple doctors are used, cost will generally be higher since both locations need to be profitable to cover their overhead.

Location and Experience of the Dentist Performing the Procedure:  Where the dentist practices and their level of experience can also influence cost.  A more experienced provider will often charge higher rates than those with less experience.  And should the dentist be located in a larger city, their rates will typically be higher due to increased overhead associated with things like rent and utilities.

Need for Additional Procedures:  Depending on the overall health of the patient’s mouth, additional procedures may be necessary in order for All on 4 implants to be a viable option.  For example, some patients may have insufficient jawbone structure which can necessitate bone grafting.  The cost of bone grafting can vary substantially based on the amount needed but can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand.  X-rays, CT scans, or other procedures may also be needed for the grafting which can also increase cost.

Dental Insurance Coverage:  Insurance coverage for All on 4 varies based on the provider.  Some carriers cover a portion of the procedure where others will not cover any cost if the procedure is considered elective and not medically necessary.  Given that the procedure is expensive, it is quite possible that a patient’s dental insurance will be maxed out leaving the patient responsible for significant out of pocket cost.

Any Available Discounts:  Some dentists may offer discounts when the All on 4 procedure is paid in full rather than financed.  Given that the procedure can be as high as $35,000 per arch, even a 5% discount will result in significant savings for the patient.