How Much Are Dental Implants? Factors Affecting Their Cost

Dental implants improve your smile, whether you’ve lost one tooth or all of them. They work just as well in restoring a single tooth as in replacing a complete set. Implant-supported dentures can give you a better bite and make you more comfortable.

But what do dental implants cost? In this article, we’ll explore dental implants in more depth. This will include a discussion of the factors affecting their cost and more. 

 

What are dental implants? 

Dental implants are usually crafted from pure titanium and fitted into the bone beneath the gum, acting like natural tooth roots. They’re significantly small in size, and resemble a screw. The three main parts of tooth implants are the fixture or implant post, the abutment, and the dental prosthetic (crown or denture). 

 

Fixture

The fixture is a cylindrical screw inserted into the jawbone to serve as a prosthetic tooth root. 

 

Abutment

The abutment is a small connector joining the implant post and the prosthetic. 

 

Dental prosthetic

The dental prosthetic is the part of the tooth implant that is visible and can be a bridge, denture, or dental crown. 

 

Types of dental implants 

Endosteal and subperiosteal implants are the two most common types of dental implants. 

 

Endosteal implants

In endosteal implants, the tooth roots are replaced by blades, cylinders, or screws. These are usually made out of ceramic or titanium material. The endosteal implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone to help hold the artificial teeth in place. 

 

Subperiosteal implants

Another type of dental implant is a subperiosteal implant. It is placed on top of the bone but still beneath the gum line. 

 

Factors that influence the cost of tooth implants 

Here are five key factors that may influence dental implant costs. 

 

 

1. Materials

Dental implants are made from materials that are bioinert so that they can fuse with the jawbone. Titanium, a metal known for its durability, is commonly used for these implants. Some dentists might use zirconium instead. 

 

2. Location of your tooth

Generally, front teeth are more expensive to fix with dental implants than molars. One reason is that it can be hard to line up front teeth with the jawline. But since every patient’s mouth is different, your dentist will make a personalised dental treatment plan that fits what you want your smile to look like. 

 

3. Number of tooth implants

The number of tooth implants needed to restore your smile will affect the overall cost of the dental implant procedure. When multiple teeth need to be replaced, there are alternatives that allow for, e.g. only four implants to support a whole denture, making the procedure significantly more affordable than it would be if opting for single implants. 

 

4. Preliminary procedures 

Additional procedures, such as a bone graft or sinus lift, may be needed before tooth implants can be placed. This is due to the potential deterioration of the jawbone over time from tooth loss. These extra procedures are essential for successful dental implant treatment but will contribute to the overall cost. 

 

5. Scans

Your dentist will scan your jaw and mouth before placing tooth implants. CT scans and X-rays can help your dentist determine if your jawbone is dense enough to support implants and anticipate and avoid potential complications during the dental implant placement procedure. 

 

How much do dental implants cost?

In Australia, a single dental implant can range between $3,000 and $5,500. The dental implant cost can vary depending on many factors, including the number of teeth being replaced, whether a bone graft is required, or whether a sinus lift is needed.

If additional procedures are needed, such as a bone graft or sinus lift, this can raise the price to $11,500. 

 

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Here are some of the benefits of dental implants. 

• They are completely functional
• They protect your jaws and teeth
• They are stable and durable
• They prevent bone loss
• They match your natural teeth
• They enable natural speech

 

Who is an ideal candidate for dental implants?

Whether you are an ideal candidate for a dental implant depends on many factors. The ideal dental implant candidate meets the following criteria:

• Is a non-smoker
• Is free from periodontal or gum disease
• Has a sufficient jaw bone such that it can support an implant
• Is in good general health
• Has generally good dental health 

 

Get your perfect smile with dental implants

You may be a candidate for tooth implants if you miss teeth due to an injury or tooth decay. Our team at Carindale Family Dentist will help you determine if dental implants are a suitable replacement option for you. Our dentist will explain every detail of a dental implant tooth replacement plan. Also, they’ll lay out the cost of each treatment and help fit it into your budget. This is an excellent opportunity to replace your teeth!

Call us at (07) 3324 9172 or (07) 3324 9104 to book an appointment. We can’t wait to meet you.

 

 

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

 

 

 

References

What to know about dental implants
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327515

Dental Implants
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants

Dental Implant Guide: Costs, Process, Risks & More
https://www.smile.com.au/dental-treatments/implants