A dental implant is the only permanent way to restore a missing tooth. It consists of a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line, a connector, and a dental prosthetic. It is a long-term investment and an effective treatment for missing teeth.
Despite its many benefits, the dental implant cost is higher than other tooth replacement options. But with financing available, there is no reason to put off getting the healthy and beautiful smile you deserve.
Benefits of Dental Implant Treatment
Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option for many people. They provide numerous benefits over other tooth replacements like dentures and bridges, including:
- Increased longevity. The dental implant post is designed to last a lifetime, while the prosthetic can last for around 20 years before replacing it. This makes them a good investment for people looking for a permanent tooth replacement option.
- Natural look and feel. Dental implant posts and abutments are made of metal but hidden under the gum tissue. The visible part of the restoration, the dental crown, is made from tooth-coloured materials like porcelain, zirconia ceramic, or composite resin, which have the same lustre as your natural teeth. This can improve your appearance and self-confidence.
- They function like natural teeth. Because the post is embedded and fuses with the jawbone, it provides a stable anchor for the prosthetic. This means that you can eat and speak normally with dental implants. Explore more here.
- They are a safe and effective tooth replacement option. The success rate of dental implant surgery is around 95% after 10 years, and complications are rare.
- Easy to care for. Unlike dentures or bridges, which require specialised cleaning solutions and tools, you can brush and floss your dental implants just like your natural teeth.
What Influences the Dental Implant Cost?
Although dental implants have a higher initial outlay than dentures or bridges, they are a worthwhile investment in your oral health. Several factors can influence dental implant cost. These include:
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Number of Implants
The main factor affecting the dental implants cost is the number of implants required.
In general, the more implants you need, the higher the cost will be.
A patient who needs four implants will require a more lengthy and complex surgery than a patient who only needs two.
This is because each implant requires its own surgery and recovery period. More implants often also mean more follow-up appointments and longer overall dental implant treatment time. Getting a dental consultation near you with a qualified dentist is crucial to determine how many implants you need. Discover more.
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Implant Location
The location of a dental implant can have a significant impact on the overall cost of the procedure. Implants that are located in the front of the mouth tend to be more expensive than those that are located in the back. This is because the front teeth are typically more visible and require extensive work to ensure they look natural.
Back teeth implants are also subject to greater stress from chewing and speaking, increasing the risk of complications and the need for additional procedures like bone grafting. As a result, patients should expect to pay more for dental implants located in the back of the mouth.
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Type of Implants
The type of dental implant you choose affects the overall cost of your dental implant treatment. Single-unit implants are the most common type and are typically used to replace one missing tooth. Read more.
All-on-4 implants are used to support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. Although All-on-4 implants are more expensive up front, they can be more affordable in the long run than a full arch restoration with single-unit implants.
This is because they require fewer implant surgeries and can be completed in a single day, which leads to lower overall dental implant treatment costs.
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Imaging Methods Used
The type of imaging used to assess your teeth and jawbone affects the dental implants cost. The three main types of imaging are X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. X-rays are the least expensive option, but they don’t provide as much detail as CT or CBCT scans.
Cone beam tomography is more costly but provides a more detailed view of the jawbone. They are used to create three-dimensional images of the teeth, gums, nerves, and bones.
This information can be used to plan the dental implant treatment and make it easier to place the implants correctly. It can detect potential problems, such as infection or disease, that could complicate dental implant treatment.
If you’re concerned about the dental implants cost, talk to your dentist at Port Macquarie Dental about the different imaging options available, and we can help you choose the option that’s right for you.
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Preparatory Surgeries
Dental implants require healthy gums and dense jawbone tissue to support the implant post. If your dentist determines that you have insufficient bone density, the jawbone may need to be built up with a bone graft before the implant can be placed. In other cases, the gum tissue may need to be renewed or restructured with soft tissue grafts.
These preparatory surgeries can increase the overall dental implant cost. Preparatory surgeries often require specialised equipment and materials, which can add to dental implant costs.
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Sedation Options
The type of sedation you receive can affect the dental implants cost. Most dental implant surgeries are performed in a dentist’s chair under local anaesthesia; however, anxious patients, patients with a sensitive gag reflex, or those undergoing multiple implant surgeries may benefit from sedation.
At Port Macquarie Dental Centre, we offer nitrous oxide (inhalation) sedation. If you opt for nitrous oxide sedation, also known as “laughing gas”, the cost will be lower than if you receive general anaesthesia. This is because nitrous oxide is a less intensive form of sedation and does not require the use of an anesthesiologist.
Does Medicare cover the Dental Implant Cost?
Unfortunately, dental implants are not typically covered by Medicare. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If your tooth loss impacts your overall health and your only option is dental implants, Medicare may cover the dental implant cost. You will need a referral from your GP under a GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangement.
Some concession card holders are eligible for state-based dental vouchers. If you qualify, you may use the vouchers to go towards medically-necessary dental implants.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for coverage, contact Medicare directly.
Does My Private Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implant Treatment?
Dental implants are considered a major dental procedure, and as such, they are typically not covered by standard private health insurance policies.
However, some Extra Cover options may provide partial coverage for dental implants cost, so it is always worth checking with your insurer to see if you are eligible for any benefits.
At our practice, we accept insurance from a range of health funds, and we also have a HICAPS machine on-site to help patients claim their rebates.
Can I Finance the Dental Implant Cost?
At Port Macquarie Dental Centre, we offer several payment plans to make this life-changing procedure more affordable. We accept EFTPOS and all major credit cards, including VISA, Mastercard, and AMEX.
We also offer in-house financing through our partnership with Humm and AfterPay. With these lenders, you can apply for financing online and get an instant approval for an interest-free loan with repayment options from 10 weeks to 60 months. This ensures you can get the care you need at affordable weekly or monthly repayments.
Get a Consultation at Your Local Dental Clinic in Port Macquarie
A dental consultation is a great way to get to know your dentist and have your questions about dental implants answered. At Port Macquarie Dental Centre, we offer consultations to assess your oral health and determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.
If you’re looking for a dentist that offers consultation for dental implants, book an appointment with us today.
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.finder.com.au/dental-implants
Nitrous oxide as a conscious sedative in minor oral surgical procedures
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439684/
Cone beam computed tomography: basics and applications in dentistry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29354314/