Dental implants can help you feel better about yourself and give your mouth the support it needs. They are made from durable materials and will last several years with good care. In fact, most patients have them for their whole life!
So, how much do dental implants cost? If you’re wondering about this, then keep reading. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of tooth implants, including the various factors that affect their price.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are special artificial tooth roots used to provide support for a single missing tooth or multiple teeth. They can help prevent or stop jaw bone loss. The three main parts of tooth implants are the fixture, the abutment, and the prosthesis.
Fixture
The implant, known as the fixture, is a small screw placed under the gums. The most common material for the implant fixture is titanium due to its biocompatibility with the human body.
Abutment
To attach the false tooth to the fixture, an extender (abutment) must be placed because the fixture lies entirely under the gumline. The abutment is a short screw usually located at or slightly above the gum line to support the tooth replacement.
Prosthesis
The false tooth placed on top of a tooth implant is called a prosthesis. It can be made from ceramic, porcelain, or other materials and can either be screwed or cemented into place.
Types of dental implants
The two most common types of tooth implants are endosteal and subperiosteal.
Endosteal implants
The most common type of tooth implant is the endosteal implant, which is placed into your jawbone. It is used for patients who have lost one or more teeth.
Subperiosteal implants
The second type of tooth implant is the subperiosteal implant, which is placed above your jawbone. It is used for patients who have lost all their teeth.
Factors influencing the cost of dental implants
The price of dental implants is difficult to estimate because each treatment plan is unique. The total amount you’ll pay will be based on your specific needs, which your dentist will discuss during your initial consultation. Some of the factors that can affect pricing are:
1. Qualifications and experience
The more skilled and experienced the surgeon is, the higher the fee.
2. Number of teeth being treated
It generally costs less to replace a single tooth than several. If you are missing a complete arch or multiple teeth, you don’t need to worry about replacing each tooth individually. Instead, a denture or bridge will be supported by a particular number of posts. The larger the restoration required, the more costly it becomes.
3. Number and type of implants
Titanium is the most commonly used material because it is affordable and compatible with human tissue; however, ceramic posts can also be created. The type of material you opt for will impact the price, including how many posts are required to rebuild your smile.
4. Additional procedures
Before dental implant surgery can occur, some patients may require additional procedures, such as bone grafting, tooth extractions, or periodontal therapy. If this is something you’re facing, then you will have to pay for dental implants and the fees for the additional procedures.
5. Scans
Before your dentist can place dental implants, they will need to scan your mouth and jaw. This helps them determine if any complications could potentially arise during the tooth implant placement procedure. CT scans and X-rays give your dentist a clear idea of the density of your jawbone so that they know if it is strong enough to support implants.
What happens during a dental implant procedure?
Dental implant procedures generally follow these steps and take 3 to 9 months.
Evaluation
Before beginning the dental implant process, you will need to get your gums and teeth examined along with your jawbone. A significant part of this initial examination is determining if you have sufficient strong jawbone tissue for the implant.
If your jawbone is inadequate, a bone graft or another procedure may be recommended before starting the dental implant. In addition, your gums should be free from gum or periodontal disease.
The exact procedure will differ based on how many teeth you want to replace.
Dental implant surgery is an outpatient procedure, that can be done under general anaesthesia, IV sedation, or local anaesthesia.
Your dentist will let you know before the treatment which type of anaesthesia you’ll need.
Placing the dental implant
If you have an endosteal implant:
- Your dentist will make a cut in your gums to expose the jawbone underneath.
- After an incision, your dentist will drill the holes into your bone to make room for the implant post.
A removable, temporary denture can be placed over the hole for cosmetic purposes until the permanent tooth can be fixed to the dental implant. If you are getting a subperiosteal implant, your jawbone won’t be drilled, and the implant post will lie above or on the bone.
Osseointegration
The tooth implant will take a couple of months to a half year before there is sufficient new bone growth around the screw. This process is called osseointegration, which means “joining with the bone.” The natural jaw bone will grow and strengthen around the implant during this process. This keeps the dental implant firmly in place so that it can serve as the artificial tooth’s root.
Abutment placement
Abutments can either be placed during the initial implant surgery (1-stage) or later in a second surgery (2-stage). A small incision is first made in the gum tissue if you have a 2-stage surgery to place abutments. A healing cap is often temporarily secured to the tooth implant. The second surgery entails removing the healing cap, attaching the abutment to the dental implant, and allowing the gum tissue to shape around it. After the dentist places the abutment, it will take several weeks for your gums to heal.
Placing the new tooth
After the healing of your gums, your dentist will imprint your teeth so they can create a permanent replacement tooth or teeth. These new ones can be removable or fixed in place. A removable tooth is mounted onto a metal frame and attached to the abutment. You can remove this type of tooth from your mouth for daily cleaning.
If you go with the fixed tooth option, it will be attached to the abutment using cement or screws. After the procedure, inform your dentist of any discomfort or if you experience an uneven bite, swelling, bleeding, or intense pain.
After you get your new teeth, taking care of them by daily flossing and brushing them is essential.
Also, there’s no need for unique cleaning materials; regular mouthwash and toothpaste will suffice.
In other words, treat your new teeth the same way that you would natural ones.
How much do dental implants cost?
In Australia, a single dental implant can start from $3,000. The cost of tooth implants can range from affordable to expensive based on many factors, such as the number of teeth being replaced, if a bone graft is required, and whether a sinus lift is necessary. If additional procedures are needed, such as a bone graft or sinus lift, this can top the price up by approximately $6,000.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Here are some of the benefits of dental implants.
Dental implants can help prevent gum disease
Not only is having a missing tooth unsightly, but it can also cause more health issues. A gap in your teeth acts as a trap for bacteria and food and can cause gum disease.
Dental implants keep neighbouring teeth stable
A missing tooth can cause adjacent teeth to shift towards the space, affecting your bite, smile, and chew. In addition, it might make getting implants more difficult in the future.
Dental implants act like natural teeth
Out of all the advantages a tooth implant offers, one of the best is that it gives you back your full chewing power. Most patients can’t tell which tooth is the implant and which are their natural teeth. They can eat, brush/floss just as they did before getting tooth implants!
Dental implants can last a lifetime
Bridges have a lifetime of around ten years, but tooth implants can last forever. The implant is made from titanium and fuses with your jawbone. It’s also bio-compatible, so your body won’t reject it. All in all, it makes for a much stronger replacement tooth.
Dental implants can prevent premature ageing and facial sagging
One effect of bone loss from missing teeth is facial sagging, which is when the lower third of the face begins to collapse and slowly brings the nose closer to the chin. Changes can include a more pointed chin, thinning lips, and increased wrinkles around the mouth, making the patient look much older than their actual age.
What are the signs someone is a candidate for tooth implants?
- Being a non-smoker or quitting smoking
- Good oral hygiene regimen or teeth habits
- Strong jawbone to support the dental implant effectively
- Teeth and gums in good health
- Having patience with the dental implant process that can take up to one year from start to finish
Are tooth implants covered by insurance?
Tooth implants are considered a cosmetic procedure and are not typically covered by insurance. However, some insurance plans may cover part of the cost if the implant is being used to support a prosthetic device. Patients should consult with their dental insurance provider to determine coverage. My Local Dentists offer financing options to make the procedure more affordable. You should speak with our dentist to see if this is an option for you.
Renew your smile with dental implants
If you need to know if dental implants are the right tooth restoration option for you, our team at My Local Dentists can help. Everyone deserves a lovely smile, and we want to help you get it! Not only will we give you high-quality service, but we’ll also offer you affordable payment plans to get your treatment when you need it most.
Contact us now to book an appointment. The team at My Local Dentists is looking forward to meeting 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.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants
Dental Implant Guide: Costs, Process, Risks & More
https://www.smile.com.au/dental-treatments/implants
Everything to Know About a Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-procedure
What to know about dental implants
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327515