If you’ve been putting off replacing a missing tooth because of the dental implant cost, then this article is for you. Dental implants are the best tooth-replacement method currently available from dentists, and because they look, feel and function just like natural teeth, it’s little wonder that they’re in such high demand. But why is dental implant treatment so expensive?
This article will discuss what dental implants cost, the factors that determine the cost, and why they may be cheaper than you think in the long run. So let’s kick off by discussing the price.
What does a dental implant cost?
Dental implants cost between $2000 and $7000, but it’s hard to give an exact figure because the costs vary according to your dental needs and your dentist’s charges. However, the National Dental Survey Fee for 2020 quoted the average dental implant cost at $5,514 per tooth.
Why not book a free dental consultation near you to get a more accurate price.
So why do dental implants cost what they do?
The main reason dental implant treatment costs what it does is that it is a complex procedure that involves surgery. It takes a great deal of expertise to place dental implants. You might have to visit a prosthodontist or an oral surgeon, depending on your case. You may not know that dental specialists charge 20-30% more per hour than a general dentist. There will also be follow-up appointments to factor into the equation.
Other elements that determine dental implant cost include:
The location of your dentist
Did you know that dentists are free to charge what they like? According to the ADA fee survey, patients typically find themselves paying more for dental work in the ACT. This is because the standard of living is more expensive and overheads are higher. So, if you’re looking to save money on your dental implants, it may be worth giving dentists in cities like Canberra a wide berth and finding one that offers a no-obligation free consultation in a smaller suburb to see how much you could save.
Technology
To call dental implants replacement teeth doesn’t do them justice. They are precision-engineered devices that restore both the form and bite functionality. As a result, clinics have to invest in equally sophisticated software and 3D computer technology, which is ultimately incorporated into the dental implant cost.
Preliminary procedures
While some people may only need a straightforward single implant, this isn’t always the case. You could find that you need additional treatments before commencing dental implant treatment. For example, your dentist may need to extract a heavily decayed or damaged tooth to place a dental implant which will involve an additional fee for the extraction and possibly a delay while the gums heal. It’s not uncommon, either, for patients to require a bone graft before getting dental implants. Again, this will increase the cost and lengthen the overall treatment duration.
Number of dental implants
Another factor that affects what dental implants cost is the number of implants a patient needs. Naturally, the cost of implants increases according to whether you need a single implant or several. Fortunately, not every missing tooth has to be replaced with a dental implant. Dentists help reduce the cost of dental implant treatment and cut down on surgery time by using implant-supported bridges and dentures to close gaps or replace a whole arch of teeth.
Materials
Most dental implants are made from titanium because, as a bio-compatible material, it’s rarely rejected by the human body. The titanium bonds with the surrounding bone tissue during the implant procedure to become a permanent feature in the mouth in a process known as osseointegration. This natural process is integral to the success of dental implants. Unfortunately, titanium is more expensive than many other metals.
So, now you know why dental implants cost as much as they do, it’s time to point out that with good oral care, implants have the potential to last for decades. Consequently, while the initial cost of implants may seem high, they could work out cheaper than other options. Once you get a dental implant, it’s cared for just like a natural tooth and won’t need adjustments, adhesive, or replacement like dentures and bridges.
Dental Implant Cost – How to make it more affordable
Fortunately, many dental clinics offer finance plans and payment schemes enabling patients to spread the cost of dental implants over several months or years.
Some insurance policies with ‘extras’, may cover part of your dental implant treatment, so it’s worth calling your insurance provider to see where you stand.
Clinics may also offer seasonal promotions on treatments such as dental implants, so keep a lookout for these, too.
Overseas dental clinics also offer cheaper implants than in Australia. But we advise you to think carefully, as you could be placing your oral health at risk going down this path.
Finally, why not get a free consultation at your local dental clinic to see what they can do for you.
Are you ready for dental implants?
Hopefully, the information above has helped you decide to take the next step towards dental implants, scheduling a free consultation with the team at Complete Dental. We can determine if dental implants are suitable for you and discuss all your options.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References:
Finder.com.au
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
https://www.finder.com.au/dental-implants
Dental Boutique.com.au – Benchmarking Dental Fees Survey
Choicecom.au
Why Do Dentist Costs Vary So Much?
Rittel Group – Engineering Dental Implants
https://rittel.group/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/engineering_dental_implants.pdf