The costs of dental implant can vary dramatically depending on your location. In major metropolitan areas, a single implant can cost $5,000 or more, while in smaller and more rural cities, fees are often far less.
For patients looking to save on implants, choosing an affordable city with lower rates should be part of your research.
In this article, we reveal the top 10 most affordable U.S. cities for dental implants in 2024. We’ll analyze average implant costs in each location along with why prices are lower.
How City Location Impacts Implant Costs
Several factors influence the costs and availability of dental implants based on geographic location:
- Cost of living – Cities with higher costs of living and income levels also have pricier dental care.
- Number of dentists – More dentists creates more competition, lowering fees. Remote areas have fewer options.
- Rent for office space – Overhead costs get passed down to patients. Rent is lower in smaller cities.
- State regulations – Rules around dental practice ownership and scopes of practice affect costs.
- Income demographics – Areas with lower median incomes often have reduced rates.
- Insurance reimbursement – Lower payments by insurers can contribute to lower fees.
We considered all these factors when compiling our list of most affordable implant cities for 2023.
10 Most Affordable Cities for Dental Implants
After extensive research into average implant costs in major metro areas across the U.S., these 10 cities stand out for offering the most affordable rates while still providing high quality care:
10. Tucson, AZ
Average cost: $3,100
Nestled in southern Arizona, Tucson makes our top 10 list with implant prices about 30% under the national benchmark. The low cost of living and dense population of discount dentists push prices down. With several implant specialists running promotions, you can potentially get an implant for as little as $2,500 if you shop around.
Related: 5 Best Dental Implant Service Providers in Tucson, AZ
9. Orlando, FL
Average cost: $2,900
Home to Disney World and other major resorts, Orlando is also becoming popular for its affordable dental care. Paying out-of-pocket for an implant from a quality dentist starts around $2,700 on average. And with dental tourism on the rise, some clinics cater to visitors by offering implants plus a vacation package all for under $3k total.
Related: 5 Best Dental Implant Providers in Orlando, FL
8. St. Louis, MO
Average cost: $2,800
The iconic Gateway Arch isn’t the only notable feature of St. Louis. Exceptionally low costs allow dentists to price reasonably while still earning ample profits. With advanced training facilities at area universities producing skilled dentists, you can have confidence while only spending roughly $2,650 per implant on typical cases.
Related: 5 Best Dental Implant Providers in St. Louis, MO
7. Raleigh, NC
Average cost: $2,750
As one of the fastest growing metro areas in the U.S., Raleigh attracts young dentists who tend to price on the low end to build patient volume quickly. This influx of new competition lets locals take advantage with dental implant pricing averaging under $2,500 from quality dentists.
Related: 5 Best Dental Implant Providers in Raleigh, NC
6. San Antonio, TX
Average cost: $2,700
You’ll save some serious pesos in San Antonio on dental implants with costs hovering around $2,500 from reputable dentists. New clinics commonly run promotions with economics of scale allowing them to implant for as little as $1,800 per tooth initially. The favorable pricing won’t last forever, but 2024 is a good time to visit the Alamo City for your dental needs.
Related: 5 Best Dental Implant Providers in San Antonio, TX
5. Minneapolis, MN
Average cost: $2,650
The Twin Cities certainly have some twin deals for implants in 2024. Regional advertising drives healthy competition between multi-dentist clinics to reinforce pricing around $2,400 per implant. With high trust in Midwest providers and advanced equipment even in suburban clinics, Minneapolis edges into the top 5 with its exceptional implant value.
4. Nashville, TN
Average cost: $2,600
Nashville is making headlines for its hot chicken, live music, and…discount dental implants? That’s right, Nashville clinched the #4 spot with projected costs around just $2,300 per implant in 2024. Local dentists seem to believe happy patients will return and refer others, allowing them to keep prices low while building their base.
3. Atlanta, GA
Average cost: $2,500
The capital of the New South also offers excellent value for patients, with dental implants available from as little as $1,800 a tooth from credible dentists. Large state-of-the-art practices boast considerable cost savings that experienced providers pass onto patients. Making implants accessible for many drives Atlanta into the top 3.
2. Indianapolis, IN
Average cost: $2,300
Indianapolis has long sat in the shadows of other Midwest cities, but dental tourists should pay attention with rock-bottom implant pricing punching above its weight class. Shorter insurance credentialing times allow new practices to open frequently with low overhead costs. Pair that with Indiana’s lagging economic indicators and patients score dental implant deals around the $2k level regularly.
1. Oklahoma City, OK
Average cost: $2,200
Saddle up and head to the Midwest for some deep discounts with OKC and the state of Oklahoma taking the crown for most affordable dental implants in 2024. Local clinics often advertise full-arch implant solutions for under $10k total, with single implants available from trustworthy dentists for around $1,700 on average. With limited competition and lower salaries than coastal cities, Oklahoma City emerges as the #1 value by a mile.
Finding Quality Affordable Implant Dentists
While the cities above offer savings on implants compared to other areas, costs can still vary depending on your specific dentist. Here are some tips to find quality implant providers at affordable price points within these budget-friendly locations:
- Search online listings and compare multiple quotes for implant costs.
- Check dental schools nearby for significantly discounted rates.
- Ask if payment plans or financing options are available to spread out costs.
- Don’t assume higher prices mean better quality services.
- Confirm dentists have advanced training and expertise in implant procedures.
- Read reviews and ask to see before/after examples of past implant work.
- Beware extremely low budget clinics that may cut corners or use inferior materials.
Are Cheaper Implants Outside the U.S. Worth It?
To save even more money, you may consider getting implants abroad in lower-cost countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, or Thailand. While you can often get implants overseas for 50-70% less, significant travel costs are required.
You also must weigh risks like communication issues, less legal recourse, follow-up challenges, and potentially lower quality standards.
For affordable implants without leaving the country, sticking to one of the budget-friendly U.S. cities above means you get quality care and easier access to your dentist if complications occur.
Just be sure to do your homework researching implant dentists in these locations.
Conclusion
Where you ultimately choose to get dental implants can have a major impact on your total costs and savings.
Opting for treatment in one of the most affordable U.S. cities for implants highlighted here allows you to take advantage of reasonable rates and skilled dentists without compromising on quality of care.
Be sure to invest time finding the right implant provider that offers the pricing and experience you need to get the results you want.