Dental implants are one of the larger health expenses most people face, and cost is the most common reason people put off treatment. There is no single trick that makes implants cheap, but several practical strategies can lower what you pay or spread it out in a manageable way. Below are eight worth knowing, followed by five northern Utah practices to consider, beginning with Stubbs Dental, which focuses on full-arch implant care.
How can you lower the cost of dental implants?
1. Should you compare itemized quotes?
Yes, and itemized is the key word. Two quotes for the same case can differ by thousands simply because one includes extractions, temporary teeth, sedation, and follow-up visits while the other does not. Ask each provider to list every line item so you can compare equivalent treatment.
2. How does financing help?
Financing spreads the cost into monthly payments. Many practices work with third-party medical lenders, and some offer in-house plans. Read the terms carefully: promotional plans advertised as “no interest” often use deferred interest, meaning all the interest from the start is charged if the balance is not fully paid by the end of the promotional period.
3. Can you use an HSA or FSA?
Usually, yes. IRS Publication 502 lists dental treatment and artificial teeth as qualifying medical expenses, which generally covers implants. Health savings account and flexible spending account funds are spent before taxes, which effectively lowers your cost by your tax rate. FSA funds often must be used within the plan year, so time is treated accordingly.
4. Can you split treatment across two insurance years?
This is one of the most overlooked strategies. Dental plans cap benefits at an annual maximum. If your treatment spans the end of a calendar year, for example, implant surgery in the fall and the final crown or bridge after January 1, you may be able to draw on two years of benefits instead of one. Ask your office to check how your plan handles implants first, since coverage varies widely. Original Medicare generally does not cover implants, though some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits.
5. Is there a less expensive option that still meets your needs?
Sometimes. A snap-on denture held by two to four implants generally costs less than a fixed full-arch bridge. For several missing teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge can replace them with fewer implants than placing one per tooth. Ask what each option would cost and what you would give up.
6. Does waiting make implants more expensive?
Often, yes. The jawbone keeps shrinking after teeth are lost, and the longer you wait, the more likely you are to need bone grafting before implants can be placed. Treating sooner can mean a simpler and less costly plan.
7. Are dental school clinics an option?
They can be. Utah has dental schools, including the University of Utah School of Dentistry and Roseman University’s College of Dental Medicine, where supervised students and residents provide care at reduced fees. Expect more appointments and longer timelines.
8. Should you be cautious about very low prices?
Yes. Unusually low quotes, whether local or abroad, may leave out key steps, use lower-grade components, or offer little follow-up care. Fixing a failed implant often costs more than doing it carefully the first time.
Which northern Utah practices can help you plan for implant costs?
- Stubbs Dental
- Valley Implants & Oral Surgery
- Copper Hills Periodontics & Dental Implants
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Utah
- Aspire Surgical
1. Stubbs Dental
Stubbs Dental Implant Center was founded in 2014 by Dr. David Stubbs, DDS, a graduate of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry who received post-graduate clinical training as a U.S. Navy officer. The practice focuses on full-arch implant treatment, including All-on-X, bone grafting, and zygomatic implants.
For patients working within a budget, the practice offers a free consultation with 3D CBCT imaging, a free implant cost guide, and assistance with financing and insurance. Final full-arch teeth are zirconia, a durable ceramic that can reduce repair costs over time, and eligible patients may receive them in as little as 24 hours. Offices are in Layton, Bountiful, Murray, and Lehi.
2. Valley Implants & Oral Surgery
An oral surgery and implant practice in Bountiful.
3. Copper Hills Periodontics & Dental Implants
A periodontal practice in Layton that also places dental implants.
4. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Utah
An oral surgery practice with an office in Bountiful.
5. Aspire Surgical
An oral surgery practice with a location in Murray.
Where should you start?
The most affordable plan is usually the one built around accurate information: a 3D scan, an itemized quote, and a clear picture of your insurance, tax-advantaged accounts, and financing terms. Gather those before you commit. Then schedule a consultation and ask the team to map out the total cost and the payment options that fit your budget.
