How Much Are Dental Implants? Discover The Contributing Factors

Dental implants made from titanium have been used worldwide for years, giving patients the confidence they need to show off their smiles. Titanium dental implants are strong and light, perfect for anyone looking for extra support in their mouth.

The cost of dental implants differs depending on numerous factors. In this article, we’ll give you a detailed overview of all the things that can affect the price of dental implants. 

 

What are dental implants? 

Dental implants are an effective solution to support one or more missing teeth while also preventing jaw bone loss. They are composed of three parts: the fixture, the abutment, and the prosthesis. 

 

Fixture

The fixture, more commonly known as the implant post, is a screw that is inserted into the jawbone to provide support for an artificial tooth. 

 

Abutment

The abutment is a connector piece that sits between the dental implant post and the artificial tooth. 

 

Prosthesis

A prosthesis, which is an artificial tooth placed on top of a dental implant, can be made from either ceramic or porcelain. A screw or dental cement is then used to secure the prosthesis in place.

 

What are the two main types of tooth implants?

 

Endosteal implants

Endosteal implants are the most commonly used tooth implant because they provide a secure fix. These implants have a screw-like shape and are placed into your jawbone. 

 

Subperiosteal implants

A subperiosteal dental implant is recommended by dentists for patients with shallow jawbones. It is placed under your gum but above the jawbone.

 

Factors impacting the cost of dental implants 

There are many price-affecting factors that are unique to each patient when it comes to dental implants. Your dentist will go over these with you during your first consultation. A few of these cost-determining elements include: 

 

Tooth location

All patients should receive care that is customised to their needs.

Depending on the state of your teeth, you will need a tailored treatment plan to get the best possible results and ensure that your front teeth line up with the rest of your jawline for a great smile. This means that some cases need more complex work, which can be more expensive.

 

Number and type of dental implants

Although titanium is the most widely used material for implants because it bonds well with human tissue and is less expensive, ceramic posts are also available. The cost of dental implants differs depending on the material you choose and how many implants are needed to restore your smile.

 

Qualifications and experience

The rate surgeons charge is generally reflective of their experience and expertise.

 

Extra procedures

If you require procedures like bone grafting or tooth removal before receiving dental implants, remember that those fees will up the procedure’s cost.

 

How is the dental implant procedure carried out?

The steps of a dental implant procedure are as follows:

 

Dental examination

Before beginning the dental implant process, it is vital to have your teeth, gums, and jawbone checked. The initial examination will determine if you have adequate jawbone tissue to support the implants.

A bone graft may be required before getting a dental implant if your jawbone isn’t strong enough. Also, you should not have gum disease.

The type of dental implant surgery will vary depending on how many teeth you want to replace. Dental implant surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you will be able to go back home on the same day. For this type of surgery, the types of anaesthesia that can be used are general anaesthesia, IV sedation, or local anaesthesia. Your dentist will suggest the best type for your needs.

 

Placing the dental implant 

if you are getting an endosteal dental implant, your dentist will start by making a cut in your gums to reveal the jawbone. They’ll then proceed to drill holes into the bone, so there’s space for the implant post.

A removable denture can be placed over the hole until the permanent tooth is able to replace it. With a subperiosteal implant, there is no need to drill into the bone as the implant is placed above the jawbone.

 

Osseointegration

Osseointegration starts when the implant post is inserted into your jawbone. The jawbone will grow and fuse to the surface of the dental implant during this process. This process helps your new artificial tooth stay in place, similar to how roots do for natural teeth. 

 

Placing the abutment 

Abutments can either be placed during the initial implant surgery (one-stage) or in a second-stage surgery. The abutment placement process starts with a small incision in the gum tissue if you have to go through two-stage surgery. A cap is placed on the tooth implant to aid in the healing process. The second surgery consists of removing the healing cap, attaching the abutment to the tooth implant and allowing the gum tissue to form around it. A few weeks after the dentist places the abutment, your gums will be healed.

 

Fitting the artificial tooth

After your gums have healed, you will visit your dentist to get a dental impression of your teeth made. This is necessary to create one or more permanent replacement teeth. You can opt for removable or fixed (non-removable) teeth. 

 

What is the average price of tooth implants?

So, how much are dental implants? The cost of tooth implants varies depending on certain factors. These include how many teeth are being replaced, if a bone graft is needed, and whether a sinus lift is part of the procedure. A single dental implant in Australia will cost you a minimum of $3,000. If additional treatment is needed, such as a bone graft or sinus lift, dental implants could cost up to $6,000 more.

 

 

Will your insurance cover dental implants?

Ultimately, this decision comes down to your insurance provider. In Australia, dental insurance usually only covers preventative treatments like cleanings and fillings – not cosmetic dentistry. While this may not be set in stone, some insurance companies could cover a percentage of dental implant treatment costs. Although it is not guaranteed, you might find dental insurance that will help pay for some of the treatment.

This eventually depends on the type of plan you have with your insurance provider. Please be mindful that your insurance company likely won’t cover the entire cost of implant treatment, and you’ll have to pay a decent amount out-of-pocket.

 

What are the advantages of having tooth implants?

 

Dental implants improve your speaking and eating abilities

With a missing tooth, you might have trouble eating or speaking as it changes how your teeth fit together and affects the way you make certain sounds. Dental implants make it easier for you to eat and speak as they act like regular teeth.

 

Dental implants keep the surrounding teeth from moving out of place

When a person loses a tooth, their remaining teeth often shift out of place, impacting their smile and ability to chew. Dental implants enhance the look of your smile by filling in gaps and preventing nearby teeth from shifting.

 

Dental implants give you a natural-looking smile

Dental implants completely blend in with your natural teeth–in terms of both shape and colour–unlike dentures or bridges, which can look fake.

 

Dental implants are low-maintenance and easy to take care of

Dental implants only require routine care and cleaning, compared to other dental devices that have to be removed for soaking or cleaning with special solutions.

Instead, a tooth implant is brushed and flossed just like a regular tooth. This lets patients keep up with their regular oral hygiene routines. 

 

Dental implants are built to last

Because they can last a lifetime with proper care, tooth implants are an excellent long-term investment for your oral health.

 

Dental implants cannot develop cavities, unlike natural teeth

Although artificial teeth need the same level of care to prevent infection, dental implants are impervious to decay. Dental implants protect your mouth from cavities and tooth decay, giving you peace of mind.

 

What should you avoid eating after tooth implant surgery?

Below are some foods you’ll want to avoid after your tooth implant surgery:

• Sticky foods – Caramel, taffy, and other sticky foods are hard to chew and can stick to your implant or the surgical site, which raises the chance of developing an infection. 
• Spicy foods – Foods that are very spicy will make your surgical area irritated, painful, and uncomfortable. Until your mouth has healed, stay away from these types of foods.
• Tough and chewy foods – After surgery, you should avoid eating tough, chewy foods like jerky, steak, and raw vegetables.
• Hard foods – Chewing on hard foods, such as candy, ice, and nuts, can damage your implant, so it’s best to avoid them.

 

What should you eat after tooth implant surgery?

For the first week after your appointment, you’ll need to stick to a liquid diet and soft foods. After one or two weeks, you can introduce tougher foods into your diet. Here are a few ideas of what to eat after tooth implant surgery.

• Soups – Any broth or soup will be a great choice after dental implant surgery. After the first week of your treatment, go for thinner and broth-like soups. After a week has passed, you can begin to eat thicker soups.
• Eggs – There are endless possibilities when it comes to eggs. Poached, fried, or scrambled, they’re a versatile and nutritious option for meals and snacks alike.
• Soft fruits – Bananas, berries, and peaches are some of the best soft fruits. You can consume them raw or mix them into a delicious smoothie.
• ‍Mashed potatoes – This dish is perfect as a side or main course!
• Oatmeal – Oatmeal is a nutritious and delicious option for those who have had dental implant surgery.

 

Get a beautiful smile at DDSS/DDII

At DDSS/DDII, our dentists will help you decide if dental implants are the best tooth restoration solution for you. We’re a team of technologically advanced dentists who invest in the latest innovative technology to improve efficiency and accuracy for implant surgery and many other treatments. We want everyone to have access to excellent dental care, which is why we make an effort to keep our dental implant prices affordable. 

Call us at (02) 8294 5812, (02) 8294 8656, or (02) 9299 8842 to book an appointment.

 

 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. 

 

 

 

References

Dental Implant Guide: Costs, Process, Risks & More
https://www.smile.com.au/dental-treatments/implants 

Everything to Know About a Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-procedure