How much do tooth implants cost? In the event that you have been thinking about getting dental implants, it’s important to know how much this procedure will cost and why. It is a well-established fact that while dental implants require a significant investment in Australia, the positive impact they have on a patient’s life makes them well-worth the cost.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are man-made replacements for natural teeth. They comprise three main components:
The Implant
This is the screw-like device that is fitted into the upper and lower jaws to hold the artificial tooth in place. It is the first step in the dental implant surgery process.
Once the implant has been integrated with the jaw, the next step can be taken.
The Abutment
This is the piece that connects the implant to the crown. To put this in place, your dentist will cut into the gum tissue, fit the abutment onto the implant and then close the gum tissue around the abutment.
The Crown
This is the actual “tooth”. It is custom-made to fit the shape of your dental arch and to look, feel and function exactly like a real tooth.
Dental implant prices explained
Dental implants are considered a “major dental” treatment, and several factors can determine the final cost. Generally, a single dental implant cost starts at around $2,000. All-on-4 dental implant procedure starts from $17,000. Both prices could go up depending on various factors. We’ll detail the main ones below:
Skill and Experience of the Dentist
Dentists study for many years to learn their craft and are constantly taking refresher courses and undergoing training to stay current with advancements in the field of dentistry.
Further, the more experienced a practitioner is, the better they will be at their job. An experienced dentist and one who is up-to-date with modern dental treatments and techniques will charge more for their services.
Pre-implant procedures
Bone Graft
During an initial consultation for dental implant treatment, your dental practitioner will do a CT scan to check for lower jaw bone density. This is to assess if the bone is strong enough to support an implant.
If you do not have a strong jawbone, the dentist will consider bone grafting, which is a process of bone augmentation to increase density to a level that can support a dental implant.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift is performed when the upper jaw bone is too narrow for an implant, or the sinus is too close to it. A dentist or oral surgeon will lift the sinus out of the way in a surgical procedure that will make space for an implant.
Oral Health
Your oral health is a key factor that determines the final cost of a dental implant.
Your dentist will check your teeth, jawbone and gum tissue for any decay, infection or gum disease. If there is cause for concern, they will treat the problem before starting the process of a dental implant.
Any consultations and treatment required to improve your oral health will add to the dental implant costs.
Tooth Extraction
In case of severe tooth infection or tooth decay, your dentist will remove the affected tooth, so the adjacent teeth are not affected. The process of removing just one tooth can increase dental implants cost.
Expensive components
High-quality dental implants and abutments are made of titanium or zirconium, both of which are bio-compatible materials. The crown itself is made of porcelain or ceramic.
The material these are made of drives the cost of the implant, as does the manufacturer. Some dental implant manufacturers sell their products at a premium price, while others may be comparatively more affordable.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
The cost of dental implants is not covered by Medicare or general insurance because dental implants are considered cosmetic surgery.
Exceptions are made when it is proven that replacing missing or damaged teeth can improve a patient’s quality of life.
If you are looking for private insurance to cover the cost of dental implants, you may want to sign up for the comprehensive dental plan option with a private insurance agency.
Payment plans for tooth replacement
Dental implants cost can be affordable if the right payment plan is chosen. As leading dentists in Croydon, at Dental Spot we offer high-quality dental implant placement against the following payment methods:
- Cash
- Credit cardsDirect transfers
- EFTPOS
- HICAPS
- NSW Health Vouchers
Advantages of implants
In routine life, we do not realise the important role teeth play in our health and appearance.
Having a missing tooth means compromising on many things which are necessary for functioning well. Replacing missing teeth not only fills in the gap, it also helps with
- our biting and chewing actions
- improving facial structure
- keeping the remaining teeth in place
- Allowing for clear speech and
- offering increased self-confidence
Dental implants – True or False?
While dental implants are an effective solution to missing teeth, there are naysayers who will try to dissuade you from opting for them. There are several misconceptions about getting a dental implant, but we are here to debunk them so you can make a well-informed decision.
- Dental implants are costly.
False – Tooth implants are well worth the investment as they are a permanent, no-fuss restorative treatment that can greatly improve your quality of life.
- Dental implants require scary dental surgery.
False – Patients are given anaesthesia, so they don’t feel any discomfort and are relaxed throughout the procedure. Choosing the right dental implant surgeon, with the skillset and the experience required for this advanced treatment, is crucial to a comfortable experience.
- Dental implants are not suitable for everyone.
True – Patients who have certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, or people who smoke, might not be good candidates for dental implants. They would need to see their dentist to assess their eligibility.
- Dental implant treatment is time-consuming.
False – Patients don’t have to spend hours on the dentist’s chair. While the process might take months to complete, most of this time is spent waiting between treatment stages.
- Dental implant treatment causes nerve damage to the surrounding areas.
False – This is a very rare complication; a study by King’s College, London, concluded that just 1% of dental implant patients complained of nerve damage after the procedure.
- Dental implant patients risk rejection of the implant by their body
False – This is a very rare complication since the implant materials are biocompatible with the human body. On the very rare occasions an implant is rejected, the causes are usually bruxism, biting into hard substances or injury to the dental implant area.
Dental implants in Croydon
Dental Spot has built a reputation for being a high-quality dentist by offering a wide range of dental services under one roof, including affordable restorative dentistry procedures like dental implants.
If you are looking for well-reputed, empathetic and over all exceptional dental services in Croydon and its surrounding areas, contact us on (02) 9158 6115 for an appointment with one of our highly experienced, qualified dentists.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Sinus Lift Surgery – What You Need To Know | Colgate®
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/implants/sinus-lift
Dental implants: Costs explained | How to check your health cover | Finder
https://www.finder.com.au/dental-implants
Dental implant surgery – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622#:~:text=To%20place%20the%20abutment%3A,but%20not%20over%2C%20the%20abutment
5 Reasons Why Dental Implants Are So Popular | College of Dentistry | University of Illinois Chicago
https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/5-reasons-why-dental-implants-are-so-popular/
WebMD – Dental Implants: Surgery, Advantages, Risks, and Insurance Questions
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants
MedicineNet – Disadvantages of Dental Implants
https://www.medicinenet.com/disadvantages_of_dental_implants/article.htm
