Eliminating outsourcing is a priority for high-volume implant practices, but what's the entry cost? Dentists pursuing greater control over their timeline, quality, and profit margins need to understand the cost of an in-house dental implant center lab. This investment is the key to unlocking the full financial potential of All-on-X treatments. Whether you're starting with just a few digital tools or planning a complete system from scratch, this guide provides a line-by-line breakdown of the equipment needed to start an in-house dental implant center lab and how this strategic move quickly becomes one of the smartest financial decisions your practice makes.
Building an internal lab changes everything. Instead of sending cases across town, or across the country, you can mill, design, and finish restorations under your own roof.
Here’s what that means for you:
Faster case turnaround
Total control over quality
Fewer remakes and shipping fees
Happier patients who see results quicker
The surgical and restorative teams collaborate in real time, which makes precision easier to achieve. When you calculate the cost of an in-house dental implant center lab, that coordination quickly becomes priceless. Understanding the equipment needed to start an in-house dental implant center lab from the beginning helps you choose tools that match your workflow, budget, and long-term goals.
If you’re ready to take the first step, the total cost of an in-house dental implant center lab averages $160,000 for a fully equipped setup. You can, however, build it in stages. Start small and expand as your workflow grows. Here’s how that investment typically unfolds.
Start with your digital foundation.
Shining3D Aoral Elite Intraoral Scanner – $20,000
Laptop Computer – $4,000
Exocad Design Software – $6,000
These tools capture and design cases digitally, setting the stage for every restoration. This first phase lets you digitize impressions and plan restorations before adding production equipment.
Once you’re ready to fabricate in-house, invest in reliable mills that can handle both titanium and zirconia.
Dental Plus DP54 (5-axis wet mill for titanium bars & custom abutments) – $56,000
Installation and Training – $2,000
One-Year Support – $2,000
Dental Plus DP55 (5-axis dry mill for zirconia, G-CAM, and PMMA) – $25,000
Installation and Training – $2,000
One-Year Support – $2,000
Vacuum Unit for Mill – $2,000
Air Compressor (Quiet) – $4,000
Air Hose and Connections – $100
PC and Monitor – $3,000
This stage unlocks full in-house production for bars, abutments, and restorations. Once you reach this point, you’ll start seeing more progress towards a return on your investment.
These tools complete your digital workflow with strength and aesthetics.
Otoflash Light Curing Unit (for full arches) – $3,500
Hand Tacking Wand – $50
Nitrogen Bottle and Connection – $300
Vita Sintering Oven – $16,500
Vita Vacumat 6000M Glaze Oven – $3,500
Vacuum Pump – $1,200
This equipment brings your restorations to life: curing, glazing, and sintering materials for a final, natural look that patients love.
Add the tools that perfect your results.
Lathe with Pumice and Rag Wheels – $1,200
Bench Suction Unit – $1,200
Slow-Speed Lab Handpiece – $1,200
High-Speed Lab Handpiece – $1,000
Rotary Handpiece Diamonds and Carbides – $500
Finishing tools ensure your prosthetics look, feel, and function like real teeth, essential for long-lasting All-on-X results.
Keep color matching and aesthetics consistent.
Vita Akzent LC Standard Kit – $260
Vita Akzent Plus Zirconia Stains & Glaze – $200
Tools, Trays, Brushes – $500
These smaller items refine the artistry and finish your workflow with precision and polish.
Building your lab in stages spreads the cost of an in-house dental implant center lab over time while maintaining full control of quality. Once complete, the equipment needed to start an in-house dental implant center lab positions your practice to deliver faster results and retain more revenue in-house.
Add installation, training, and yearly support, which amounts to roughly $8,000 more. That brings the total cost of an in-house dental implant center lab to nearly $170,000 in the first year.
Plan for one skilled dental technician at about $80,000 per year. A trained technician drives success. They manage design precision, material selection, and machine calibration, ensuring every case looks natural and fits perfectly.
Pro tip: Budget time and funds for ongoing education. Dental technology evolves quickly, and a knowledgeable technician keeps your investment profitable.
Here’s the exciting part. The cost of an in-house dental implant center lab can pay itself off after just six full-mouth restorations.
Average All-on-X case (both arches): $30,000 revenue
Startup investment: $160,000
ROI breakeven: about 5–6 cases
After that, every restoration brings in additional profit while reducing your dependence on outside labs. In other words, those first few All-on-X cases fund your independence, and everything after that drives growth.
Owning the necessary equipment to start an in-house dental implant center lab transforms your surgical suite into a self-sustaining production hub. You gain faster turnaround, fewer remakes, and complete quality control—all while watching your investment pay itself off case by case.
Choosing a reliable supplier makes the journey smoother. Dental Plus USA provides everything from mills and scanners to ovens and support. Their systems integrate easily into digital workflows and are well-suited for All-on-X restoration processes.
Look for:
Responsive technical support
Open-architecture compatibility
Installation and ongoing education
Warranties and upgrade options
A trusted supplier can also guide you through selecting the equipment needed to start an in-house dental implant center lab, ensuring each purchase supports both precision and profitability.
When calculating the cost of an in-house dental implant center lab, factor in service quality as much as hardware specs. Reliable service keeps production flowing and prevents costly downtime.
Building your own lab might sound ambitious, but it’s achievable—and surprisingly fast to pay off. Understanding the cost of an in-house dental implant center lab helps you plan more effectively, deliver faster results, and expand treatment options.
Once you gather the equipment needed to start an in-house dental lab, you’ll gain independence, creative control, and higher profit margins. Whether you focus on All-on-X or a mix of full-arch and single-tooth cases, your lab can redefine your practice.
Next Step: Explore dental lab systems and digital solutions at DentalPlusUSA.com to start designing your own in-house setup today.
1. How much space do I need for an in-house lab?
Most clinics dedicate between 150 and 300 square feet for a small lab setup. Plan for about 50 to 80 square feet per technician workstation to ensure comfort and efficiency. Ensure the area allows for proper airflow, effective dust control, and easy access to electrical and air connections.
2. What is the average ROI timeline?
With a steady flow of All-on-X cases, most practices recover their investment within six to twelve months. The exact timeline depends on your case volume, pricing, and the rate of expansion of your in-house production.
3. Can I start smaller and expand later?
Yes. You can begin with digital scanning and design, then add milling and sintering equipment as case volume increases.
