Dental implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement technology. However, dental implants cost more initially than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, which can make patients reluctant to choose dental implants to restore the gaps in their smile.
However, a dental implant procedure is a permanent solution for missing teeth and can prevent numerous oral health issues like tooth misalignment, bone resorption, and decay. Dental implants are made to last a lifetime with proper care, while dentures and bridges need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years.
In addition, tooth implants help preserve bone in the jaw and prevent gum loss. For these reasons, many people feel that tooth implants are worth the investment in the long run.
When considering dental implants, it is essential to consider the factors contributing to the tooth implant cost to help you decide if the procedure is suitable for restoring your smile.
Factors That Affect the Tooth Implant Cost
Scanning and Diagnostic Testing
Scanning and diagnostic testing help ensure that the implant site is healthy and suitable for surgery. It can help to reduce the risk of complications during or after dental implant surgery.
A standard tooth implant procedure usually involves X-rays and a CT scan, which can add significant costs to the overall price tag. However, in some cases, an MRI may also be necessary. This is typically only the case when there is concern about potential damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels. An MRI scan adds to the overall tooth implant cost.
Number of Implants
Dental implant cost depends on how many teeth are missing. If you have one tooth, you’ll only need a single-tooth implant. However, if you are missing the teeth in an entire dental arch or several consecutive missing teeth, you may need a full mouth restoration, which increases the dental implant cost significantly.
You can reduce the cost of restoring a complete dental arch by choosing All-on-4 implants. All-on-4 implants only use four metal posts to secure an artificial bridge of teeth.
The implant posts are surgically placed at an angle in strategic areas of your mouth. This makes them suitable for patients with low jawbone density and often reduces the need for additional grafting surgeries, making All-on-4 implants a more affordable option for full mouth restoration.
The term “all-on-4” describes a treatment modality where essentially a denture fused with titanium bar is immediately loaded onto the implants after surgery. This is a trademark to the Nobel Biocare implant system. Although at Balmoral Dental Centre we can provide exactly the same service, as the term is a trademark, we can’t call it that.
Additional Surgeries
Another significant factor affecting the dental implant cost is requiring additional surgeries such as a bone graft, sinus lift, or tooth extraction. A bone graft is needed when there isn’t enough jawbone density to hold the dental implant in place. This can happen if you’ve been missing a tooth for an extended period, as the bone will start to degrade without the tooth in place.
A tooth extraction is another potential addition to the dental implant cost. If your tooth has not already fallen out or if you have several severely decayed teeth, you need to have them removed before the implant can be placed.
You’ll need periodontal therapy to address the issue if you have active gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Dental implants require healthy gum tissue to help anchor the abutment and restoration in place. Your dentist may prescribe scaling, root planing, gum flap surrey, or a gum graft to repair gum tissue damaged by disease.
These additional surgeries increase the overall cost of dental implants.
Implant Materials
A few different implant materials can be used in dental implants, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s crucial to weigh the cost against the benefits of the different materials because the material significantly impacts the total dental implants cost.
Metal implants, such as titanium, are often the most expensive option. However, they’re also the most durable and have the lowest risk of rejection by the body. Ceramic implants are more affordable, but they’re not as strong as metal implants, and there’s a greater chance of rejection or damage.
Does Medicare Cover the Dental Implant Cost?
Dental implants are usually considered to be a cosmetic procedure. As a result, most dental insurance plans in Australia do not cover dental implants cost. Medicare, Australia’s public health insurance program, is no exception.
There are a few cases in which Medicare may cover the tooth implant cost, but these are usually when the implants are needed for medical rather than aesthetic reasons. If your oral health is impacting your overall health, you would need a referral from your GP under a GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangement.
However, some state-based programs provide vouchers that can be applied towards the cost of implants for certain concession card holders. So, checking with your state government to see if you are eligible for assistance before undergoing dental implant surgery is advisable.
Can I Use My Private Health Insurance to Pay for the Tooth Implant Cost?
If your dentist is partnered with a Preferred Provider Organization, you may be able to use your insurance to pay for part of the tooth implant cost. DPPO plans often cover dental implants, but some restrictions may exist. For example, your plan may only cover implants considered medically necessary.
You may have coverage for dental implants that are part of your Extras Coverage. Dental implants are considered Major Dental, so if you have Extra Coverage as part of your plan, you may be eligible to claim full or partial payment.
Always check with your insurance providers before scheduling dental implant surgery to determine your coverage level.
How Can I Finance the Dental Implant Cost?
At Balmoral Dental, we understand that tooth implant cost can be a barrier to getting the dental care you need. That’s why we offer various financing options to make dental implant procedures more affordable.
One option is TLC, which offers payment plans from $2,000 to $50,000. This can cover all dental, surgical, material, and travel expenses associated with your dental implant procedure. And because TLC manages the whole process, you won’t have to worry about additional stress. TLC also offers flexible repayment options and quick approvals so you can get started on your dental implant procedure sooner.
Below are some indicative payment plans available with terms and conditions as applicable:
- $2,000 (36 months) = $20 per week
- $2,500 (36 months) = $25 per week
- $3,500 (36 months) = $35 per week
- Pure Centrelink incomes can apply for up to $5,000 for medical treatment
- Family members can apply on your behalf
Can I Use My Superannuation to Pay for the Dental Implant Cost?
Under the Early Release of Superannuation (ERS) program operated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), patients can access their superannuation to finance their dental implant cost. To be eligible, patients must have held their superannuation for at least 12 months and must be experiencing financial hardship.
SuperCare payment plan can help facilitate funding for your dental implant procedure. This includes implants and dentures, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and braces. With SuperCare, you can make smaller, more manageable payments over time. Managing your dental implant cost requires smart budgeting, and SuperCare can also help reduce the overall cost of your dental implant procedure by negotiating prices with providers.
Learn more about how Balmoral Dental Centre can help you finance your dental care with SuperCare.
Get a Free Consultation at Your Local Dental Clinic
Dental implant surgery is a big investment, and at Balmoral Dental Centre, we want to ensure that you make the best decision for your oral health. We offer free consultations for a dental implant procedure so that you can meet with us and discuss your options.
At your consultation, we will answer questions about tooth implant cost, the surgery, and what to expect after the procedure and address any other concerns you may have about the surgery and your oral health.
We pride ourselves on being a local, family-owned business that has been providing you with exceptional dental care for over 30 years. We offer numerous dental treatments, including cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and orofacial surgeries, including tooth implants, tissue grafting, root canal therapy, and emergency appointments.
Schedule a free dental consultation near you at Balmoral Dental Centre, and let us help you take the first step toward getting dental implants.
Call us now on (07) 3113 9789 for a consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental fees – TAC – Transport Accident Commission
https://www.tac.vic.gov.au/providers/invoicing-and-fees/fee-schedule/dental
Dental Bridges: Who Needs Them, Types, Costs, Procedure & Care Issues
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10921-dental-bridges