Dental implants are screw-like metal posts surgically placed in the jaw bone to support an artificial tooth or other dental prosthetics, such as dentures. If you have lost one or more teeth or have damaged teeth and are considering dental implants, you need to know how much you may spend for the whole process and understand what to expect.
This blog post will briefly discuss the average cost of this cosmetic and restorative treatment and the factors that can add to the fees.
What Are Dental Implants?
These small metal posts look like screws that your dentist or oral surgeon places into your jawbone and act as a natural tooth root. They can be made from zirconium or titanium, biocompatible metals with human tissue. In other words, it does not cause any allergic reactions or other problems when placed in the body.
A dental implant can be used to support a single replacement tooth (crown), multiple teeth (bridge), or even complete dentures. However, not everybody can get this dental surgery. In general, you should have good oral health and enough good bone health in your jaw to support the implants. Otherwise, you may need to undergo other procedures to be a good candidate.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
The overall cost of this dental treatment depends on many factors, such as the implant type you’re getting, how many implants you need, the complexity of the surgery, if there are other procedures you need, and where you live.
The average cost per tooth in Australia is between $3,000 to $5,500. But if you need other procedures like whitening or sinus lift, you may need to pay up to $11,500 per single implant.
However, this can be higher or lower, depending on the implant you need. For instance, an all-on-4 dental implant can range from $23,000 to $27,000 per fixed arch of teeth, including the initial consultation, fitting dentures, post-treatment reviews, and x-rays. In comparison, you can spend \$5,514 on a single tooth implant. Implant-supported bridges generally cost between $7,000-$8,600. It must be noted that these are just estimates. To get a more accurate number of the fees for this procedure, consult with your dentist.
Why Are Dental Implants So Expensive?
Aside from the process involving multiple stages that take several months to complete, it is a complex procedure that requires experience, training, and precision. The materials used for dental implants are also expensive.
In addition, the following benefits are some of the reasons why dental implant prices are costly:
- Dental implants are strong, durable, and can last many years with proper care.
- They are created to feel and act like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat and speak without worry.
- They don’t require special cleaning procedures and can be brushed and flossed like your regular teeth.
- Implants help prevent bone loss by stimulating natural bone growth.
- They can support a dental prosthetic, making it more comfortable and stable. For instance, conventional dentures can slip and slide, but implants can keep them in place.
- They can prevent facial sagging and premature ageing.
- Dental implants help keep adjacent teeth stable, preventing tooth movement that can lead to bite problems.
- They can decrease the risk of gum disease by filling teeth gaps that can trap food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and cavities, and eventually tooth loss.
When Should I Get Dental Implants Instead Of Other Replacement Options?
Other dental procedures, such as dentures, bridges, and crowns, aim to address issues that dental implant surgery could. However, implants may be the best option if you have the following conditions:
- You have lost a tooth or multiple teeth.
- You are contraindicated for or hesitant to wear removable dentures or partial dentures.
- You want a long-lasting and stable way to improve your smile and appearance.
- Your jawbone has deteriorated, making it difficult to wear dentures.
- You have allergies to the materials used in dentures.
- You want to improve your ability to speak and eat.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The longevity of dental implants depends from person to person. But their average lifespan is between 10 to 15 years. With good oral hygiene practices, they can last up to 25 years or even longer.
What Happens During The Dental Implant Procedure?
The whole process involves multiple procedures with healing time before beginning with the next one. After your dentist or dental surgeon has determined you are a good candidate and you decide to continue with the treatment, the following are the typical steps you can expect in the implant surgical procedure:
- Your dentist will start by numbing the area with local anaesthesia. Depending on what you have discussed in your initial consultation, they can also give you sedatives to help you relax.
- They will then make an incision on your gums to expose the bone underneath. A hole will be drilled into your jawbone to insert the zirconia or titanium screw. Once the implants are in place, your gums will be stitched up and allowed to heal for a few to several months. At this stage, the post will fuse with your jawbone and become stable.
- After your gums have healed, an abutment will be placed on the implant to support the new tooth. If your dentist has inserted the abutment along with the implant, this step is no longer necessary. A mould will be taken from your mouth to create your dental prosthetic, such as a dental crown, bridge, or dentures.
- Finally, the prosthetic will be placed on top of the abutment, replacing your lost teeth and giving you brand new teeth that look and function like your real teeth.
- Before you go home, your dentist or oral surgeon provides you with aftercare instructions. You must follow these to ensure a proper and smooth healing period and avoid complications.
How Do Bone And Gum Grafts Affect The Cost Of Treatment?
If you don’t have enough bone or your bone has deteriorated, you may have to pay additional costs for gum and bone grafting procedures. This is to build up the necessary support for dental implants. The same goes for a gum graft. If your gums have receded, a gum graft can help cover the exposed part of an implant and reduce the risk of failure.
What Factors Can Affect Dental Implant Cost?
There are several factors impacting the overall price of implants, including:
- The Type Of Dental Implant You Need
There are different types of dental implant systems available, and each has a different price tag. The most common type is endosteal implants, which are placed directly into your jawbone. These are followed by subperiosteal implants, which are placed on top of your jawbone. - The Number Of Implants You Need
Having more missing teeth requires more than one implant to support your dental prosthetic. The more implants you need, the higher the cost will be. - Other Procedures Necessary
Sometimes, you need additional procedures, like tooth extractions, before your dentist proceeds with your implant surgery. This adds up to the overall cost of tooth implants. Also, as mentioned earlier, if you don’t have enough bone or your bone has deteriorated, you may need a bone graft before getting dental implants. - The Location of Your Treatment
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on your country, state, or city. In general, treatments in major cities are more expensive due to factors affecting the cost of operations of the clinic, such as rent, bills, etc. - Your Dentist’s Fee
The fee charged by your dentist is also a significant factor that can affect the cost of your treatment. Experienced dentists or oral surgeons with additional training and the latest technology and techniques usually charge more for their services than those just starting out. - The Cost of Your Dental Prosthetic
The type of dental prosthetic you need will also affect the cost of your treatment. A dental crown is usually the most affordable option, while a dental bridge or dentures can be more expensive. - Discounts, Payment Plans, And Insurance
Some clinics offer discounts for patients who pay in cash, while others offer package deals or flexible payment options that can help you save money. Also, some private health insurance covers the cost of dental implants. However, coverage usually depends on the policy, so it’s best to check with your health fund provider first.
Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are used in an implant surgical procedure to help you achieve a beautiful smile and restore your teeth’s chewing and speech function. While they are a major investment, many people feel they are worth the cost because of their numerous benefits and high success rates.
Are you considering getting this treatment and curious about the cost of implants?
Call us now at 08 6192 1036 to book a consultation. Our team will be more than glad to answer all your questions regarding this treatment option, and we will give you an accurate quote after assessing your case. The dentists at Ellen Stirling Dental have several years of experience in placing dental implants, and we use the latest technology to ensure that we perform the surgery and other procedures necessary efficiently.
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