Zirconia Implant Costs
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr. Yuriy May, DMD · Last reviewed
Ceramic dental implants are made of zirconia oxide, a 100% metal-free biocompatible ceramic alternative to traditional titanium implants, with costs typically ranging from $4,500 to $8,500, depending on factors such as geographic location, type of zirconia implants, components included, and the zirconia implant dentist’s surgical and restorative expertise. Costs can vary widely depending on whether 1 zirconia implant is need, or 6 zirconia implants are being placed, which changes the implant pricing from single implant to a case price.
Most importantly, the cost must reflect the package: Does zirconia implant cost of $6,500 cover the ceramic implant body, abutment, and crown? Or is an office charging $6,500 for just the implant and abutment?
How Much Do Ceramic Implants Cost?
Ceramic dental implants cost anywhere from $4,500 to $8,500 for a single implant, which may or may not include the abutment and ceramic biocompatible crown. With a zirconia implant abutment and metal-free crown, ceramic implant costs typically range anywhere from $6,500 to $8,500 per non-esthetic zone tooth.
Typically, the ceramic implant will be placed and restored by a biological dentist or holistic dentist, however, if a patient is not seeing a surgically trained holistic dentist, they will have two separate dentists: a conventional periodontist, or an oral surgeon who surgically places the implant (and abutment in a one piece implant design) and a second general dentist, who places the final crown which will be placed by the restoring dentist. The approach of coordinating surgery and restoration of zirconia implants among multiple dental professionals tends to be more expensive and with more margin of error in the outcome.
Often, holistic biodentists like Dr. May, who specialize in the placement and restoration of zirconia dental implants will also place the crown and will charge a total fee that includes the ceramic implant body, the ceramic abutment, and the final porcelain/ceramic crown for anywhere from $6,500 to $8,500.
Best Low Cost & High Quality Result Combination:
Dr. May’s recommendation is generally to seek a surgically trained biological or holistic dentist that has the expertise, experience and track record to both perform the surgical placement and restoration of the zirconia dental implant for both lowest cost and highest quality clinical results.
Front tooth Implant Cost vs Molar Implants?
While zirconia dental implants cost anywhere from $6,500 to $8,500 for a single implant with an abutment and crown, this usually refers to a back molar implant site. Front tooth zirconia dental implants are typically more expensive than molar implants, in the range of $9,500 to $12,500 for a front tooth zirconia implant with the abutment, temporary crown, and final esthetic crown included. Front tooth ceramic costs will have the cost of a highly cosmetic crown added, which costs more, instead of a very well-designed molar crown, which costs less.
Often, holistic bio dentists who specialize in the placement and restoration of zirconia dental implants will also place the crown and will charge a total fee for a typical molar (back tooth) tooth location that includes the ceramic implant body, the ceramic abutment, and the final porcelain/ceramic crown for anywhere from $6,500 to $8,500.
Ceramic implant costs will depend on various factors:
- Geographic Location
- Areas like NYC and California will cost more, and areas like Kentucky may cost less or more (scarcity of biological dentistry)
- Experience of a biological dentist with expertise in placing zirconia implants
- Experience is a critical factor determining clinical success
- Recommend a biolgical dentist who has placed and restored 500+ ceramic implants
- Clinical Case Difficulty
- Sinus Lift Involvement
- Poor bone quality/insufficient bone
- Patient Health: patients who are immunocompromised, are slow to heal, have had implant failures in the past, have been on bisphosphonates, require additional grafting due to bone loss
- Surgical Tooth/Site Location: Front Tooth vs Back Molar
- Esthetic (cosmetic) cases that need near-perfect results will cost more than back molar less “technique senstitive” cases
Generally speaking, biological dentists with less experience tend to charge less, and dentists with more experience tend to charge more.
HOW to Choose a Zirconia Implant Dentist?
Experience in surgery & restoration of zirconia implants, specifically, is a requirement. Choose a biological surgical dentist who can do it all and has a proven track record of results.
It’s a fact that patients tend to want the best clinicians when investing in ceramic dental implants and want to select the zirconia implant dentist who can deliver the most successful implant results. It’s very important that the dentist of choice have sufficient experience specific to zirconia dental implant surgeries AND has also restored several hundred+ ceramic implants. Surgically placing zirconia implants is not enough, and restoring alone is not enough. Patients need an expert provider who can do both and has experience.
Avoid Conventional Oral Surgeons and Periodontists
Typically, choosing periodontists and oral surgeons to perform zirconia implants will be a less optimal experience for the patient, as they have to work and coordinate with two clinicians, and the cost will be more expensive, paying two different dentists. Patients who can find a biological dentist like Dr. May, who can both perform the ceramic implant placement surgery and restore the ceramic implant, will typically have a better experience dealing with one clinician who is responsible for the success of the implant process from start to finish and will only be paying a single provider instead of two.
Select a Single Experienced Provider who can do BOTH Surgery and Restoration (Biological Dentist) and Do Not Get Oursourced!
If a patient sees an oral surgeon or periodontist who focuses primarily on titanium implants and has enough knowledge to place the one-off zirconia dental implant, they are getting a surgically experienced dentist but one who may not be as experienced with zirconia implants specifically, as opposed to a biological dentist who focuses 100% on surgically placing and restoring zirconia implants.
The Best Price is the Surgery That you only pay for ONCE sincec its with the most talented and experienced practitioners (and don’t have to pay for redos, complications, or new providers.)
At the end of the day, paying an extra $1,000 for an expert in ceramic dental implants is entirely worth it to patients if they know they are getting the highest level of expertise and experience from a dedicated ceramic implant dentist.
Requirements for Selecting a Surgical Biological Dentist for Zirconia Dental Implants:
For the best zirconia implant dentist, clinical outcome and experience, it is recommended that every checkbox below is checked off. If you have any doubts, ask Dr. May via the inquiry form.
This is your guide to selecting the best dentist for zirconia dental implants, who may be closer to your location than Dr. May.
- Credentialed & Vetted Biological Dentist
- IAOMT Accredited
- IABDM Certified
- IAOCI Member
- AAID Fellow or Diplomat
- BGS – Institute of Biological Dentistry Certified
- SDS Ambassador (preferred)
- Tufts University Biological Surgery Wound Healing Surgery Program Dr. Ghanatti (preferred)
- Not sure? Check with Dr. May
- Surgically Trained Biological Dentist
- Performs Sinus Lifts (vertical + lateral)
- Performs Cavitation Surgery
- Performs Titanium Implant Removal
- Performs GBR (large bone grafting)
- Performs Block Grafting
- Performs Gingival CTG Grafting
- Must perform their own surgery work—do not have another dentist performing surgery inside or outside the office
- Experience with Zirconia Dental Implants:
- Has placed and restored at least 500 zirconia implants
- Has experience numbers published on website (legal attestation proof, not phone)
- Has placed more than 3 brands of zirconia implants (less trained dentists typically only place one or a maximum 2 brands)
- Before & After Zirconia Implant Portfolio (CRITICAL)
- Must have photo evidence in the photo and x-rays for each patient in portfolio
- Must see at least 25 cases in the before-and-after zirconia implant photo and x-ray portfolio
- Do not trust an office without before and after photos + x-rays showing the following elements:
- Photo before and x-ray before
- Photo of actual zirconia implants before they are restored (white abutments)
- Photo of final crowns on top of zirconia implants
- Office Equipment
- Fotona Lightwalker Laser
- Ozone Machine
- Piezo Surgery Machine
- PRF Centrifuges
- Ideally also:
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber
- Photobiomodulation Therapy (like ATP38, not Fotona)
- Hydrogen Gas Therapy
- Avoid zirconia implant dentists who:
- Also, place titanium implants (they are not truly biological or do not truly have expertise in zirconia implants)
- They are more “traditional” titanium implant dentists, and are supplementing with zirconia implants
- Dentists who do NOT perform their own surgery (have an on-staff periodontist or oral surgeon who comes to the office, or refer out to a specialist for surgery)
- Dentist specialists who do not restore their own zirconia dental implants
- Has only ever placed one or 2 brands, an experienced provider has been placing zirconia implants long enough to have placed and worked with at least 4+ different zirconia implant brands in the USA
Questions that patients can ask to determine whether a clinician has sufficient experience for them to feel comfortable include;
- Has the Ceramic Implant Dentist placed at least 500 zirconia implants in their career? (the more implants, the more experience with zirconia implants)
- Has the dentist used Ceraroot, SDS, Z-Systems, Zeramax, Straumann Pure, Nobel Pearl, and Neodent? (the more systems the dentist has used in the past, the more experience with zirconia implants)
- Has the zirconia implant dentist shared a portfolio of their work? Did you see photographs of at least 25 cases? (The more photographic evidence, the better the experience of the dentist. Do not believe everyone positioning themselves as experienced: Trust but Verify!)
- Has the dentist restored the zirconia implants they placed? (ideally choose a dentist that places and restores)
- Is the dentist placing zirconia implants also placing titanium implants? What percentage of all the implants that the dentist places are zirconia? (The higher the percentage, the more likely they are to be experienced with zirconia implants)
ceramic implant dentists Near Me: Why Hard To fIND?
There are FAR fewer dentists who have trained and placed zirconia implants relative to dentists who place titanium implants. Zirconia dental implants represent less than 3% of the current dental implant market in the USA by number of implants placed annually, based on estimates from one of the top ceramic implant brands.
- Less than 1% of dentists who place titanium implants have placed zirconia implants*. This does not mean expertise; this means some experience placing ceramic implants driven by the fear of losing patients and having them go to biological dentist like Dr. May.
- Out of 1,000 implant-placing dentists (most of whom place metal implants), proportionally, only 1% of dentists have some experience or some training with zirconia implants.
- Understanding the USA Dental Landscape:
- Of the 1000 or so dentists who may have placed a single zirconia implant in the last year, the number of zirconia implant-only dentists drops off precipitously.
- The likelihood is there may be 50 or fewer USA zirconia implant dentists solely placing ceramic implants;
- of those, potentially 10 dentists or so in the country would be considered “zirconia dental implant experts” that would possess both the surgical and restorative mastery specific to ceramic implants.
- Among those, there are 2-3 in the country who are considered the highest level of expertise, experience, and esthetics, which Dr. May falls into.
- Of the 2-3, Dr. May has the most extensive and largest before-and-after zirconia implant photo gallery in the USA.
- There are likely fewer than dental implant specialists like Dr. May in the country that exclusively place zirconia dental implants, full-mouth zirconia dental implants, can handle complex surgical cases, offer IV sedation, and deliver exceptionally esthetic and cosmetic results, such as front-tooth implants, and full-mouth reconstruction.
ceramic dental implant costs Driven by Dentist location & Experience
Geographic Location Drives Zirconia Implant Costs:
Metro cities like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles tend to have a lot more competition for zirconia implants due to higher demand than in more rural and less metropolitan areas of the US. Generally, higher competition drives ceramic implant costs down. However, due to the higher cost of living and higher costs of practicing dentistry and medicine, costs in metropolitan areas tend to be higher as well. For instance, in New York City, a dentist may easily charge upwards of $8,500 for a zirconia implant, abutment, and crown. In South Dakota, a dentist may only charge $6,000 for a ceramic dental implant, abutment, and crown. Location is just one component of determining cost, but that does not directly affect the patient’s clinical outcome, unlike clinical ceramic implant experience and expertise, which do directly affect patient outcomes.
Implant Location Changes Zirconia Implant Costs: Front Tooth or Back Molar?
National prices for zirconia implant packages (with a crown) range from $6,000 to $8,500 and generally reflect molar (back tooth) implants and do not address the highly nuanced, cosmetically sensitive cases of front-tooth implants that Dr. May excels in and patients fly from all over the country for. Fewer biological dentists, fewer holistic dentists, and certainly fewer surgically trained dentists are able to handle highly challenging front tooth zirconia implant cases, which have almost no margin for error and must have extensive prior experience. Cases for front tooth zirconia implant packages generally range from $9,500 to $12,500 depending on geographic location, surgical experience and skill, and the level of esthetics offered by the holistic implant dentist. Dr. May is known to be one of the most experienced and skilled in front tooth zirconia implant cases and has patients flying in specifically for these types of delicate procedures.
If you think we can help answer your zirconia implant pricing questions, speak with our New Patient Team after filling out the inquiry form.
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Zirconia implant Costs vs. Titanium Implant Costs
Zirconia dental implants are typically only 15%-25% more expensive than titanium implants.
A few factors cause the zirconia implant cost premium effect:
- The raw material cost, or purchase price, of zirconia implants is typically at least double (2x) to 2000% (10x) more than a titanium dental implant for a dentist to purchase, including the abutment cost
- Restoratively the zirconia implant can be restored by a ceramic implant dentist who also places ceramic implants and who has restored hundreds of zirconia implant cases. Otherwise, the patient is at increased risk of compromised clinical results (failure or breakage).
All implant cost comparisons consist of the three dental implant and restorative components:
The implant itself (the portion that goes into the jaw bone)
The implant abutment (the portion that connects the implant in the jaw bone to the crown and sticks out of the gum tissue)
The implant-supported final crown goes on top of the abutment and looks like a tooth.
A titanium implant placed by a “specialist” or a dentist who does NOT restore the implant like a periodontist or an oral surgeon ($3,500-$5,500)
The restorative dentist, usually the general dentist, charges for an abutment. The abutment could be a stock abutment ($400-$1,000) or a custom abutment ($750-$2,000)
The restorative dentist will also need to charge the patient for the final crown that goes on top of the implant and abutment ($1,000-$3,000).
Front tooth titanium implants may generally cost more, with the front tooth implant being more technique-sensitive and the restorative cost of a highly esthetic front tooth crown more.
Expected front tooth metal implant costs are $7,500 to $10,500.
Total Average Titanium Implant Package
= $5,000 – $8,000 Molar Metal Implant Package
or
=$7,500 – $10,500 Front Metal Implant Package
The zirconia implant surgical placement AND restoration by a surgically trained biological (holistic) dentist with extensive clinical and surgical experience, will cost more than a less experienced biological dentist. The biological dentist will typically charge a fee of $6,500 to $8,500 for a zirconia implant package for a molar (back tooth) that includes the ceramic implant, abutment, and final crown. This may or may not include grafting. This does not include the sinus lift.
Front tooth anterior implants by top-trained surgical bio-dentists will cost more than molar implants ($9,500-$12,500) Range is impacted by level of cosmetic dentistry performs. Highest level esthetics demand higher costs, higher surgical and restorative experience will dictate higher costs, and so will location (LA / NY / Miami)
A zirconia implant from a conventional dental specialist who does NOT restore the implant, such as a periodontist or an oral surgeon ($4,000-$5,500). This may or may not include an abutment, depending on if it’s a one- or two-piece implant. The crown from the restorative dentist is expected to cost $2,000 to $3,000, making the total zirconia implant $6,000 to $8,500 on average
Total Zirconia Implant Cost Range
= $6,500 – $8,500* Molar Zirconia Implant Package
or
= $9,500 – $12,500* Front Tooth Zirconia Implant
*The cost ranges will depend on the experience and expertise of the chosen dentist. If you’re choosing to have the zirconia dental implant surgery and restoration completed by one of the top zirconia dental experts in the country, you can expect to pay towards the higher cost of the range. If you choose to take your chances on someone who hasn’t had much experience with zirconia dental implants and potentially using patients as guinea pigs to gain experience (the dentist will not disclose unless they are very ethical, and in that case the lower range price maybe a fair proposition for higher risk with the practitioner) then you will pay towards the lower cost of the range. The same applies to whether you are seeing a dentist on Park Avenue in NYC or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills in LA in California rather than another location. However, whether you travel to Albuquerque or Montana, the lower cost of the ranges is typically the lowest possible cost unless you travel to Mexico and take your chances with unregulated medical tourism outside the country.
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Zirconia Implant Cost FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the zirconia implant cost.
What is the typical zirconia implant cost for a single tooth?
The zirconia implant cost for a single tooth typically ranges from $6,500 to $8,500 for a posterior molar and about $9,500 to $12,500 for a front tooth incisor, lateral, or canine. This price can vary based on the complexity of the case, the dental clinic’s location, and the specific biological dentist’s experience.
How does the zirconia implant cost compare to titanium implants?
Generally, the zirconia implant cost is higher than titanium implants. While zirconia implants range from $1,500 to $7,000, titanium implants usually cost between $975 and $5,000. The higher zirconia implant cost is due to the complex manufacturing process involved.
Are zirconia implants more expensive in certain regions?
Yes, the zirconia implant cost can vary significantly by region. For example, in the US, the cost ranges from $1,500 to $7,000, whereas in countries like Mexico and Thailand, the cost might be lower due to different healthcare pricing structures.
What factors influence the zirconia implant cost?
Several factors can influence the zirconia implant cost, including the dentist’s experience, the geographic location of the clinic, the number of implants needed, and any additional procedures like bone grafting or sinus lifts.
Does dental insurance cover zirconia implant cost?
Dental insurance may cover part of the zirconia implant cost, but coverage varies widely. Some insurance plans consider implants as cosmetic procedures and may only cover a portion of the cost, typically for the initial extraction and the permanent crown.
Is the zirconia implant cost justified by its benefits?
Many patients find the higher zirconia implant cost justified due to its aesthetic appeal, hypoallergenic properties, and resistance to corrosion. Zirconia implants also offer a natural tooth color, making them a preferred choice for visible teeth.
How can patients reduce zirconia implant cost?
Patients can reduce zirconia implant cost by shopping around for competitive pricing, seeking treatment in regions with lower dental costs, or opting for dental tourism. Additionally, some clinics offer payment plans or financing options to make the zirconia implant cost more manageable.
What is the zirconia implant cost for full mouth restoration?
The zirconia implant cost for a full mouth of ceramic implants can be quite high, often ranging from $50,000 to $65,000 per arch also known as a zirconia implant All-on-X. Double arch zirconia implant cases generally start at $125,000. Additional expenses could include case complexity, such as sinus lifts, block grafting, how many surgical phases, and anesthesiology costs.
includes multiple zirconia implants and the fabrication of custom ceramic prosthetics, everything is 100% metal-free.
Are there any hidden costs associated with zirconia implants?
Beyond the initial zirconia implant cost, patients should consider additional expenses such as consultation fees, imaging, anesthesia, and post-surgery care. It’s crucial to get a comprehensive cost breakdown from the dentist.
Does the zirconia implant cost include the abutment and crown?
The zirconia implant cost often does not include the abutment and crown, which are necessary components for the complete restoration. These additional parts can add several hundred to a few thousand dollars to the overall cost.
About Dr. Yuriy May
Widely sought after for his precision and leadership in biological oral surgery and zirconia implantology, Dr. Yuriy May is recognized as an accomplished leader in metal-free, biologically driven dentistry. With over 14 years of clinical experience, his work is defined by uncompromising standards, refined surgical execution, and outcomes that support both oral and systemic health.
Dr. May holds advanced certifications and training in zirconia implantology from programs ranging from IAOCI and Tufts University, is Board Certified as a Naturopathic Dentist by the ANMCB, and is a distinguished Ceramic Implant Ambassador for SDS—an honor reserved for clinicians shaping the future of ceramic implant science.
A respected educator and international lecturer, Dr. May has presented extraordinary ceramic implant cases to dentists worldwide, including the JCCI in Switzerland, and has served as an instructor in the Ceramic Implant Program at ACIMD. He lectures nationally, publishes complex metal-free surgical cases, and serves as a Board Member of the IAOCI (International Academy of Oral Ceramic Implantology). Dr. May has recently become a Fellow of the AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry), one of the few focusing solely on zirconia dental implants, and has been and an Accredited S.M.A.R.T. Certified member of the IAOMT for many years. He is also a Certified Biological Dentist with the IABDM, reflecting his commitment to removing root canal infections and to mercury-safe, evidence-based biological protocols.
Dr. May’s reputation, results, and excellence in ceramic implant dentistry have made him a destination provider for patients and referring clinicians seeking the highest level of ceramic implant surgery and biological dental care.
DMD, FAAID, IBDM, AIAOMT, CIABDM
Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry
ANMCB Board Certified Naturopathic Dentist
What patients say about Dr. May
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