What’s the Cost of Dental Implants?
By Dr. Bhumit Shah
22nd December 2022
10 mins read
Dental implants are restorations that replace one or more missing teeth to help you achieve a more beautiful smile. While it is a long-lasting treatment, the cost of dental implants is not cheap, discouraging many people. You should consider this, especially if you’re looking for a more affordable procedure to replace your missing teeth.
This blog post will discuss the average cost of dental implants and why it’s expensive.
Contents
- 1 What Are Dental Implants?
- 2 How Much Does It Cost to Have Dental Implants?
- 3 Why Are Dental Implants Expensive?
- 4 What Factors Affect the Price of Dental Implants?
- 5 Can I Use Medicare for Dental Implants?
- 6 Are Dental Implants Covered by Health Insurance?
- 7 What Payment Options Are Available to Patients Without Health Insurance?
- 8 Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?
- 9 Final Thoughts
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small, screw-like titanium posts surgically placed into the jaw bones. Over time, these metal posts fuse with the bone tissue to provide a secure and stable foundation for replacement teeth, usually a dental crown, bridge, or dentures. In addition to providing improved aesthetics and functionality, dental implants can also help preserve the surrounding natural teeth by taking pressure off them.
This dental surgery involves making an incision on your gum tissue, removing bone tissue, drilling a hole into the jawbone, and placing the implant. Afterwards, you will need to wait several months for your wound to heal and for the implant to fuse with the bone before placing the abutment, which will connect the implant to your prostheses, and the prosthesis, which can be crown, bridge or denture.
However, this treatment is not for everybody. The first requirement is having enough bone density to support the implants. If you don’t, your dentist may recommend a bone graft or a sinus lift procedure to provide the foundation for your dental implants.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Dental Implants?
The dental implant cost varies depending on several factors. Here are the average prices according to type:
- Single implant:
Starts from $4,000 to $6,000 per single tooth - Implant-supported bridge:
Can range from $2,935 to $3,985 per tooth - All-on-4 dental implants:
Ranges between $23,000 to $27,000 per fixed arch - Implant-supported dentures:
Can start from $15,000 to $18,000 for a full arch of teeth
Why Are Dental Implants Expensive?
As mentioned, the cost of dental implants is high due to a wide range of factors, such as:
- The entire procedure is a long process
One of the reasons why the price of implants is high is because the entire procedure can take 5 to 8 months or even more, depending on the complexity of your case. This includes your initial consultation, implant placement, recovery time, and follow-up dental visits. This means that your dentist or specialist will have to spend more time and resources on your treatment. - The dental implant materials used in the procedure are expensive
Titanium posts and abutments used for the procedure are not cheap. These materials must meet certain standards to last a long time and be safe as they will be placed in the jawbone. - Manufacturing technology
The implants and abutments must be created using high-tech methods, which adds to the cost of production. For example, they need to be degreased and disinfected to ensure they are sterile and safe. - It requires a skilled professional to perform the procedure
Dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone, so it requires an experienced general dentist or oral surgeon specialising in implant dentistry to ensure the placement is precise and successful. They should have undergone specialised training to be able to perform the procedure safely. This means that they also spent time and resources to acquire the necessary skills. - Service and clinic
In addition to the factors mentioned above, one of the reasons why the price of dental implants is high is that the clinic should be well-equipped. The specialised equipment and tools cost thousands of dollars and must be sterilised according to protocols. - It requires surgery
The dental implant procedure is more complicated than other dental treatments because it requires surgery. It also involves anaesthesia, which adds up to the cost of the procedure.
What Factors Affect the Price of Dental Implants?
The following are the factors why the dental implant cost is high:
- Your location and dentist
Dental implants can vary depending on the clinic and your location. For instance, clinics in major cities tend to have higher costs than in rural areas because of the higher cost of living. Also, specialists such as oral surgeons or experienced general dentists may charge higher fees, as they should have undergone specialised training in implant dentistry, as this is an invasive procedure. - The number of implants needed
The implant price may also differ depending on the number of implants you need for your treatment plan. For instance, if you need several dental implants to support a bridge or an All-on-4 implant procedure, it will be more expensive than getting just one implant. - The type of implant used
Depending on the stability and strength needed for your implant, some implants may be more costly than others. Also, if you need a specific abutment or crown to complete your treatment, it will add to your dental implants’ overall cost. - Whether or not you need additional procedures
It will also contribute to the overall dental implant cost if you need other treatments, such as a bone grafting procedure, tooth extraction, or sinus lift. - The complexity of your case
Some patients need more complex procedures than others. For instance, if you need general anaesthesia, the cost may be higher than in simple cases requiring local anaesthesia. - Your insurance coverage
Depending on your plan and provider, you may have some coverage for dental implants. It is always a good idea to check with your insurance company beforehand to know if they cover this procedure.
Can I Use Medicare for Dental Implants?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the costs of dental implant surgery or any other type of dental procedure.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Health Insurance?
Many private health insurance companies cover a portion of the overall price of dental implants. However, this depends on your coverage and the specific plan you have. In most cases, dental implants are categorised as major dental under the extra coverage of your insurance. This means that you need to pay higher premiums. Also, you may need to wait for a certain period before receiving your rebates, so you should pay out-of-pocket first. Contact your dental insurance provider to confirm your coverage.
What Payment Options Are Available to Patients Without Health Insurance?
If you don’t have health insurance, there are payment options that your dentist may offer to help you afford this surgical procedure. These could be:
- In-house finance option
Many dental clinics or dentists offer in-house finance options. This allows you to pay your treatment in several instalments with low-interest rates. - Financing solutions from third parties
There are also financing options provided by third-party providers that can offer various payment plans. The most common include Zippay, Spercare, and Afterpay. Depending on your chosen plan, you can do weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments over a certain period of time.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?
Teeth implants are worth the cost for people who have lost teeth due to injury, decay, or gum disease. The benefits of dental implants extend beyond aesthetics and provide longer-lasting advantages for oral health and well-being. In addition to the improved appearance, stability, and strength of your dentition, dental implants can also help prevent other issues such as bone loss, shifting of existing teeth caused by the missing tooth structure, and jaw pain from misaligned bites.
Overall, the upfront cost of implants is more than worth the benefits you get regarding your oral health, confidence boost, and overall quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are a popular option in restorative dentistry to achieve a more beautiful smile while improving oral health. They are durable and long-lasting, which is a good reason to consider them for replacing missing teeth. However, you must be patient for your treatment to be completed since healing may take a few months. Also, this procedure is expensive, and if you don’t have insurance, you may need to look for financing options to help you afford it without breaking the bank.
If you plan to get implant treatment, book an implant consultation with Dentalcare of Forrestfield now so we can help you determine if you are a good candidate.
Our dental clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to help us provide quality treatments. We have a team of dentists with years of experience performing dental implant procedures. On your initial appointment, one of the dentists will examine your oral health, discuss your treatment options, and give you an estimate of your treatment cost. We also offer flexible payment plans so you can pay conveniently and affordably.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends from person to person, but on average, they can last up to 10 to 15 years. With proper care, their lifespan can be up to 25 years or more.
You can take steps to extend your implant’s lifespan or maximise the success rate of your titanium implants. These include practising good oral hygiene, which includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing once daily, and rinsing with mouthwash regularly. Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. This also allows them to spot potential issues before they become major problems. Avoid grinding your teeth, use caution when eating hard or sticky food, and avoid using your teeth as tools. If you can’t avoid grinding your teeth, discuss it with your dentist if they can recommend a mouthguard. Lastly, consider quitting smoking, as this can cause gum disease and infection that may result in dental implant failure.
Mouth implants are versatile and can support one up to all of your teeth. Depending on your particular case, the dentist will recommend the appropriate number of implant posts to support a single crown, dental bridge, or denture.
It is possible to get dental implants if you have a history of periodontal disease and it has been adequately treated. However, it is essential to be in good overall health and have stable gums before you undergo the implant process. Your dentist will assess your oral health and recommend whether you are a good candidate for dental implants or if other tooth replacement options, such as removable dentures, may be more suitable. But note that conventional dentures may be inconvenient because you must remove them for cleaning.
