If you are missing teeth and considering dental implant treatment, you may wonder how much dental implants cost?
Dental implants cost more than other tooth replacement options. However, they can prove a more affordable option in the long term because the implant posts are permanent and improve your oral health and quality of life. Nevertheless, the dental crown may need to be replaced every 10-15 years due to wear and tear.
To understand why dental implants cost more than other restorative procedures, you need to know the factors contributing to the overall dental implant cost.
Factors that Affect the Dental Implant Cost
The dental implant cost varies between patients depending on several factors, including:
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Number of implants
Dental implants are cost-estimated per tooth. So the more teeth you need to replace, the higher the total price of dental implant treatment. However, if you need to replace an entire arch or several consecutive missing teeth, alternative dental implant treatment options are available.
All-on-4 dental implants use four strategically placed implants to support a denture. The dentist usually embeds two implants at the ends of the dental arch and two placed at an angle towards the centre of the jawbone. This is a faster and more affordable option than receiving single dental implants for each tooth.
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Additional surgeries
In some cases, you may have insufficient jawbone tissue density to support an implant post.
This is often the case when you have had teeth missing for several years and experienced significant bone resorption. If your dentist detects a lack of jawbone tissue, they may prescribe a bone graft surgery or sinus lift to build up the bone tissue before placing the implant.
Your gums need to be healthy and free from infection to place implants. If you have advanced periodontal disease, your dentist may need to perform a scaling and root planning procedure, followed by a course of antibiotics.
For severely damaged gum tissue, a gum graft or surgical gum pocket treatment called osseous surgery is necessary to eliminate bacteria and decayed tissue and repair the underlying bone.
These procedures require additional consultations and are performed under local anaesthesia or sedation, increasing the dental implant cost.
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Implant materials
Dental implant treatment consists of three parts: The post, the abutment (connector), and the restoration.
Dental implant posts are designed to last a lifetime. They are made from a biocompatible metal called titanium. However, some patients with metal allergies cannot receive titanium implants and require zirconia posts to avoid a reaction. The implant abutments are typically crafted from the same material as the posts.
The dental restoration, usually a dental crown, is fabricated from porcelain or ceramic. At Dental Spot, we have an onsite lab where skilled technicians create your restoration. This means fewer appointments to receive your crown and lower outsourcing costs so that we can pass the savings on to you.
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Implant placement procedure
Precision implant placement requires cutting-edge imaging technology, such as intraoral cameras and 3D scanning equipment. This technology helps your dentist determine jawbone density and identify any potential complications that could implant the success of the dental implant treatment. However, these diagnostic tools add to the total dental implants cost.
Does Medicare Cover the Dental Implant Cost?
Medicare usually doesn’t cover the dental implant cost. However, there are two exceptions. If your oral health is negatively impacting your general health, and dental implants are deemed medically necessary, Medicare may cover part of the dental implants cost. You’ll need a referral from your GP as part of a GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangement.
Medicare may also cover all or part of the dental implant cost if you are a concession cardholder. Concession cardholders are eligible for dental vouchers that can be used to finance medically-necessary dental implant treatment.
Can I Finance the Dental Implants Cost?
At Dental Spot, we do not currently offer payment plans. However, in the coming months, we plan to offer financing through ZipPay, allowing you to pay for the dental implants cost in affordable monthly instalments.
We also accept most health insurances and offer flexible payment methods, including:
- Direct transfer
- Credit cards
- EFTPOS
- HICAPS
- NSW dental vouchers
- Child Benefits Dental Scheme (CBDS)
Visit Dental Spot for a Dental Consultation Near You
If you have missing teeth and want to find out if you are eligible for dental implants, get a consultation at your local dental clinic. Our Croydon facility features state-of-the-art dental technology to ensure you receive quality treatment. For an experienced dentist that offers a consultation explaining the implant procedure and breaking down the dental implants cost, contact Dental Spot on (02) 9158 6115.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References:
What You Need to Know About Osseous Surgery, Also Known as Pocket Reduction
https://www.healthline.com/health/osseous-surgery
Cost of Dental Care
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cost-of-dental-care
Dental Implants Procedure, Types, Problems, and Cost
https://www.medicinenet.com/dental_implants/article.htm
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