Cost of Dental Implants in Australia

Cost of Dental Implants in Australia By Maylands Dental Centre | August 5, 2022

Are you considering dental implants in Australia? If so, it’s important to understand the cost of dental implants and what your restorative treatment options are.

In this blog post, we will discuss the price of dental implants and some factors that can affect the price. So, if you’re considering getting dental implants, read on!

What Are Dental Implants?

young man with toothy smile demonstrating his dental implant (1)

Dental implants are one excellent option for people who have lost a single tooth or several teeth. Unlike dentures, which rest on the gums, dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone. Once in place, they function and feel like real teeth while providing a solid foundation for artificial teeth.

Dental implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible metal that fuses with the jaw bone. This results in a strong and durable anchor for replacement teeth such as bridges, dental crowns, and dentures. In addition to providing support for artificial teeth, they can also help to preserve jaw bone density and promote oral health.

When a tooth is lost, the bone around it begins to deteriorate. Dental implants help to stimulate bone growth and prevent further bone deterioration. As a result, they can help people maintain a healthy, attractive, and brilliant smiles.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost In Australia?

The average cost of dental implants in Australia is \$2,600 to \$5,600 per tooth. However, if you require multiple implants or additional procedures such as bone grafting or a sinus lift, the price can increase to \$10,000 or more.

If you have dental insurance, it may cover some of the costs associated with implant surgery. Check with your insurer to know specifically what is covered under your plan.

However, dental implants are generally considered a very cost-effective treatment option, as they can last for many years with quality care. To get an accurate quote, contact your dentist, as the exact amount usually depends on several other factors.

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Dental Implants?

Several factors affect the cost of implants, and it is important to consider them before making a decision.

  • Type of Dental Implant
    There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are placed directly into the jawbone, while subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum but on top of the jawbone. Your choice of implant will affect the cost because the price of implants varies depending on their type. Endosteal implants are typically more expensive than subperiosteal implants, but they also offer more stability.
  • Number of Implants Needed
    If you only need one dental implant, the cost will be less than if you need multiple dental implants. Multiple dental implants require more materials, equipment, and time and effort from your dentist, resulting in a higher overall cost.
  • Location of your Dentist’s Clinic
    In general, dentists who practise in major metropolitan areas will charge more for their services than those who work in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because the overhead costs associated with running a business in a major city are typically higher than in a smaller town or rural area.
  • Your Dentist’s Experience and Training
    The fees for dental implants also depend on your dentist’s experience and training. Dentists who have been performing implant surgery for many years and have completed extensive training will typically charge more for their services than those who are new to the field or have less training. This is because experienced and skilled dentists can place implants more efficiently and with lesser risks of complications.
  • The Materials Used
    The type of material used for your dental implants can also affect the cost. Titanium implants are the most common type of implant, and they are also the most expensive. However, zirconia implants are becoming more popular and are often less pricey than titanium implants.

When Are Dental Implants Needed?

Dental implants are titanium screws or posts that are placed into your jawbone to serve as a replacement for your natural tooth root. They are the ideal treatment option for those who have lost a tooth from tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. They can also be used to support dental bridges or dentures in implant-supported bridges and dentures. It’s essential to have missing teeth replaced because they can lead to health complications and costly future dental work.

What Is The Procedure For Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace lost teeth. The procedure is generally straightforward. Here is a step-by-step overview of the dental implant procedure:

  1. The dentist will numb the area and make an incision in the gums to expose the bone beneath. Next, a pilot hole will be drilled into the bone, and a metal post will be inserted. The gums will then be stitched around the implant post.
  2. Once the post has been placed, the dental implant will need to fuse to the bone to create a strong foundation. This process, known as osseointegration, can take 3 – 6 months. During this time, the patient will typically wear a temporary dental prosthesis.
  3. Once osseointegration is complete, the patient will return to the dentist’s office for a second dental surgery. During this surgery, the dental implants will be uncovered, and an abutment will be placed on each one. An abutment is a small metal connector piece that supports the dental prosthesis or fake teeth. There are instances when this step is not needed if the abutment was already placed during the initial surgery.
  4. Finally, the dental prosthesis (false tooth) will be attached to the abutments.

Dental implant surgery can take 1-2 hours, but the entire dental implant process can take six to eight months to complete, or sometimes more, because healing and recovery times are different for every patient.

Can You Get Dental Implants In A Day?

smiling dentist explaining tooth implantation (1)

Most of the time, no. Dental implants are often done in two dental visits with a healing period in between. In some cases, however, you might be able to get what is known as “teeth in a day” or All-on-X dental implants.

This type of implant surgery is only possible if you have enough bone density in your jaw to support the implants and if your teeth are not severely damaged. All-on-X implants are not for patients with poor bone health.

If you are a candidate for teeth-in-a-day implants, your dentist will place four implants in your jaw and then attach a full set of dentures or a bridge to the implants. This can all be done in one visit, hence the name “teeth in a day”.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are a common choice for tooth replacement because they are long-lasting and look and feel like natural teeth. Plus, the success rates are high.

While dental implants are designed to last many years, the average lifespan of dental implants is 25 years. However, this varies depending on the individual and how well they take care of their dental implants.

For example, people who smoke or have medical conditions such as diabetes are at a higher risk for implant failure. In addition, people who grind their teeth or have bruxism (teeth grinding) are also more likely to experience this.

To increase the lifespan of dental implants, it is important to practise good oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. In addition, it is equally important to avoid habits that can damage tooth implants, such as smoking and teeth grinding.

Taking these precautions can help maintain the longevity of your dental implants, so they do not have to be replaced too often.

When Should Implants Be Replaced?

Many people who get dental implants can enjoy them for many years without problems. However, there may come a time when they need to be replaced. Some signs that they must do so include:

  • Loose dental implants:
    If an implant starts to feel loose, it may be due to bone loss around the implant. This can occur if the implant was not placed correctly in the first place or for patients with periodontal disease.
  • Change in gum tissue:
    If the gum tissue around an implant starts to become red, swollen or inflamed, it may be a sign of infection.
  • Damage to the dental implant:
    If an implant sustains any damage, it may need to be replaced.
  • Pain:
    Implants should not cause pain. If they do, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
  • Sensitivity:
    If implants become sensitive to hot or cold food or drinks, it may be a sign that the gums are irritated. This can happen if the implant is loose or if there is an infection.
  • Implant failure:
    In some cases, implants fail because they are rejected, not well tolerated by the body, or cause an allergic reaction. If this happens, they may need to be removed.

If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible so that they can determine whether or not you need to have your implants replaced.

Does Private Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Most dental implants are covered by private health insurance, but some exceptions exist. If you’re considering them, it’s important to check with your insurance company to see if they’re covered.

In most cases, dental implants are considered medically necessary and therefore covered by insurance. However, there are some instances in which this is not so.

For example, if you’re getting them for cosmetic purposes, your insurance company may not cover the cost of tooth implants, so exploring other payment plans is best. It’s important to note that some insurance companies have waiting periods for dental implants. So, it’s best to check with your insurer before the procedure.

Additionally, you must get a dentist’s referral to get dental implants covered by insurance. Once you have this, you can get started on the treatment or a different one if this is not your choice.

What Are The Alternatives To Dental Implants?

Other options are available if you’re not eligible for dental implants on the NHS. The most common alternative solution is to have a denture or bridge fitted.

Dentures are false teeth that can be removed and placed back into your mouth when needed. Depending on whether you have remaining teeth, you could either have partial or complete dentures. They’re usually made of acrylic or metal, and they fit over the gums. Poorly fitting dentures can sometimes slip out of place, which can be embarrassing and inconvenient.

Bridges are another popular option for people who are missing teeth. These involve placing artificial teeth in gaps where natural teeth used to be. The replacement teeth are then attached to existing teeth, which act as support beams. Bridges are fixed but require some removal of natural tooth structure to create enough space for bonding. Like dentures, they may need to be replaced more often than implants.

Final Thoughts

Dental implants may be an excellent choice if you have missing or damaged teeth and are considering your options. They’re strong and durable and can last many years with proper care. They’re also a more secure and stable alternative than dentures or bridges.

While dental implants are more expensive than other options with a higher upfront cost, many are satisfied with the treatment. If you’re considering dental implants, talk to your dentist about all your options and what’s best for your needs.

Please book an appointment online or call Maylands Dental Centre at (08) 9515 4804 so that you can discuss the procedure in detail with one of our experienced dentists and get started on reclaiming your beautiful smile!

Maylands Dental Centre
Maylands Dental Centre
Content published on Maylandsdentalcentre.com.au is intended to be used and must be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decision based on your own personal circumstances. You should take independent medical advice from a professional or independently research and verify any information that you find on our Website and wish to rely upon.

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