Missing teeth can have a major impact on your overall confidence and self-esteem, as well as your ability to eat the foods you love. If you want a permanent solution to replace missing teeth, dental implants are worth considering. But why are implants so costly in Australia? And how much does a tooth implant cost?
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are dental treatments designed to replace missing teeth or dental solutions. Dental implant procedures can differ depending on the individual’s dental needs and the complexity of the dental issue. By performing a full oral assessment, the dentist will determine if dental implants are the best solution for each patient’s situation. A dental implant is a titanium screw inserted in the jawbone, which acts as a replacement for a missing tooth. Implants can be used to provide aesthetic improvement, better chewing ability, and improved oral overall health by stopping further jawbone erosion from occurring at that site due to missing teeth. Dental implants are highly recommended for patients suffering from missing teeth, as it restores their smile, functionality, and comfort in one single treatment.
Dental Implant Procedure
Step 1: Consultation and Planning
The first step in the dental implant procedure is a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will take X-rays and examine your mouth to assess the condition of your teeth and gums. They will also determine whether dental implants are a viable option for you. If they decide that you are an appropriate candidate, then they will create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you and your needs.
Step 2: Placement of Implants
Once the planning phase is complete, it’s time for the actual placement of the implants themselves. During this step, small titanium posts are surgically inserted into your jawbone, where your missing teeth used to be. The posts act as anchors for the new artificial teeth that will be placed later on in the procedure. It’s important to note that this step may involve two separate surgeries depending on how many implants need to be placed.
Step 3: Healing Process
After the implants have been placed, it’s important to give them time to heal properly before moving on to the next step of the procedure.
Generally speaking, it takes about three months for bone and tissue to grow around and secure each implant in place; however, this period may vary depending on individual factors like age and overall health.
During this time, temporary dentures can be worn in order to restore functionality while still allowing enough time for healing to occur naturally without disruption or interference from outside sources, such as denture adhesives or chewing gum.
Be sure not to rush this stage—it’s very important for proper healing!
Step 4: Attaching Abutment and Artificial Teeth
When all of the healing is complete, it’s finally time to attach abutments (connectors) and artificial teeth (dentures). Your dentist will attach abutments onto each implant post in order to securely hold your dentures in place when they are inserted later on during this step of the procedure. Then they will take impressions of your mouth so that custom-made dentures can be created just for you! Once these impressions have been taken and sent off, you won’t have long until you get fitted with brand-new artificial teeth at last!
Why Are Dental Implants So Expensive in Australia?
The cost of dental implants can differ substantially depending on factors, including the type and number of implants needed, the material used for the implant, and the experience level of your dentist.
The Type and Number of Implants Needed
The type and number of implants required will have an impact on the overall cost. An implant-supported bridge may require two or more implants to support it, while a single crown may only require one implant. Generally speaking, the more implants you need, the higher the cost will be.
Material Used for Implant
The material used for your implant will also affect its cost. Titanium is generally considered to be the best material for dental implants due to its durability and strength. However, other materials, such as zirconia or ceramic, can also be used, but they tend to be more expensive than titanium. Your dentist will help you decide which material is best for your needs and budget.
Additional Procedures
Ultimately, you may need to invest in an additional procedure like a bone graft before receiving your implant, which could contribute to the ultimate cost. Bone grafting is used when the extra bone matter is necessary for the successful placement of the implant and provides an effective foundation for it.
Experience Level of Dentist
The experience level of your dentist can also have an impact on the cost of your dental implant surgery.
Generally speaking, dentists who are experienced in dental implant procedures tend to charge more than those who don’t have experience in this area.
It is important to find a qualified dentist with experience in this field so that you get quality care and results at an affordable price.
Dental Implants Cost
Dental implants can be expensive, especially for people in need of multiple teeth replacement. After all, the dental implant procedure itself requires expensive materials, complex technology, and skilled experts who have the knowledge and experience to complete the implantation process successfully. However, for many people, it is worth it since a dental implant can offer long-lasting stability and strength that other tooth replacement options simply cannot provide. There are also quite a few options to consider when it comes to financing your dental implants, from insurance coverage to payment plans and financing opportunities. Ultimately, your dental health should always come first — so exploring all of your options carefully can help you find a way to get expensive dental implants.
Why Are Dental Implants Worth the Initial Investment?
Durability & Strength
One of the most attractive features of dental implants is their durability and strength. When properly cared for, implants can last a lifetime — much longer than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, which typically need to be replaced every 5-7 years. Additionally, because they are firmly rooted in place like natural teeth, they provide greater chewing power and stability than other options.
Improved Oral Health
Unlike dentures or bridges that depend on adjacent teeth for support, dental implants do not require any additional support from other teeth. This means that adjacent teeth don’t need to be altered or damaged in order to place the implant — helping to preserve your overall oral health. Moreover, because they don’t require any special cleaning solutions or adhesives like dentures do, it’s easy to maintain good dental hygiene with dental implants.
Natural Appearance & Feel
Another major benefit of dental implants is their natural appearance and feel — thanks to the fact that the implant itself is made of titanium and is designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth and gums. With proper care, dental implants can help restore your smile so that it looks and feels just like your own natural teeth!
Convenience & Comfort
Unlike traditional dentures that need to be removed and cleaned daily, dental implants are permanently affixed in place — meaning no special cleaning solutions or adhesives are required for upkeep! Likewise, because they’re securely rooted in place like natural teeth, you won’t experience discomfort when eating or speaking like you would with dentures or bridges.
Cost-Effective Solution
Although the initial cost of installing a dental implant may seem expensive upfront at first glance – especially when compared to more traditional natural tooth replacement options, such as dentures, it’s important to note that this cost can actually save you money over time due to their long life span.
Additionally, many insurance companies cover some costs associated with dental implants as well!
Boosted Self-Esteem & Confidence
Investing in dental implants not only restores your smile to its natural beauty but also boosts your self-esteem and confidence. No more worrying about damaged or missing teeth; instead, you can beam proudly with a new healthy grin!
Get Your Perfect Smile With Dental Implants From My Local Dentists!
At My Local Dentists, we provide a comprehensive range of dental implant services to help restore your smile. Experienced in this type of procedure, our dentists can craft a custom-made treatment plan that not only meets but exceeds all your expectations. At our five dental practices, we believe that everyone deserves to have the beautiful, healthy smile they desire – and our team is here to help make that possible. Contact us today to book your consultation and get started on the path towards a beautiful, confident smile. We look forward to helping you!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental Implants
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470448/#article-34141.s1
Dental Health and Dentures
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-dentures