Replacing a missing tooth or multiple teeth is no small task and involves both time and money. But how much, exactly, does a tooth implant cost? The truth is that the cost can vary widely depending on factors like your geographic location, the type of implant you get, and the number of teeth being replaced. Let’s take a closer look at what you should expect to pay for an implant and why it’s worth it.
What Are Dental Implants?
If you’re looking for a secure and aesthetically pleasing way to replace missing or damaged teeth, dental implants are the perfect solution. Not only do they look just like your remaining natural teeth, but they’re also efficient alternatives to dentures and dental bridges that offer improved oral health, comfort level, speech clarity and aesthetics.
A titanium post, small in size and specifically designed to mimic the natural teeth root, is surgically placed into the jaw where needed. This allows for an artificial anchor that can securely hold replacement teeth that are indistinguishable from your own real teeth.
If you’ve been searching for a reliable and lasting solution to your missing teeth, dental implants offer a fantastic option that is incomparable in terms of stability, natural teeth look, and feel when compared with other treatments available today.
Types of Implants
Before we dive into costs, let’s go over some basics about dental implants. There are two types of implants available:
Endosteal implants
Endosteal implants are a great alternative for anyone considering implants to support a denture in their mouth. They provide secure and stable support, often making them the preferred type of implant.
Endosteal implants act as small metal posts that your dentist can surgically position into the jaw bone and then attach to the dentures you wear. These durable and long-lasting implants offer a safe and reliable fixture for artificial teeth and won’t shift or sink as traditional dentures may.
It is important to note, however, that this type of dental procedure requires significant healing time and can take months before the implant is firmly rooted enough to support any pressure from chewing or talking.
If you choose endosteal implants, you will be taking an important step toward restoring your confident smile!
Subperiosteal implants
Subperiosteal implants are a reliable, long-term solution for people who need to replace missing teeth. These implants involve placing a framework on top of the jaw bone and underneath the gumline, which allows prosthetics to be securely attached.
In addition to being an effective way to secure artificial teeth, subperiosteal implants have minimal impact on surrounding tissues, meaning there is no risk of any damage from the implant procedure.
Their design also makes them great for patients with limited bony ridge tissue or even complete edentulism (toothless), as they can help provide abutment support even in areas where other, more traditional implant techniques would not be practical. Subperiosteal implants are a great way for dentists and patients alike to replace missing teeth in a safe and reliable manner successfully.
Subperiosteal implants are generally less expensive than endosteal implants but can be more difficult to place because they require more surgery.
Factors That Influence the Dental Implants Cost
Numerous components must be taken into consideration when calculating the cost of dental implants, such as:
Type of Dental Implant Procedure
When considering the cost of dental implant surgery, there are many critical elements to take into account. This includes any necessary preparation for the site, laboratory work completed by professionals, materials used during anaesthesia, and the medical facility fees associated with implant procedures if needed.
Installing a dental implant requires special tools and processes that can be costly. In some cases, additional treatments are recommended post-operatively or majorly, such as bone grafting or gum augmentation procedures, so it is important to factor those costs into your budget. A bone graft may also need to take place for certain people in order to provide proper support for the implant.
The number of teeth being replaced
The expense of dental implants is substantially dependent on the number of teeth that need to be replaced. Depending on your mouth’s particular situation and the type of implant you require, a single dental implant can cost as little money, or a full set may have to be procured.
When considering multiple implants, one must also take into account the cost. With every additional tooth implanted, the cost will increase; however, it is often more affordable than replacing each individual implant separately.
Materials Used In The Implant Procedure
It is essential to consider a range of factors when assessing the materials for surgical placement, including the type of implant being used, the restoration it will be connected to, and any biological structures located in its vicinity.
Titanium of a superior grade is often used in implants today, yet more advanced materials, such as zirconia, can help reduce abrasion and promote improved exchange of oxygen to the gums.
Tailoring alloys specifically for therapeutic purposes may be a great option depending on the patient’s individual needs; this could make an invaluable impression. With careful consideration of the materials necessary to best fit each individual case, we can ensure that our clients receive a quality and comfortable solution at an affordable price.
Moreover, most dentists will bill for additional services, such as a CT scan and post-operative care. The amount of the charge can depend on your region and how intricate your condition is. With all of these factors in mind, you can expect to see splendid enhancements to your grin and oral health without breaking the bank!
The Costs Associated with an Implant
The cost of a dental implant typically includes three main components: surgery, abutment placement, and restoration. Surgery is usually the most expensive part because it requires anaesthesia and can take up to several hours to complete.
Abutment placement is necessary to attach the crown or bridge to the implant screw; this step typically starts from $500, depending on your location and who is performing the procedure.
Finally, restoration refers to placing a crown or bridge prosthesis onto the abutment; the cost of this step usually starts from $1,000 per tooth.
All told, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 for a single implant (including all three components).
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a considerable expense, so it is understandable to ask whether insurance covers them. Fortunately, some dental health insurance benefits do offer coverage for certain implant procedures; however, the extent of coverage varies by policy and provider. To determine your specific plan’s availability of partial or total reimbursement for implants and related services, review its terms carefully.
What’s more, even if dental implants are covered by insurance, there might be an extended claims process and pre-authorisation requirements that need to be met before the procedure is authorised.
Ultimately, it’s essential that you consult your dentist to recognise what kind of financial aid could be available for your particular condition.
Moreover, some insurance companies and flexible spending accounts may offer coverage or reimbursement for treatments like teeth implants. Investigating these multiple financial alternatives could make paying for dental implants much less intimidating than it appears at first glance.
Why It’s Worth It
While it might seem daunting at first to consider spending thousands of dollars on a single tooth replacement procedure, remember that an implant isn’t just for cosmetic purposes, it also serves an important functional role as well.
Dental implants prevent bone loss
If a tooth is lost and an implant isn’t put in place within the first year, the jawbone where that tooth was located will start to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Without prompt action, approximately 25% of its volume can be gone within just one year, followed by additional bone loss with each passing year.
Dental implants can last a lifetime
Not only do they last longer than other alternatives, but they provide superior protection as well.
Dental implants behave like natural teeth
Many patients are unable to differentiate between their natural teeth and the artificial tooth – you can eat with it as if it was always there, and brush and floss normally too!
Dental implants can help keep you free of gum disease
A vacant space left behind by a missing tooth can easily trap food and bacteria, potentially leading to gum disease if not addressed.
Dental implants stabilise teeth with good chewing power
Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants offer a long-lasting solution to tooth loss. Dental implants remain secure and comfortable for years on end.
Dental implants support adjacent teeth
A gap in your mouth created by a missing tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift and lead to misalignment. Teeth implants are an effective solution for filling the empty space, allowing you to maintain a straight smile that looks naturally beautiful.
Dental Implants FAQs
What are the benefits of dental implants?
What are the benefits of dental implants?Dental implants can help prevent bone loss, last a lifetime, behave like natural teeth, keep you free of gum disease and stabilise teeth with good chewing power.
They also support adjacent teeth, filling the empty space left behind by a missing tooth and allowing you to maintain a straight smile that looks naturally beautiful.
Are dental implants painful?
Generally speaking, dental implant surgery is not very painful, as the area will be numbed before the procedure. Most patients report little to no pain following their procedure and are able to resume normal activities in a few days.
Conclusion
Investing in dental treatments might seem expensive, but when you consider all that’s involved in protecting your smile (not to mention your overall health!), it makes sense why so many people choose this option over other more temporary solutions. From post-procedure maintenance recommendations from our dentist, you have plenty to consider when factoring in just how much a dental implant costs both now and down the road.
If you need more information about how much for a tooth implant, make sure to contact Good Choice Dental on (02) 8203 8760. Our knowledgeable team of professionals will be happy to answer any questions you might have and provide expert advice on how to make sure that your dental implant procedure is a success. Book your appointment today!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
Value and cost
https://www.aaid-implant.org/value-and-cost/
Single tooth implant
https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/dental-implant-procedures/single-tooth-dental-implants/
Benefits of dental implant
https://www.australianunity.com.au/dental/dental-implants?gclid=CjwKCAiAr4GgBhBFEiwAgwORrfHOXeDb_fdI6BpV2jLsZfZQoY_amCIFe59vXrCbdlgWhyKn0jm1txoCjYgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Annual bone loss and success rates of dental implants based on radiographic measurements
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4170845/
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