How Much Are Dental Implants? Determine The Cost Breakdown

Dental implants are an excellent solution for missing or damaged teeth, providing a natural-looking alternative to dentures. Dental implant treatment is a life-changing procedure, but with so many options for dental implants, it can be overwhelming to determine the cost and type of treatment that is right for you. This blog post will discuss how much dental implants cost, how dental implant procedures work, and what you need to know before considering this treatment. 

 

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots made of titanium placed in the jawbone. They support artificial teeth, such as dental crowns, bridges or dentures. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, implants provide a permanent and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth. Implants feel and look like natural teeth and help to preserve the jawbone, which can deteriorate if teeth are missing. 

 

Types of Dental Implants

There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal implants.

Endosteal implants are the most frequently used implants placed directly in the jawbone.

Subperiosteal implants are placed on the top of the jawbone and are used when the patient does not have enough healthy jawbone to support endosteal implants. Before the implant, your dentist will evaluate your jawbone to determine which implant is right for you. 

 

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants have numerous benefits, including improved speech, eating, and oral health. Implants allow patients to chew and speak normally, and they are more comfortable and secure than traditional bridges or dentures. They also help to maintain healthy jawbone structure and prevent bone loss and gum recession. Additionally, dental implants have a high success rate and can last many years when properly cared for. 

 

Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implant procedure typically involves several steps for several months. The first step involves surgically placing the implant into the jawbone. After placement, the implant must fuse with the bone over several months in osseointegration. Once the implant has fused with the bone, a connector called an abutment is placed on top of the implant. Finally, the replacement tooth or teeth are attached to the abutment. The process can take several months, but the result is a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. 

 

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Implants

 

Number of Implants Needed

A significant factor affecting the cost of a dental implant is the number of implants needed. The more teeth that need to be replaced, the more implants will be necessary, and as a result, the cost increases. For example, if you need a single dental implant to replace one missing tooth, the cost starts from $1,000. At the same time, if you need multiple implants to replace several missing teeth, the cost will increase accordingly. Therefore, the price of dental implant treatment is directly proportional to the number of implants needed. 

 

Location of the Implant

The location of the implant(s) is another factor that plays a role in determining the cost of dental implants. Dental implants are more expensive for teeth at the front of your mouth as they are visible and require more attention to detail. This type of implant requires a unique abutment, and the crown ensures a natural look, which increases their cost. Moreover, implants that need to be placed in the rear region of your mouth usually require additional preparation or bone grafting, making the procedure complicated and increasing the cost. 

 

Type of Material Used

The material used for the implant can also make a significant difference in the cost of dental implants. Different materials are available, such as titanium or zirconia, and the cost of these materials varies considerably. While titanium is a popular and affordable choice, zirconia is more effective and has better aesthetic results, making it more expensive. Therefore, the material used for implants significantly affects the total cost of your dental implant treatment. 

 

Additional Procedures

Sometimes, additional procedures may be necessary before dental implant placement. For example, if you have been missing multiple teeth for a long time, you may have experienced bone loss in your jaw. In this case, a bone graft may be needed to support the implant, increasing the treatment cost adequately. Additionally, if you have teeth that need to be extracted before the implant is placed, it will also add to your dental implant surgery cost. 

 

 

Average Cost of Dental Implants

The national average cost of a single dental implant is $1,000. However, the cost may vary depending on the patient’s oral health condition. The cost of a single implant is just one part of the total dental implant treatment cost, including other components like abutment, crown, and surgery costs.

 

Cost Breakdown of Implant Components

The cost of dental implants is generally broken down into several categories, depending on the stage of the implant process. Here are some of the main cost components: 

• Implant placement surgery: This is the most expensive part of the treatment, accounting for roughly half of the total cost. On average, implant surgery costs around $1,500 per implant.
• Abutment: An abutment is a connector that secures the implant to the crown or bridge. This component costs around $700 per implant.
• Crown: The dental crown is the visible part of the implant that mimics the look and function of natural teeth. A single crown can start from $1,000 or more, depending on various factors like the material used, shape, colour, and size.
• Bone grafting: If the jaw bone density is insufficient to support the implant, bone grafting may be required. Bone grafting can add $500 or more to the treatment cost.

 

Dental Health Insurance Benefits

Your dental health insurance benefits may play a role in the overall cost of dental implants.

Coverage for dental procedures varies widely among insurance companies; some cover the entire cost of dental implants, while others only cover a portion.

If your insurance plan does not cover the cost of dental implants, it may be worth exploring. 

 

Conclusion

Dental implant treatment offers a permanent, natural-looking solution for missing or damaged teeth. Still, it is essential to carefully consider the cost and type of dental implant treatment before proceeding. Discussing your options with a dental professional who can provide you with additional information about the dental implant procedure and costs is important. Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, providing you with a beautiful, healthy smile. Contact us today to learn more about dental implants and book your first appointment! 

Millennium Centre: (07) 3324 9172
Metropol 2 Centre: (07) 3324 9104

 

 

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. Part I: Biological basis, implant types, and the peri-implant sulcus
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8699485/

Dental implants and how crucial replacing teeth really is
https://www.dentalhealth.org/Blog/dental-implants-and-how-crucial-replacing-teeth-really-is