Dental Implant Costs in Tennessee
Average Cost: $3,675 Across 8 Cities
Across 8 cities in Tennessee, the average cost of a single dental implant is $3,675, with prices ranging from $2,100 to $5,700. These figures include the implant post, abutment, and crown — the three components of a complete single-tooth implant restoration.
| Cost Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Average | $3,675 |
| Lowest Reported | $2,100 |
| Highest Reported | $5,700 |
| Cities Covered | 8 |
These cost estimates are aggregated from reported city-level data across Tennessee. Actual prices vary by provider, case complexity, and materials used. These figures are non-binding estimates and should not replace a professional consultation.
Dental Clinics in Tennessee — Map
Explore dental implant providers across Tennessee on the map below.
Dental Implant Market in Tennessee (2026)
Tennessee is the 16th-most populous state with approximately 7.1 million residents, anchored by Nashville (the state's booming capital and healthcare industry hub), Memphis (major medical center), Knoxville (UT flagship), and Chattanooga. Nashville's status as the healthcare capital of America — home to HCA Healthcare, Community Health Systems, and dozens of health companies — creates an unusually sophisticated dental market.
TennCare expanded adult dental in January 2023 and uniquely among states, covers dental implants when medically necessary. Renaissance began managing all TennCare dental benefits on November 1, 2025.
Regional Cost Breakdown (2026 Verified)
- Nashville Metro — $3,000–$6,000 per single implant. Tennessee's largest and most expensive market. Belle Meade, Brentwood, and Franklin command premium rates ($4,500–$6,000). East and South Nashville offer competitive pricing ($3,000–$4,500). Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry provides academic-rate services (~$1,800 reported per implant). "Healthcare Capital" status means dense specialist competition. All-on-4: $15,000–$35,000 per arch.
- Memphis Metro — $2,800–$5,000 per single implant. Major medical hub (St. Jude, Methodist Le Bonheur). Germantown and Collierville command premium rates. South Memphis offers budget options. UT Health Science Center College of Dentistry provides comprehensive dental care.
- Knoxville Metro — $2,500–$4,500 per single implant. University of Tennessee creates healthcare-literate demand. Moderate pricing with growing specialist density.
- Chattanooga — $2,500–$4,500 per single implant. Attractive cost of living driving population growth. Competitive mid-market pricing.
- Rural Tennessee — $2,000–$4,000 per single implant. Most affordable but with limited specialist access. Some rural counties have dental health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). Patients often travel to Nashville, Memphis, or Knoxville.
Key Cost Factors Unique to Tennessee
- ⚡ TennCare Covers Implants (Medically Necessary) — Tennessee's Medicaid program covers dental implants when medically necessary — a benefit available in very few states. Qualifying conditions: restoration of chewing/speaking function, significant quality-of-life impact (chronic jaw pain, difficulty eating), or reconstructive need after accident/trauma. This policy creates a meaningful cost-saving pathway for qualifying patients.
- TennCare Dental Transition (Nov 2025) — Effective November 1, 2025, Renaissance became the sole manager of all TennCare dental benefits, replacing previous multi-vendor administration. This consolidation may affect provider networks and prior authorization processes. TennCare adult dental expanded January 1, 2023, covering ~600,000 adults with exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, dentures, and periodontal care.
- Healthcare Capital Advantage — Nashville is home to HCA Healthcare (largest US hospital operator), Community Health Systems, and 500+ healthcare companies. This creates: (1) exceptionally generous employer dental benefits, (2) high specialist density and competition, (3) early adoption of advanced implant technologies (guided surgery, same-day implants).
- Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry — America's first dental school at a historically Black medical college (Nashville, est. 1886). Provides comprehensive implant services at academic rates — approximately $1,800 per implant reported. Serves underserved communities with free and low-cost dental programs. An essential resource for Medicaid patients and uninsured individuals.
- ECF CHOICES / Waiver Programs — Adults enrolled in Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES, 1915(c) Waivers, and Katie Beckett programs receive additional dental benefits beyond standard TennCare, including potential implant coverage with fewer restrictions.
Compare costs with our Cost Calculator or explore financing options.
Dental Insurance & Medicaid in Tennessee
TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) expanded adult dental on January 1, 2023, covering approximately 600,000 adults. Since November 1, 2025, Renaissance manages all TennCare dental benefits.
Covered Adult Dental Services
- Exams, X-rays, cleanings
- Fillings
- Crowns and root canals
- Extractions and oral surgery
- Complete and partial dentures
- Emergency dental care
- Periodontal care
⚡ Dental Implant Coverage (Medically Necessary)
TennCare covers implants when medically necessary:
- Restoration of chewing or speaking function
- Significant quality-of-life impact (chronic jaw pain, difficulty eating)
- Post-accident/trauma reconstruction
Enhanced Benefits (Waiver Programs)
ECF CHOICES, 1915(c) Waivers, and Katie Beckett program members receive additional dental benefits. Pregnant/postpartum individuals receive the same dental benefits as other adults.
Meharry (Nashville) and UT HSC (Memphis) dental schools offer academic-rate implants. Use our Financing Calculator.
Medicare Advantage & Dental Implants in Tennessee
Traditional Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover dental implants or routine dental care in Tennessee.
Tennessee Medicare Advantage Options (2026)
In 2026, 132 Medicare Advantage plans are available statewide at $12.83/month average (down from $16.89 in 2025). All TN beneficiaries have $0-premium options. Major carriers:
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee — Dominant state carrier
- UnitedHealthcare — Broad statewide presence
- Humana — Strong Tennessee competitor
- Aetna/CVS Health — Growing Nashville/Memphis presence
- WellCare — Budget-friendly options
Dental Coverage Tiers
- Basic plans: Preventive dental at $0 copay
- Enhanced plans: $1,000–$2,500 annual dental maximums
- Premium Nashville plans: Select plans offer $2,000–$3,000 dental benefits
TN SHIP (Free Medicare Counseling)
📞 877-801-0044 — Free, unbiased Medicare counseling for Tennessee residents.
Explore financing with our Financing Calculator.
Dental Schools in Tennessee
Dental schools often provide implant procedures at a significantly reduced cost compared to private practices, performed by advanced residents under faculty supervision. Tennessee has 2 accredited dental schools:
- Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry (Nashville) — ~$1,800/implant, serves underserved, HBCU est. 1886
- UT Health Science Center College of Dentistry (Memphis) — Comprehensive dental at academic rates
Implants by Price Range in Tennessee
Explore implant brands available in Tennessee organized by cost tier:
Cities in Tennessee
Browse dental implant costs across 8 cities in Tennessee. Click any city for detailed provider information, local affordable options, and financing resources.
Nearby States
Compare dental implant costs in neighboring states:
Related Resources
- National Dental Implant Cost Guide
- Dental Implant Procedure — Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Find Affordable Dental Implants
- Dental Implants vs. Dentures — Which Is Right for You?
- Compare Implant Brands (Straumann, Nobel, Osstem & More)
- Free Cost Calculator
- Financing & Payment Plan Calculator
- Insurance Savings Estimator
- Full Mouth Restoration Cost Calculator
- Implants vs. Alternatives Comparison Tool
- Recovery Timeline Tracker