Dental Implants Cost — Various Factors That May Affect The Price

What do dental implants cost? It’s a reasonable question if you’re considering the treatment to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing or damaged teeth; for some people, they can transform their lives.  

Unfortunately, giving an accurate answer is impossible since every case is different, and many factors affect the price you will pay. Stay on the page to learn more about how much dental implants cost and what may be involved in the process. 

Meanwhile, why not schedule a free consultation at your local dental clinic to get a cost tailored to your requirements? 

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is the only form of tooth restoration that replaces the entire missing tooth, including the root. A titanium rod is surgically placed into the jawbone and acts as a solid foundation for replacement, such as a dental crown, bridge or denture. 

Over 3 to 6 months, the bone fuses with the implant rod (osseointegration) to become a permanent fixture in the mouth. As a result, a dental implant feels, looks, and functions just like a natural tooth. It requires knowledge, expertise and resources to place a dental implant, so it’s hardly surprising that the dental implant cost is high.

How much do dental implants cost?

There’s no denying tooth implants are expensive, but the price varies according to your personal needs. For instance, you may require a sinus lift or bone graft, which will bump up the price and make the dental implant cost higher for you in general. 

Single dental implant cost 

According to the National Dental Fee Survey of 2020, a straightforward single dental implant would have set you back up to $5,514 per tooth, so you can expect to pay at least this amount. 

Multiple dental implants cost

To replace all teeth missing in the upper or lower jaw with All-on-4 dental implants, the cost per fixed arch will fall between $23,000 to $27,000. 

How does a bone graft affect the dental implant cost?

If you have been missing a tooth for some while, you will probably have suffered bone loss. If this is the case, a bone graft will be needed in that area to augment the bone so it can support a dental implant. This surgical procedure will, naturally, incur an additional cost, which could raise the price of a single dental implant to around $11,000. 

To find out if you will need additional treatments before getting dental implants, it’s a good idea to book a free dental consultation near you to get a better idea of dental implant cost for your case. 

Factors that affect what dental implants cost 

Here are a few factors that affect the cost of dental implants: 

Materials/components

Biocompatible titanium is the most common material for a dental implant because the body doesn’t usually reject it. 

However, if someone has a titanium allergy or doesn’t like the thought of metal in the mouth, zirconia implants are an alternative, although they cost more. 

It’s hard to say how much dental implants cost because it depends on how many implants are needed and whether they will be placed singly or as multiple teeth in the form of a bridge or denture. If a person is missing a single tooth, a single implant may be all that’s required to replace it. However, if a person is many or all of their teeth, a complete arch restoration will be necessary, and that will significantly increase the overall dental implant cost. 

Tooth extraction

Tooth extraction can usually be performed quickly without complications, and sometimes a dental implant can be placed the same day. However, in more complex situations where an oral surgeon and hospital setting are required, the treatment cost will need to be factored in. Dental insurance typically covers basic tooth extraction. 

Bone augmentation 

Natural teeth stimulate the jawbone, so when a tooth is missing, without that stimulation, the bone degenerates. Dental implants rely on bone for support, which means the additional step of bone grafting may be required, if there is insufficient bone to place the implant.

While this procedure will delay you from getting implants, it’s essential for the success of the implant surgery. 

Does Medicare cover the cost of dental implants?

Unfortunately, no. Many patients cover the dental implants cost by paying for their treatment monthly through a finance company arranged by their dentist. 

Does private health insurance cover the dental implant cost?

While some insurance providers cover the extras such as surgery or major dental procedure, the reimbursement is only likely to be around $500-to $1,500 in rebates. 

How about getting dental implants overseas? Is it a good idea?

You will save money on the dental implants cost in countries like Thailand but research your chosen clinic carefully. Lower prices can mean inferior materials, questionable infection control, and no recourse should complications arise when you return home. 

To conclude

While dental implant treatment can be costly, in most cases, implants are worth it. Dental implants give patients the confidence to smile again, will not slip or slide like dentures, and enable you to eat all your favourite foods without limits. You can’t put a price on that. 

If you want to know if dental implants are right for you and discuss the costs associated with the procedure, why not book with a dentist that offers a free consultation? Book online with the experienced team at DDSS/DDII. We’re offering a grand opening special starting from $2,999 per digital implant.​

Sydney: (02) 8294 5812
Gosford:(02) 8294 8656
Eastwood:(02) 9299 8842

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

KrKovic – Everything You Need To Know About Osseointegration
https://www.limbreconstructions.com/blog-posts/everything-you-need-to-know-about-osseointegration

Smile.com – How much does a dental implant cost
https://www.smile.com.au/dental-treatments/implants#:~:text=Dental%20Implant%20Treatment-,How%20Much%20Does%20A%20Dental%20Implant%20Cost%3F,between%20%243%2C000%20%2D%20%245%2C500%20per%20tooth.

Cleveland Clinic – Bone Graft Dental
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20dental%20bone,animal%20tissue%20bank%20(xenograft).