How Much Are Dental Implants? The Complete Guide

Dental implants are a popular choice for those looking to replace missing teeth. They are permanent, look and feel like natural teeth, and can last for many years. But how much do dental implants cost? In this guide, we will answer that question and provide you with all the information you need to know about dental implants.

Dental Implants

Dental implants titanium posts placed into the jaw bone to act as artificial tooth roots. A dental implant can be used to support a single tooth, a bridge, or a denture. Titanium is a biocompatible material, which means it is compatible with the human body and will not cause any rejection or allergic reactions.

Why Get a Dental Implant?

There are many reasons why you might want to consider getting a dental implant. Dental implants are permanent, which means they will not need to be replaced like dentures or bridges. They also look and feel like natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell that you have an implant. In addition, dental implants can last for many years with proper care. Other benefits include:

Dental implants prevent bone loss
Implant surgery does not have an age restriction
Patients can eat hard foods with no trepidation

Dental Implant Procedure: Your Tooth Replacement Option

Dental implant placement is a relatively simple process that usually takes less than an hour to complete. First, the dentist will numb the area where the implant will be placed. Then, they will create a small hole in the jawbone and insert the titanium post. The post will then fuse with the jawbone, creating a solid foundation for the artificial tooth. Once the post has fused with the jawbone, the dentist will attach an abutment, which is a small connector piece. The abutment will hold the artificial tooth in place. Finally, the artificial tooth will be placed on top of the abutment.

In between the usual standard process of having dental implant treatment, you can expect the following dental procedures:

Tooth extraction

If you are having a dental implant procedure, you may also need to have a tooth extraction. Tooth extractions are usually performed when a tooth is damaged or decayed beyond repair and cannot be saved. They are also commonly done during dental implant surgery, as the implant post needs a solid foundation of bone to fuse with.

If you are having a tooth extraction, the dentist will numb the area and then remove the tooth using special dental tools. The hole left behind by the missing or damaged teeth will eventually heal on its own.

Bone graft

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that is often used in tooth implant surgery. Bone grafting is used to replace bone that has been lost as a result of tooth extraction or other dental surgeries. It is also used to increase the width and height of the jawbone, which is necessary for dental implants.

Sinus Lift

Some patients need dental implants but have suffered bone loss, thus not having sufficient bone support necessary for implants. You can get the support you need by having a sinus augmentation. This dental treatment increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw that is required for dental implants. This is one of the most common bone grafting procedures for dental implant patients. Oftentimes, sinus augmentations are one of the many procedures done during a full mouth reconstruction.

How much are Dental Implants in Australia?

The price estimate of dental implants in Australia varies depending on the clinic and the type of implant. However, on average, dental implants cost between $3,000 and $5,500.According to the national dental fee survey for 2020, a dental implant in Australia can go up to $5,514 per tooth. If you require a bone graft or sinus lift, a single dental implant can have a price tag of up to $11,500. With a comprehensive dental cover, you save 15% to 40% off the price of dental implants.

Factors that affect dental implant cost

Because of the high price tag that dental implants are known for, some people would settle for dentures or bridges as their replacement teeth procedure. Others would find dental practitioners who offer cheap dental implants, risking their safety and oral health. So, let’s find out what makes up the cost of dental implant treatment to better understand why it requires a more expensive dental bill.

Implant materials. Most tooth implants are made with titanium, and the dental caps attached to them are porcelain to effectively mimic the natural look of your teeth. These two materials are expensive. You may want to try implants made with other materials but they cannot promise that they will be hypoallergenic and sturdy.

The number of implants. The required number of dental implants to perform the restoration is one of the most crucial cost factors, which relies on every other patient. If one tooth is missing, a single-tooth implant is enough. However, if a patient is missing multiple teeth, it is likely to replace them with individual implants, but this will certainly increase the cost.

Additional procedures. If your condition requires undergoing a tooth extraction, bone grafting, or sinus augmentation, then they will certainly increase your implant cost.

Patient’s overall oral health. Patients who have gone through oral infections can face more difficulty getting dental implants. Implants can fail if the mouth has experienced intense trauma or if it got infected earlier. Some common conditions are gum disease, jaw infections, abscesses, or a root canal.

Does Insurance cover the dental implant cost?

Many people wonder if their insurance will cover the cost of dental implants. The answer to this question depends on the policy and the provider. Most insurance companies do not cover the cost of dental implants in full, but they may cover a portion of the procedure. It is important to contact your insurance provider to find out exactly what is covered.

Health insurance extras in Australia typically do not cover implants. To have implants covered, you will need to have a high level of extras cover. Most extras cover policies include general dental treatments like check-ups or small fillings but do not include major dental procedures, like root canal treatments or dental implants.

Am I A Good Candidate For A Dental Implant?

Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. In order to be a good candidate for dental implants, you need to have:

Healthy gums and bone
A sufficient amount of bone in the jawbone
No medical conditions that would prevent you from having surgery
A healthy mouth free of infection

If you do not have enough bone in your jaw, you may need a bone graft. A bone graft is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the jawbone. This will provide a solid foundation for the dental implant

If you have any medical conditions that would prevent you from having surgery, or if you have an infection in your mouth, you will not be a good candidate for dental implants

Dental implants are not recommended for smokers, as they have a higher risk of implant failure.

If you want to know if getting dental implants is the best choice for your missing teeth, do not hesitate to call or visit DDSS. Contact us at (02) 9158 6328 to talk to our dental team and set an appointment. We will do our best to answer your questions. With DDSS, your goal to have an implant that looks like a natural tooth may come to life.