By Dr. Saad Bassas, DDS — Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics & American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry

When someone sits down in my office and asks, “How much will this cost?”, I never give a number off the top of my head — and I’d be wary of any implant dentist who does. The honest answer is that the cost of dental implants is different for every patient, because the treatment is built around your mouth, your bone, and your goals. What I can do is walk you through exactly what goes into that number, so the figure you eventually see on your treatment plan makes sense instead of feeling like a mystery.

Here’s what actually shapes the cost of dental implants — and why the cheapest quote is so often the most expensive choice in the long run.

The factors that determine your implant cost

How many teeth you’re replacing — and for how long they’ve been gone

A single implant is a very different undertaking from replacing a full arch with full-mouth dental implants. The number of implants involved, and the type of restoration they support — a single crown, an implant-supported bridge, or a fixed full-arch set of teeth — is the biggest single driver of cost. Time matters too: the longer a tooth has been missing, the more likely the surrounding bone has shrunk, which can add steps to your plan.

Your bone, and whether you need grafting

An implant needs a solid foundation of bone to fuse with — a process called osseointegration. If you’ve lost bone density to gum disease, an old injury, or simply years of wearing dentures, you may need a bone graft or a sinus lift before placement. That adds time, materials, and cost — but skipping it when it’s needed is how implants fail. Patients with healthy bone have a shorter, more affordable path.

Tooth extractions

If failing or broken teeth need to come out before we can place implants, those extractions are part of the plan and the cost. In many cases I can extract and place on the same day, which is often more efficient for the patient.

The comprehensive exam and 3D imaging

Before I plan anything, you’ll have a full evaluation that includes 3D cone-beam imaging of your jaw. This is not an upsell — it’s how I see exactly where your nerves, sinuses, and usable bone are so I can place implants precisely. Thorough planning up front is one of the biggest reasons implants succeed, and the complexity of your case affects what that workup involves.

Anesthesia and sedation

Comfort is part of the plan, not an afterthought. I’m trained and licensed to provide IV sedation, and the level of sedation you choose — from minimal to deeper sedation for longer surgeries — affects the cost. Most of my patients have little or no memory of the procedure itself.

The implants and materials themselves

This is where the “bargain” implant centers cut corners, and where I won’t. I use implants from Neodent, Straumann, Nobel Biocare, and Astra — the most thoroughly researched systems in the world — and final restorations in materials like zirconia, titanium, and acrylic depending on what your case calls for. Better materials cost more up front and fail far less often.

Placement complexity and location in the mouth

Implants placed at the back of the mouth, near the molars, are often more technically demanding than those at the front. The complexity of your individual anatomy is factored into the plan. Implants in the front of the mouth need more concern for aesthetics. This is where my specialty in prosthodontics comes into play.

Fabricating your temporary and final teeth

Most patients wear a provisional (temporary) restoration while the implants heal, then receive a final restoration custom-made to match the shape, color, and size of natural teeth. We make many of these in our own on-site dental lab — which is one of the few ways a practice can deliver this level of quality and control cost, because we’re not paying an outside lab’s markup or waiting on their schedule.

Where you live

Implant pricing genuinely varies by region and even by neighborhood. A quote in one part of the country isn’t directly comparable to one here in Minnesota.

[We see many patients who started their implant treatment elsewhere but due to excessive travel costs or failing implants and teeth, needed to seek the expertise of a local specialist. These patients often end up spending double or triple what it would have cost to start their treatment here at i-Implant Dentistry. Make sure before you commit to what seems like a great low price for your treatment, you understand all the possible hidden costs.]

Why the cheapest implant is usually the most expensive

I tell patients this often: implant centers with rock-bottom prices typically stay cheap by treating a very high volume, using lower-grade implants, and minimizing planning time. The providers in these centers are often less experienced as well. When these implants fail — and they fail more often — you don’t just lose the implant. You can lose bone, and you end up paying a second time to have it corrected. I’ve redone a lot of that work and it becomes more expensive because the solution to fix is more complex. 

A dental implant is an investment in your long-term oral health, and the value is in getting it right the first time. Dentures and bridges may look like a cheaper solution at the start, but they typically need repair or replacement every three to five years, while a well-placed implant is designed to last decades — many last for a lifetime. Implants are also the only option that preserves the bone underneath and protects your facial structure.

There’s one more thing worth knowing. Most implant cases are split between two dentists — a surgeon to place the implant and a prosthodontist to restore it. I completed dual residencies in both oral surgery and prosthodontics, so I do both. That continuity isn’t just convenient; it means one person is accountable for the whole result, from the surgery to the way your final teeth look and bite.

How patients actually afford treatment

When you come in, you’ll know your exact cost with no hidden fees — and you’ll never feel pressured. Here’s how we make it manageable:

• • Proceed Finance — built specifically for treatment like this, with loans from $2,500 up to $75,000, terms up to 12 years, and clear fixed monthly payments. Especially useful for full-mouth cases.

• Cherry – offers no-interest financing options and often has less stringent FICO requirements. 

• CareCredit — offers no-interest financing options when paid in full within the term.
• Cash, check, debit, and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).

We offer single tooth implant solutions  starting at $125/month and All-on-X implant solutions starting at $250/month with our financing partners.  

Get your personalized cost — for free

Because every plan is different, the only way to get an accurate number is a personalized evaluation. Your consultation is complimentary and no-obligation: I’ll examine your mouth, review your 3D imaging, walk you through your options, and give you a clear cost and financing plan before you commit to anything.

Answer a few quick questions to learn about your pricing and financing options →

Or call us directly — Roseville: (651) 505-3000 · Sartell: (320) 331-3000.

Frequently asked questions

How much do dental implants cost in Minnesota?

Cost depends on how many teeth you’re replacing, the materials used, and whether you need preparatory procedures like extractions or bone grafting. The most reliable way to get a real number is a complimentary consultation and 3D evaluation.

Why are some implants so much cheaper than others?

Lower prices usually reflect higher patient volume, lower-grade implant systems, less customization and planning time, and less experienced providers — all of which raise the risk of failure and the cost of fixing it later.

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Coverage varies with every insurance plan. We are not contracted with any insurance plans so we are not required to charge you what they say you should pay. Instead, we are able to offer bundled savings, while still submitting your insurance on your behalf. Any reimbursement goes directly to you. Our patients frequently receive the full annual maximum reimbursement.

Can I pay monthly?

Yes. Through our financing partners, patients can spread treatment costs across many years to make monthly payments very manageable.