For the majority of individuals, dental implants are a superior choice for replacing broken, missing or damaged teeth. They provide excellent functionality as well as great aesthetics. However, the one factor that makes people reconsider this option is its price.
Implants are known to be a more expensive alternative when it comes to replacing missing natural teeth. However, not all dental implants are equally costly. Here is a breakdown of the cost of dental implants so you have a better idea.
Why Do Dental Implants Cost As Much as They Do?
One of the most frequently asked questions is why dental implants cost as much as they do. In simplest words, these implants require more expensive raw materials for their products and involve extensive procedures for their placement. These factors combined lead to their high prices.
Another way to look at it is to compare tooth implants to a customized car, one that is made only for you. What you pay for is not just the car alone but all the services, technology and expertise that go into manufacturing and delivering the product to you. Therefore, when contemplating the cost of dental implants, one must think not only of the implant itself but the amount of skill and technology needed to place the implant in the jaw successfully.
Factors Affecting Cost of Dental Implants
There are several components involved that decide the total cost of the dental implant treatment you receive. Some of them are as follows.
Number of Implants
The more dental implants you need, the pricier your overall procedure will be. Opting for a dental procedure where fewer implants are needed can help you save money. This includes getting two implants with a dental bridge on them instead of many dental implants with dental crowns on each.
Type of Implant
There are titanium and ceramic dental implants available on the market. However, a titanium implant costs a lot less than a ceramic one. Therefore, the type of implant that you decide to go with can affect the overall cost.
Procedures Required Before Dental Implant Placement
You may have to undergo a few procedures before the tooth implant can be installed. These may be simple procedures like a tooth extraction or root canal treatments of natural teeth that do not cost much and may also be covered by dental insurance. However, you may have to pay considerably more for more complex treatments like bone grafting or bone augmentation for bone loss. A bone grafting procedure alone can cost you around $2,500 to $3,000.
Type and Number of Replacement Teeth
Dental Implants – Investment Vs Expense
At first glance, a dental implant might appear astronomically pricey compared to traditional tooth replacement treatments. Despite this, dentures and bridges – the two alternative solutions – can cost you more since they have to be replaced or repaired every five to 10 years. Over time, the expenses associated with regular maintenance may exceed those of opting for implants, which can be a long-term solution.
But that’s not all. Dental implant treatment does a lot more than replace the missing teeth. It supports your jaw bone and prevents it from deteriorating over time. Other dental prostheses cannot do the same. Therefore, opting for dental implants will provide you with much more than you expect and serve as an investment rather than an expense.
Average Cost Of Dental Implants
When inquired, dental implant costs are usually given a vast range. This is because the dental implant procedure can vary significantly from one person to the next. The following are the factors that contribute to the cost of the whole process:
- Detailed examinations and imaging
- Installation of the dental implant or implants
- Abutment placement
- Fabrication of dental crown or bridge
- Placement of the crown or bridge
While these are the steps that everyone getting a dental implant treatment goes through, the price may vary for each, depending upon the dental practice that you visit. For example, some practitioners ask for a CT scan before dental implant surgery. The charges of the scan alone can add around $300-400 to your total cost.
On average, the cost of a single dental implant can cost you around $2,500 to $3,000. However, if a full mouth of implants is considered, you can expect the cost to be about $20,000 to $50,000.
The inability to assign a standard for dental implant costs is because, unlike single services like fillings, implant costs depend on the type and intricacy of each procedure. Ultimately, the total cost will be affected by factors such as if a CT scan is performed during the initial examination or whether a sinus lift and bone graft procedure of any type are required.
Apart from the type of implant chosen, your dentist’s geographic location can also impact pricing – typically, metropolitan areas will be more costly. Therefore, for a more accurate estimate, it is ideal visiting your dentist and to ask them to give you a precise figure.
Single Dental Implant Cost
A dental implant itself is just the metal or ceramic part that goes into your jaw. Therefore, when you consider the cost of dental implants, you add the cost of the crown or bridge attached to them and the number of other procedures that must be performed.
In Australia, the average cost of a single implant is $5,563, while the range is from A$3,000 to $6,500, as per the national dental fee survey, including different parts of the implant and the cost of the standard procedures involved.
Multiple Implants Cost
If you require more than one tooth to be replaced, and those teeth are adjacent, then you have a wide selection of implant options available that can fit different budgets.
Say you’re missing three or four teeth in a row; getting two dental implants may be an effective and cost-saving option to keep your bridge secure. It is, therefore, a more pocket-friendly option to get a bridge that rests on two implants rather than getting individual tooth implants for each missing unit.
In this case, you can expect to pay around $6,000 to $9,000 for two implants rather than double the amount for four.
Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost
Similarly, with the various techniques of full-mouth tooth replacement, you’ll find a variety of costs available.
An economical alternative to this dental treatment is implant-supported dentures, where two sets of artificial teeth replace the natural upper and lower ones (following any remaining real teeth taken out), similar to traditional non-implant-supported dentures. Each arch is secured to four-to-six implants for both the upper and lower jaw; an option trademarked as All-on-4. Given the need for fewer implants, you can save a lot since implant-supported bridge costs will add up to around $15,000 to $30,000.
Additional Costs For Dental Implant Procedure
Ensure that you and your dentist chat about payment options so that you can be well-informed of the total cost. It’s uncommon for dentists to leave out any extra charges. Often they will present a full breakdown of all minor and major dental procedures before commencing with treatments.
The additional expenses you might have would include those for different surgical procedures like a sinus lift or a bone graft. You might also need to undergo some tooth extractions, which, along with medication, may add to the overall cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Although dental insurance providers have previously classified implants as “elective,” meaning they excluded coverage for associated costs, that is no longer the case. As time goes on, the amount of coverage and payment from insurers for dental treatments are increasing annually. Therefore, more people can now access this life-changing service with ease.
Dental insurance can often only cover a limited percentage of the total cost of implants, which may differ from procedure to procedure. Furthermore, some dental plans cap reimbursement by either calendar year or even lifetime limits depending on the type of treatment received.
With dental insurance, you can now access reimbursements of up to $1,500 per year for each implant, depending upon your insurance company and plan. In cases where your work lasts across two consecutive years, it is possible that reimbursement could be obtained for both years.
Before you embark on the process, consult with your private health insurance provider or administrator to understand which costs are covered and for what amount fully. Make sure to mention the extra procedures that you have to undergo, if any, to see if they are covered too.
Are Dental Implants Worth The Cost?
Dental implants are often seen as an ideal choice to replace missing teeth, but the cost can be prohibitive. Fortunately, dental technology has significantly improved in recent years, and dental implant cost has become more affordable. However, the questions a lot of individuals still ask if these dental prostheses are worth the cost. The answer? Dental implants are worth it in the long term despite their initial expense.
While dental implants cost more upfront than other dental procedures, they last longer and have outstanding durability. When properly maintained with good dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups, dental implants can last up to 20 years or even longer, proving that their longevity is unmatched. Additionally, they provide a natural look and feel, helping to boost confidence. Ultimately dental implants are an ideal solution for those seeking quality tooth replacements that offer both health and aesthetic care for an affordable price.
Investing in replacing missing teeth with dental implants is a wise decision since it can impact your health and self-confidence for many years. No matter what, this choice stands to benefit you significantly!
Final Word
When it comes to your teeth, you want to invest in something that will last. Dental implants offer many advantages over other tooth replacement options. They are a longer-lasting solution compared to crowns and bridges, but they also restore function, promote bone health, and boost confidence. All of these factors make dental implants an investment worth considering. Contact us at Balmoral Dental Centre on (07) 3113 9789 today if you are interested in learning more about dental implants or getting started with treatment. Our team would be happy to answer any of your questions and help get you on the road to a brighter smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
https://www.forbes.com/health/body/how-much-dental-implants-cost/
Dental Implants Cost and Candidacy
https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/implant-procedures/#
What Should Dental Implants Cost in 2023
https://dentalhealthsociety.com/implants/what-should-dental-implants-cost-in-2023/