Losing several teeth can affect more than just your smile — it can impact your ability to chew, speak, and even your confidence. That’s why many people consider getting full mouth dental implants as a long-term solution. However, the cost can be a major concern for most patients. The good news is that dental insurance can help reduce the overall expense, though it often doesn’t cover everything. In this article, we’ll break down the full mouth dental implants cost with insurance, what affects the price, and what you can expect to pay out of pocket.
Understanding Full Mouth Dental Implants
Before looking at the cost, it’s important to understand what full mouth dental implants actually are. Unlike traditional dentures that rest on your gums, dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone. They act as artificial tooth roots and support crowns, bridges, or full arch prosthetics that look and function like real teeth.
A full mouth dental implant procedure typically replaces all your upper and lower teeth using several implants (usually 4–8 per arch). This method provides more stability, durability, and comfort than removable dentures, making it one of the best long-term solutions for total tooth loss.
Average Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost With Insurance
Without insurance, full mouth dental implants can cost anywhere between $40,000 and $70,000 for both arches. This includes implant placement, abutments, and the permanent dentures or bridges. However, with insurance, you might only pay a portion of that cost out of pocket.
Most dental insurance plans classify implants as a major dental procedure, which means they may cover 30% to 50% of the cost, depending on your policy and annual limits. Some higher-tier plans include specific implant benefits, while others only cover related parts of the treatment, like tooth extractions or crowns placed on implants.
For example, if your plan covers 50% up to a $5,000 annual maximum, you could save around $5,000 on your implant procedure. While that may not seem huge compared to the total price, it can still make a big difference in your payment plan.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Full Mouth Dental Implants
The cost of full mouth dental implants with insurance can vary widely depending on several key factors. These include:
- Number of implants needed: Some patients need fewer implants (like 4 per arch), while others may need up to 8 for stronger support.
- Type of restoration: The material and design of your implant-supported dentures affect the price. Zirconia or porcelain bridges tend to cost more than acrylic options.
- Additional procedures: Bone grafting, sinus lifts, or tooth extractions can increase the total price before insurance coverage is applied.
- Geographic location: Dental costs are usually higher in large cities compared to smaller towns.
- Your insurance plan: Each insurance provider has different coverage limits and reimbursement rates for dental implants.
Because every patient’s needs are different, the total amount you’ll pay out of pocket can vary quite a bit.
How Dental Insurance Helps With Full Mouth Implants
When it comes to dental insurance and full mouth implants, it’s important to know that most traditional dental insurance plans were designed for basic dental work — like cleanings, fillings, and root canals — not for high-cost restorative procedures like implants.
However, many insurance companies now recognize that implants are not purely cosmetic and play a major role in oral health. As a result, more plans are starting to cover part of the treatment.
Typically, insurance may help cover:
- Diagnostic exams and X-rays
- Tooth extractions
- Bone grafts (in some cases)
- Crowns or dentures that attach to the implants
The implants themselves might only be partially covered, but that still helps lower your total bill.
Other Ways to Save on Full Mouth Dental Implants
If your insurance doesn’t cover enough of your treatment, there are other ways to make full mouth dental implants more affordable. Many dental offices offer payment plans that let you spread out costs over several months or years.
You can also use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for part of your treatment with pre-tax dollars.
Another option is to look into dental discount plans, which are membership programs that offer significant discounts (sometimes up to 60%) on implant services at participating clinics.
Additionally, dental schools often provide implants at reduced rates when students perform the procedures under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Are Full Mouth Dental Implants Worth the Cost?
Even with insurance, full mouth dental implants can still be a major financial investment. But when you consider the long-term benefits, many patients agree it’s worth every dollar.
Unlike dentures, implants don’t slip or move around. They preserve your jawbone, improve your bite strength, and give you the confidence to smile and eat naturally. They can also last decades — or even a lifetime — when properly maintained, which saves you money on replacements and repairs over time.
So, while the upfront cost may be high, the lifetime value of full mouth implants makes them a cost-effective solution for restoring both function and aesthetics.
Insurance Tips Before Starting Your Treatment
Before scheduling your implant surgery, take time to carefully review your dental insurance policy. Call your provider and ask specific questions like:
- Does my plan cover dental implants or only dentures and bridges?
- What percentage of the procedure is covered?
- What is the annual or lifetime maximum benefit?
- Are there waiting periods or exclusions?
You can also ask your dentist to submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company. This helps you know exactly how much your insurance will cover and what you’ll owe before you start treatment.
Final Thoughts on Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost With Insurance
The cost of full mouth dental implants with insurance depends on your plan, the type of implants you choose, and whether extra procedures are needed. On average, you can expect to pay between $25,000 and $50,000 after insurance, though some may pay less if their coverage is strong.
While dental insurance may not cover the full cost, even partial coverage can ease the financial burden. Combined with payment plans or discount programs, it’s possible to make this life-changing procedure more affordable.
If you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, investing in full mouth dental implants can completely restore your smile and quality of life. Before deciding, talk with your dentist and insurance provider to understand your options and find the best financial solution for your needs.