Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth. Because they are implanted into the jaw, they offer a permanent solution for patients with edentulism where one or more teeth are missing. On average, dental implants in Australia cost between $4000 to $7500 per tooth depending on a number of factors. In this article, we discuss the costs, benefits and dental implant procedure to help you decide if this is the right course of action for you.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that integrates with the jaw bone as a foundation for an abutment and crown. The titanium screw forms a rigid bond with the bone as if it is steel embedded in concrete. The crown is the part that looks like a tooth, and the piece that connects the implant to the crown is called the abutment. Think of a dental implant like a post that holds up a letter box. Just as the post is cemented into the ground, a dental implant is embedded into the bone as the foundation for the new tooth.
11 Reasons To Get Dental Implants
Dental implants are durable, functional, aesthetically pleasing, and an excellent way to replace missing teeth. By mimicking natural teeth that are embedded in the jaw bone, they offer a permanent tooth replacement solution. Dental implants allow you to eat and speak properly, smile more confidently, and improve your overall health. So, how do you know if you need dental implants? Here are 11 reasons to get dental implants and how they will benefit you.
- You have a missing tooth or teeth: The most obvious reason to get dental implants is when you have missing teeth. When one or more teeth are missing it can result in numerous oral health problems including infection and further tooth loss. Missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift and become wobbly. Missing teeth at the front of the mouth can lower self confidence.
- You have decayed, loose, or broken teeth: If left too long, decayed, loose or broken teeth may become unsalvageable. This can make the tooth structure unstable and cause it to break below the gumline, potentially leading to extraction.
- You are wearing uncomfortable dentures: Although dentures are a suitable solution for teeth replacement, this prosthetic arch of false teeth can become unstable and uncomfortable. This interferes with the ability to eat and speak. Dentures that are causing more harm than good can be replaced with the permanent solution of dental implants for a higher cost.
- You have difficulty chewing: If you have a missing tooth or teeth it can be very difficult to chew food comfortably. Often you will try to avoid certain foods. However, with dental implants you can go back to eating whatever you like as the implant is exactly like your old tooth.
- You have loose dental bridges: One of the ways to replace a missing tooth is with a dental bridge (a false tooth that is held in place by teeth on either side of the gap). However, dental bridges can become loose or break and have a longevity of about 5 to 15 years. If that happens, replacing the dental bridge with a dental implant is a permanent solution.
- You want to fix your smile: Dental implants have a natural look and are the perfect way to fix a smile whether you already have dentures or just have a missing tooth. The dental implant is perfectly matched to the colour and size of your own teeth.
- You have difficulty talking: Teeth play an important role in how we speak so missing teeth or misaligned dentures will make talking difficult. Dental implants are like your natural teeth and restore normal speech patterns.
- You have periodontitis: This advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis can cause damage to the gums, bones and surrounding tissue. If you have periodontitis, teeth can fall out which need to be replaced.
- Your face has become sunken in: When you have missing teeth or even wear dentures, sometimes the face can become sunken in. This is because there is no rejuvenation of the jawbone as you get with the stimulation of dental implants.
- Protection for adjacent natural teeth: By having dental implants, the natural teeth around them will be protected. Dental implants provide a solid support framework, preventing your natural teeth from shifting out of alignment.
- Improve overall well being: Because dental implants can help you eat better, you will be getting more nutrients that improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Cost of Dental Implants by Type
Dental implant cost depends on the number of teeth implanted, the procedure used and the practice location. As a general rule, you will be looking at between $4000 to $7500 per tooth for an implant procedure. A dental implant could be a single tooth, all-on-4 implant, implant-supported denture, or implants for pensioners. We look at each type of implant and how much they cost.
Single Tooth Implants Cost
A single tooth dental implant is when one titanium screw is embedded into the jaw bone to support a single tooth. Typically a single tooth implant will cost between $3500 and $7500 which covers the implant, the abutment and the crown.
All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost
All-on-4 dental implants are ideal for cases where there are no or minimal teeth left. This implant is placed in the upper and lower jaw and is designed to provide a whole new set of teeth. All-on-4 implants typically contain an arch of 10 to 14 teeth that rest on 4 dental implants. Four titanium screws are anchored into the jaw to support the fixed dental prosthesis with up to 14 teeth. The cost of this type of dental implant is $20,000 to $30,000 per arch.
Implant-Supported Dentures Cost
For people who have lost all their teeth, implant-supported dentures are an excellent option. The dental implant is placed in the jawbone and the denture (the frame or plate holding the artificial teeth) is attached to that. This method uses 2 to 6 implants to anchor the denture provided you have sufficient jawbone to support the implants. The average cost of implant-supported dentures is $15,000 per denture.
Dental Implants for Pensioners
Dental implants can be a costly exercise that seem out of reach for those on a limited budget. These are a range of low-cost options to help pensioners in Australia looking to get dental implants.
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- Public Dental Services: Public dental services are usually located in public hospitals or community health centres and can provide discounted costs for dental care for pensioners. Local public dental health clinics are available in every state but there may be an extended wait time for dental care.
- Department of Veterans Affairs: The Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) has a dental program to cover its members. Any claims need to be verified through your dental clinic.
- Private Health Insurance: If you have private health insurance, the plan may include treatments relating to replacing missing teeth. Dental cover is usually an “extra” under private health insurance policies. This often falls under major dental which requires a 12 month waiting period, and will partially cover the costs of the procedure.
- Payment Plans: Many dental clinics offer payment plans that allow you to pay off your dental implants over a period of time. Hawthorn Road Family Dental offers Afterpay.
Factors That Impact Cost
The cost of dental implants can vary significantly with as much as $4000 difference per tooth. There are a number of factors that impact the cost. We look at each factor here to help you get an indication of how much your dental implants might cost you.
Number of implants
The number of teeth you need to replace will impact the cost of replacement. The more teeth, the more expensive it will be to replace them with dental implants. On average, one dental implant will cost between $3,500 and $7500. If you have multiple teeth missing, you might need an all-on-4 dental implant or an implant-supported denture which will increase the cost significantly, up to $30,000 each arch.
Type of implant
The type of implant can impact the overall cost. The main types of dental implants are endosteal implants placed directly into the jawbone and subperiosteal implants placed under the gum line but above the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are usually less expensive than endosteal implants. However, they can be more difficult to place because they require more surgery.
Location
Geographic location can also impact the cost of dental implants because the cost of living varies in different locations. Dental practices in metropolitan areas or holiday destinations often have higher fees for dental implant procedures due to their high overhead costs.
Dental Insurance
As a rule, basic healthcare insurance does not cover dental. To have dental insurance you will need to nominate it as an extra.
Materials
Dental implants can be made from various materials, including titanium, zirconium, and ceramic, each with varying cost. Titanium implants are the most common and the least expensive. They integrate well with the jawbone and have a high success rate. Zirconium is less likely to show through the gums but is more expensive than titanium. For those who want metal free, ceramic is a good option although it comes with the highest price tag.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
As dental implants offer a permanent solution for missing teeth, the procedure from start to finish will take about 6 months. The initial placement of the dental implant takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of implants. The implant needs to anchor to the bone before the abutment and crown can be added. On average this healing period can be 5 months but can vary between 3 and 8 months. The next stage is the fitting of the abutment which takes about 10 to 30 minutes. The permanent crown is then attached 2 to 6 weeks later when the abutment has healed.
Dental Implant Process Step-By-Step
The length of time a dental implant process can take may seem daunting. However, it is important to remember that dental implants are a permanent solution for one or more missing teeth. This step-by-step guide details the dental implant process to help you fully understand what is involved.
- Consultation and treatment planning: The first step of the dental implant process is a consultation with your dentist. The dentist will evaluate the condition of your gums and teeth, and take dental x-rays to make sure there is sufficient bone mass to sustain implants safely. If dental implant surgery is a viable option, the dentist will compile a treatment plan. This consultation will take about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Implant placement surgery: While this is the part most people dread, the implant surgery is a comfortable procedure that usually takes less than an hour. You will be sedated but awake while the dentist makes a gentle incision into the gum tissue to reveal the bone where the implant will be placed. Using special tools, the implant will be inserted into the bone and then the incision closed with stitches.
- Osseointegration: Once the implant is in place, a process called osseointegration begins. This is where the neighbouring bone tissue bonds with the implant, setting up a sturdy foundation for your new tooth. During this phase it is important to follow all post-surgical care instructions. These include using any prescribed antibiotics, continuing to brush and floss regularly, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes. This stage of healing is the longest part of the process, taking on average 5 months, but can be as little as 3 months.
- Fitting abutment and crown: After the implant is fully integrated into the bone, the abutment is fitted which takes about 10 to 30 minutes. This connects the replacement tooth with the implant. An abutment fitting is minor surgery that only needs a local anaesthetic. Once the abutment is in position, the gum tissue closes around it but does not cover it. The exact time between abutment and crown placement varies. Sometimes the crown is fitted at the same time. Other times, a temporary crown is placed over the abutment while the gum heals and the dentist waits a couple of weeks before the permanent crown is fitted.
- Aftercare: The dentist will give you strict aftercare instructions to aid the healing process so that you can enjoy your new teeth as soon as possible. You may need to avoid hard or sticky food for a while and follow a strict oral care program. Your dentist will schedule post-operative appointments to check the implants and advise you on what you should and shouldn’t be doing. After a few months, you will be able to eat your favourite foods and smile with confidence.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants, which are the titanium screws that fuse into the jawbone, are designed to last a lifetime, provided you see your dentist for regular care and cleaning. If the abutment is made of titanium, it will also last a lifetime. The crown, which is the visible tooth made of metal, resin or porcelain, is the least durable and will need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
While it is natural to worry about experiencing pain during dental implant surgery, most patients do not experience any discomfort. The procedure is usually completed under local anaesthesia to keep you pain-free all the way through. Many patients liken it to a tooth extraction.
Once the anaesthesia has worn off, any mild discomfort can be eased with over-the-counter pain medications. Any pain or swelling usually goes away within a few days.
Dental Implants vs Other Options
Dental implants are the best long-term solution for missing teeth. However, if dental implants are not for you, these are the other options to consider.
- Dental Bridges: These sets of prosthetic teeth are called dental bridges, and are anchored to the surrounding natural teeth. A dental bridge consists of crowns that fit over your natural teeth on either side of the space. Artificial teeth are connected to the crowns either side and bridge the gap. While they can be effective, they do require healthy adjacent teeth to support them.
- Partial Dentures: These are removable dentures that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. They’re often a more affordable option, but they may not provide the same level of stability and function as dental implants.
- Full Dentures: If you’re missing all of your teeth, full dentures may be the best option for you. These are removable appliances that replace all of your teeth and must be removed nightly for cleaning.
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime and bring back your smile, comfort and confidence within months. This modern and technologically advanced procedure can be performed by our dental team at Hawthorn Road Family Dental. Ask us about it today.
