When it comes to dental implant cost, there’s no getting away from the fact that prices are high compared to other forms of missing teeth replacement. But have you ever wondered why you pay what you pay? In this post, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of dental implants cost and talk about the factors influencing the prices charged.
But firstly, I guess when we talk about dental implants cost, we really need to mention the price. So let’s get it out of the way. Anyone looking to undergo dental implant treatment should expect to pay anywhere between $3,000 and $5,500 per tooth. If you require additional treatments (more about this later), dental implant costs can set you back up to $11,500. That’s a lot of money in anyone’s book and is the primary reason why people think twice before committing to dental implant treatment.
That said, it isn’t all doom and gloom because a proportion of the cost of dental implants can be offset against medical cover. Alternatively, many dentists provide flexible payment plans allowing patients to spread the cost of dental implant treatment over a number of weeks or months, making it a viable option for most people.
So, now you know what dental implants cost and what you can do to mitigate the high fees, let’s look at the key factors that affect the price of dental implant treatment.
Factor #1 – The material
When you look at a dental implant close up, it doesn’t look like much. But it is, in fact, a highly engineered piece of kit. The implant is usually made from titanium (although other materials like zirconia are also used). Titanium doesn’t come cheap. It’s lightweight yet incredibly strong and has biocompatible properties. In other words, it’s one of the few materials (along with zirconia) that attract bone and is an essential factor in the success of dental implant treatment.
Factor #2 – The process
There’s a good reason why we cannot quote a one-size-fits-all price regarding dental implants cost, and that’s because prices vary from patient to patient depending upon their need and case complexity.
One dental implant treatment, for example, maybe a straightforward tooth-for-implant replacement. Alternatively, another patient may need additional treatments such as a bone graft or a sinus lift before dental implant treatment. Naturally, the latter scenarios will bump up any dental implants cost.
Factor #3 – The clinician
Dental implant cost can also be affected by the person performing the surgery. If you are undergoing dental implant treatment with a specialist prosthodontist or oral surgeon, they can command top dollar prices because they are experts in their field.
On the contrary, general dentists who have undergone implant training can also place implant-based restorations, but they may charge less because they don’t specialise in this field. Typically, research suggests that specialists charge around 20% – 30% more per hour.
As a top tip – look for anyone offering a free dental consultation near you to find out how much your dental implants will cost.
Factor #4 – The brand
Here’s the thing, not all dental implants are created equal, and brand type also has a big part to play in the cost of dental implant treatment. For example, brands like Straumann and Nobel Biocare have been around for years. They are backed by millions of dollars invested in clinical research and are the world leaders in terms of technology. They are considered the best of the best, which comes at a price. Other lesser brands may not cost as much initially but are not as proven as the former. What you pay is what you get! Click here to get more information.
Factor #5 – The location
Believe it or not, the location of your chosen dentist can also influence dental implants cost.
But how so?
Dentists based in city-centre clinics may need to spend more on overheads such as wages, clinic rental, and utilities than a dentist in an out-of-town suburb. Naturally, the dentist situated in a prime Sydney location may have to pass any dental implant cost on to patients requiring dental implant treatment.
As a top tip, look for a dentist that offers a free consultation. This way, you can ascertain an overall dental implants cost without spending any money.
So there you have it—everything you need to know about dental implant cost and what influences the price.
If you consider dental implant treatment as a tooth replacement option, we advise you to visit My Local Dentists. We have five state-of-the-art dental clinics located in and around the inner Sydney suburbs. Why not get a free consultation at your local dental clinic to obtain a better idea of dental implants costs specific to your case.
References
Smile.Com – How Much Does A Dental Implant Cost
https://www.smile.com.au/dental-treatments/implants
How is the Biocompatibility of Dental Biomaterials Evaluated
https://scielo.isciii.es/pdf/medicorpa/v12n3/17.pdf
McGill – Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Techniques
https://www.mcgill.ca/omfs/patient-info/bone-graftsinus-lifts
DentalBoutique.com – Benchmarking Dental Fees In Australia
https://dentalboutique.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Benchmarking-Dental-Fees-Survey-average-fee-for-dental-service-Australia.pdf