Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular as people realise how much they can improve their quality of life. They look and feel like natural teeth, are more comfortable, and have a longer shelf-life. Furthermore, dental implants don't need extra dental care compared to tooth-bonded bridges or dentures.
With that in mind, how much do dental implants cost? The price of tooth implants varies depending on several factors. In this article, we'll explore all the important factors so that you can have a clear understanding of what to expect.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are metal posts that support the replacement of a missing tooth or teeth, helping to stop jaw bone loss from occurring.
There are three essential parts to a tooth implant system:
the post
the abutment
the crown
Post
The implant post, which is also called a fixture, is a screw that's placed underneath the gums. The most popular material for implants is titanium, as it can fuse with human tissue without any complications.
Abutment
The abutment connects the implant post to the prosthetic tooth.
Prosthesis
A prosthesis, or artificial tooth, is placed atop a tooth implant. It can be made of materials like porcelain or ceramic and cemented into place securely.
What are the most popular types of dental implants?
Endosteal implants
An endosteal implant is a type of tooth implant that goes directly into your jawbone to function as an artificial root.
Subperiosteal implants
Subperiosteal implants lie on top of the bone and under the gum line rather than being implanted into the jawbone.
Implant-supported bridge
An implant-supported bridge is a great solution for those missing multiple teeth. The implant acts as a support for the bridge, improving your eating and speaking habits. Additionally, it prevents your other teeth from shifting out of place.
Single tooth implant
When you are only missing one tooth, the best option is to have a single dental implant. It not only gives you a beautiful smile but also helps with your articulation and ability to bite.
All-on-4 dental implants
All-on-4 implants are a fantastic option if you want to replace several missing teeth and improve your smile. This solution can apply to either or both your lower and upper jaw arches.
The overdenture can still be removed for cleaning and periodic dental examinations, and it’s a restoration that can last forever.
What are the factors impacting the price of tooth implants?
Many factors play a role in how much implants cost. Below, we'll explore some of these price-influencing factors.
The number of teeth being replaced - It is obviously less expensive to replace one missing tooth than multiple teeth. You don't need to spend a fortune replacing each tooth individually if you're missing an arch. A dental restoration, such as a denture or bridge, that will replace your natural teeth can be supported by only a few posts. The size of the dental restoration will impact its pricing.
The surgeon's expertise - The experience and expertise of a surgeon generally reflect on the price.
Patient's dental health - Patients who have had infections in their teeth might find it difficult to get dental implants. Gum disease, jaw infections, and abscesses are some common dental conditions that might affect the treatment’s success. While an implant can be placed in these circumstances, patients must be informed that earlier infection might result in implant failure. In this unfortunate event, the replacement of the implants will raise the cost.
Quality of dental implant materials - The dental implant's root is made from titanium, while the crown is created from ceramic. Because titanium is biocompatible and causes no adverse reactions in the jawbone, many patients choose it as their dental implant material. Some patients may require different materials if they have metal allergies or sensitivity. This might affect the cost of dental implants. In terms of natural-looking appearance, ceramic implants are second only to titanium ones. Zirconia is the best ceramic alternative for your teeth and will match the colour of your other teeth perfectly.
Other elements - X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans are vital for preventing nerve damage, but you will need to cover the costs. If you don't have enough bone, you might have to pay for a bone graft; lastly, if your tooth is damaged or broken, you may have to pay to get it removed before your treatment.
What is the process of getting a tooth implant like?
There are multiple steps you must go through to get dental implants, which ensure that the surgery is right for you. The process includes the following:
Detailed dental examination. Your dentist will take dental X-rays and 3D images of your teeth and jaw to create an accurate representation.
Evaluation of your medical history. Always remember to inform your dentist about any medical conditions or drugs—including prescriptions, over-the-counter supplements, and even vitamins—that you are taking.
Dental implant treatment plan. This treatment plan is customised for your individual needs. There are multiple factors that the dentist considers when developing a treatment plan, such as the number of teeth needing to be replaced and the jawbone's condition. For this type of surgery, the types of anaesthesia recommended include general anaesthesia, intravenous (IV) sedation, or local anaesthesia.
When bone grafting is necessary
If your jawbone is too soft or isn't thick enough, you may have to get bone grafting surgery before getting dental implants. Chewing with your mouth creates a lot of pressure on the bone, and if it can't support the tooth implant, the dental implant surgery is more likely to fail. A bone graft is used as a foundation to reinforce bones for an implant.
Placing the implant post
During the surgery, the dentist will make a cut in the gum to expose the bone so they can place the dental implant. After the initial procedure is completed, the dentist will create a small hole into the bone where the dental implant post will be placed. The implant post is implanted deep inside the bone and functions as the tooth root.
Even after this procedure, there will still be a noticeable space where your tooth is missing. For those worried about their appearance, a type of partial, temporary denture can be placed. This will help improve the look of your teeth until you are able to get permanent dental implants.
Waiting for bone growth
Osseointegration begins when the dentist inserts the implant post into the jawbone. The surface of the tooth implant and the jawbone will fuse together during this process. This process helps your new tooth have the same firm foundation as natural teeth.
Placing the abutment
When osseointegration is complete, you may need another surgery in order to attach the abutment where the crown will go. This surgery will use local anaesthesia and usually only requires one outpatient visit.
To place the abutment:
The dentist makes a small cut in the gums to expose the implant.
The abutment is fitted onto the tooth implant.
After the abutment is placed, the gum tissue is closed around it.
After the dentist places the abutment, it will take approximately two weeks for the gums to heal.
Placing the artificial tooth
After the healing of the gums, the dentist will make numerous impressions of the mouth and any remaining teeth. They will use these dental impressions to make the crown, which looks like a real tooth. The new tooth will be placed once the jawbone is healthy enough to support it.
ow much does a dental implant cost?
You will be surprised to learn that dental implants in Australia can be quite affordable. The cost of a single implant can start at $3,000. Procedures like a bone graft or sinus lift rarely add more than an extra $6,000 to the final cost. Each case is different, though, and only your dentist can advise what is the exact cost for your specific needs.
Does Australian health insurance cover implants?
Your ability to have your cosmetic dental work covered by insurance in Australia varies depending on who your provider is.
Dental plans, however, generally only cover services that are preventive in nature, such as fillings and cleanings, not the more timely or extensive treatments.
While most health insurance companies may not cover the entire cost of tooth implants, certain policies may pay for a portion of it if the procedure is deemed to be medical rather than cosmetic.
What are the advantages of having dental implants?
Dental implants are designed to look just like your natural teeth
Dental implants are designed to look natural by matching the colour and shape of your existing teeth.
Dental implants make eating and speaking much easier for you
If you are missing teeth, it can be difficult to eat and speak properly. Dental implants look and function just like real teeth, making them the best solution for this problem.
Dental implants do not get cavities
Although artificial teeth require the same level of care as natural teeth, they will never decay.
Dental implants protect your other teeth from shifting
When you have missing teeth, gaps are left behind. If these aren't filled, your other teeth will gradually start to shift out of place. This can have an impact on both your smile and chewing ability. Tooth implants help to keep your nearby teeth from shifting by filling in the spaces in your smile.
Dental implants don't require a lot of upkeep
With other dental prosthetics, you might have to buy additional products and learn how to clean them. Dental implants don't require this type of care. You should care for your artificial teeth in the same way that you take care of your natural teeth by flossing and brushing them daily.
People of all ages and backgrounds can improve their lives with implant-based treatment.
Keep in mind that every clinical case is unique. Your general health, habits (such as smoking), the state of your mouth and teeth, any medication you take, and how much bone is available at the proposed implant site are all important factors when determining whether or not implant dentistry will be successful.
As with any complex dental treatment, the success of dental implants largely depends on whether they are right for your specific needs.
A comprehensive assessment of your case is necessary before beginning treatment.
Are dental implants painful?
The amount of discomfort experienced during dental implant surgery is minimal. In most cases, sedation and local anaesthesia can be used to ensure your comfort throughout the entire process. After the dental implant procedure, you may experience some mild soreness or swelling, but this should go away in a few days with proper care. Your dentist will likely prescribe medication to help alleviate any pain you might have after the treatment.
Get affordable and quality dental implants at Finesse Dental
At Finesse Dental, our friendly dental team uses the latest implant technologies and offers affordable prices for all dental treatments. We also provide a personalised care plan to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment for your needs. Call us at (02) 8806 0790 to book your appointment.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
