Dental implant costs vary on factors such as the number of teeth up for replacement and the need for a bone graft. The National Dental Fee Survey in Australia stipulates dental implant costs at $5514 per tooth.
The stipulated cost is subject to change as several factors could lead to a rise in price. Most times, the addition of a sinus lift takes the cost up to $11500.
Are you interested in understanding dental implants and their costs? Then, keep reading.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
You might need a dental implant if you have lost one or more teeth. Dental implants are a popular way to replace missing teeth. They are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a replacement tooth root.
Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth because they look and feel like natural teeth and provide a permanent solution for tooth loss.
Dental implants are necessary because they provide a permanent solution for missing teeth. Traditional options such as dentures and bridges can be uncomfortable and unreliable, while also damaging the surrounding teeth.
Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone and fuse with the bone over time, creating a stable foundation for a replacement tooth.
They also preserve the bone in the jaw, which can prevent further tooth loss and preserve facial structure. Additionally, dental implants can improve speaking and chewing abilities and can enhance one’s overall self-confidence.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Dental Implants
When considering dental implants, the cost is often a major factor.
1. Number of Implants
The more implants you need, the more expensive the procedure will be. Naturally, using a single implant to replace a single missing tooth will be less expensive than using many implants to replace an entire row of missing teeth.
2. Type of Implant
There are different types of dental implants, each with its own cost. Standard dental implants are the most common and affordable option, while mini dental implants and all-on-four dental implants are more expensive.
3. Location
The cost of dental implants varies depending on where you live. In general, dental implants tend to be more expensive in urban areas compared to rural areas.
4. Additional Procedures
The cost of dental implants can also be affected by any additional procedures that may be required, such as bone grafting or sinus lifts.
5. Dental Insurance
Dental insurance plans vary widely in terms of what they cover. Some plans may cover a portion of the cost of dental implants, while others may not cover them at all.
6. Materials
Titanium is the most common material used in dental implants. However, some dentists use zirconium as an alternative because of how easily it blends with natural teeth.
Types of Dental Implants and Their Costs
There are three types of implants.
Single Dental Implants
Single dental implants are used when a person has one missing tooth. They can also be used to replace more than one missing tooth. But in this case, it’s called multiple dental implants (or “MDA”).
All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants are helpful in cases where there are minimal or no teeth left. This type of implant is placed in the upper and lower jaw, which serve as anchors for a fixed bridge. All-on-4 restores the upper or lower arches or even both.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are an excellent option for people who have lost all of their teeth. The implant gets placed in the jawbone, and then the denture is attached.
The implant can be from any material that resists decay or bacteria growth: metal, titanium, zirconium, or other materials with similar properties.
Comparison Of The Average Cost Of Each Type Of Implant in Australia
A single dental implant Melbourne cost can reach an average of $4,500. But an all-on-4 dental implant for either the upper or lower jaw can cost as much as $20,000.
On average, implant-supported snap-on dentures cost $15,000. The cost relies on factors such as the difficulty of the process, and the location of the dentist’s office.
Payment Plans and Insurance for Dental Implants
Dental implant treatment can be a costly procedure, but there are several payment options available to help make it more affordable.
1. Financing Plans
Many dental offices offer in-house financing plans that allow patients to pay for their treatment over time, often with low or no interest rates.
Patients can also explore financing options through third-party companies, such as CareCredit or LendingClub.
2. Dental Insurance
Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of the treatment. Patients should check with their insurance provider to see what their plan covers and if there are any out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Discount Dental Plans
Discount dental plans are not insurance, but rather a membership program that offers reduced rates on dental treatment procedures.
These plans can be a cost-effective option for patients without dental insurance or who have a plan with limited coverage.
4. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Patients can use funds from their Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to pay for dental implant treatment. It’s important to check with your FSA/HSA administrator to see what expenses your plan covers.
5. Out of Pocket
Most patients pay for their dental implant treatment by themselves. This may be the best option for patients who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover the procedure.
How To Save On The Cost Of Dental Implants
Although dental implants are expensive, you can save up costs for the treatment.
1. Use A Budget- Friendly Dentist
Go for a dental health specialist who can perform dental implants at a reasonable price.
2. Use Your Insurance
Insurance is the most well-known method of lowering medical expenses. Dental insurance policies have stringent restrictions despite their popularity. It is a matter of proving that implants are necessary in your case and that there is no other cheaper option.
3. Join a Savings Plan
Dental discount programs are additions to insurance coverage. Members must pay a yearly or monthly fee.
There are more than 100,000 dentists enrolled; all you need to do is find one nearby. Then you can get a discount of 10% to 60% on any dental work you want or desire.
4. Use Tax Deductions
You can use your FSA or HSA to finance dental implants.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Advantages of dental implants over other forms of tooth replacement
1. They Look Natural
Dental implants blend in with the rest of your mouth and look like natural teeth on the inside, so they may be an excellent choice if you have concerns about how your replacement teeth will look or feel.
Unlike other types of prosthetics (such as bridges or dentures); dental implants don’t require any external support structures. Your new tooth will be implanted directly into bone tissue, which means there is no need for wires or screws as part of this process.
Just one simple procedure involving some local anaesthesia and no general anaesthesia required!
2. Dental Implants are Strength and Stability
Dental implants are made of titanium, a strong metal that can withstand the forces of chewing. Dental implants are ideal for people who have lost their teeth due to tooth decay or trauma.
In contrast, other forms of dental replacement rely on anchoring teeth to either an existing tooth or another part of your mouth (such as a bridge).
This method has limited range and effectiveness; if anything happens to one of these anchors, you will need another one installed before being able to chew again!
Dental implants are anchored directly into your jawbone at the point where two jaws meet—they’re not held in place by existing roots from teeth like other types of prosthetic replacements would be.
3. Implants are Easy to Care for Than Other Methods
The procedure is more affordable than other options, and you only need to brush and floss once a day. You don’t need to worry about other dental hygiene issues, like plaque buildup or gum disease.
You can eat anything you want, but still, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily—once in the morning and again before bedtime—and flossing after each meal.
Other Benefits:
- Implants can last a lifetime with proper care
- Implants can help maintain the shape of your face and prevent bone loss in your jaw
Are Dental Implants Painful?
A simple dental implant has a low pain level, meaning over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil will take care of any discomfort you experience.
Low dental implant pain level also occurs for a patient with good bones who does not require several soft tissue surgery.
Dental Implant patients often experience discomfort from the soft tissue manipulation during the procedure, not from the hole produced in the bone or the insertion of the implant. It is important to discuss the steps you can do if you experience any discomfort after the procedure and during the dental implant recovery period.
Tips on Managing Dental Implants pains
- After a dental implant, use over-the-counter pain relievers for temporary relief from soreness and discomfort.
- Use an ice pack on the injured region to minimise swelling and relieve pain.
- To recuperate, get plenty of rest, and while your jaw is still hurting, try to avoid moving it too much.
- At least a couple of times a day, brush and floss. Ask your dentist if you should initially forgo brushing and flossing the afflicted region.
- Rinse with warm salt water to ease discomfort and eliminate bacteria to reduce infection risk.
- Observe any directions for aftercare that your dentist provides you with.
Conclusion
It’s important to keep in mind that while cost is an important consideration, it shouldn’t be the only factor when deciding on dental implants. It’s essential to consider the long-term benefits of dental implants and the impact they can have on your overall oral health and quality of life.
Consult a dental surgeon to get a personalised estimate of the dental implant treatment cost.
Don’t worry about the cost of dental implants in Australia. At Glenferrie Dental clinic, you can get excellent dental implant treatment at an affordable cost. We are dedicated to ensuring all our patients get quality dental treatment without spending so much money.