Missing teeth can affect an individual’s confidence, speech, and ability to chew. Luckily, dental implant treatment helps replace a missing tooth with a natural-looking tooth that enhances confidence and speech and maintains chewing capabilities. However, the cost of dental implants can be a significant barrier for some individuals. The dental implant cost per tooth varies with location, the complexity of the procedure, and the materials used for the implant. In this blog, we will discuss what dental implants are, the procedure, factors that affect dental implant costs, and the cost of dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically inserted into the jawbone to support a prosthetic tooth or bridge. This dental treatment offers a safe and long-term solution for missing teeth, restoring a natural-looking smile and proper oral function. Dental implants can be a life-changing investment, but knowing the different types of implants, the procedure, and the benefits is essential to make an informed decision.
Types of Dental Implants
There are two main types of dental implants: Endosteal and Subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are the most common and are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. This type of dental implant typically comes in three forms; screw, blade, or cylinder-shaped. Subperiosteal implants are placed on the jawbone but underneath the gum line, typically for patients with limited jawbone height.
Endosteal implants are often used for patients with good jawbone density and volume. A screw-shaped endosteal implant is the most commonly used, designed to mimic the root of a natural tooth. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, and after the healing process is complete, a prosthetic tooth is attached to the implant.
Blade-shaped endosteal implants are used when the jawbone is narrow and cannot accommodate a screw-shaped implant. They are long, flat, and inserted into the jawbone horizontally. Like screw-shaped implants, blade-shaped implants require adequate jawbone density and volume to be successful.
Cylinder-shaped endosteal implants are used when there is insufficient space in the jawbone for screw or blade-shaped implants. They are inserted vertically into the jawbone and are often used for single-tooth replacement.
Subperiosteal implants are less common than endosteal implants and are typically used when a patient has limited jawbone height. Instead of being placed directly into the jawbone, these implants are placed on top of the jawbone but underneath the gum line, where they fuse with the bone over time. Subperiosteal implants are custom-made to fit the contour of the patient’s jawbone, and they are often used to support dentures or bridges when traditional implants are not feasible.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several benefits to patients. They are known for their high success rates, long-lasting, and look and feel like natural teeth. The quality of life significantly improves as patients experience better speech and eating and increase confidence without worrying about damaged or missing teeth. Furthermore, dental implants help improve facial features by maintaining bone structure, which dwindles when natural teeth are missing.
In addition, dental implants are a long-term investment in oral health. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for decades, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run compared to other tooth replacement options.
Moreover, dental implants are designed to fuse with the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth. This helps to prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can lead to a sunken or aged appearance over time. Dental implants can help preserve facial structure and maintain a youthful appearance.
Another advantage of dental implants is that they do not require any special maintenance beyond regular brushing and flossing, unlike dentures, which require adhesives and special cleaning solutions. Also, dental implants do not need to be removed at night, eliminating discomfort often associated with wearing dentures.
Overall, dental implants offer a range of benefits beyond just a natural-looking smile. They improve oral health, restore confidence and self-esteem, and enhance the overall quality of life.
If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to consult a qualified dental professional who can guide you through the process and help determine if implants are the right choice.
Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure can vary depending on the patient’s needs and the type of implant used. The first step involves an initial consultation with an experienced implant dentist, who will assess the patient’s oral health, medical history, and jawbone density. During the procedure, the dental implant(s) is surgically inserted into the jawbone and allowed to fuse over time. Once the implant has fused successfully, the prosthetic tooth or bridge is connected to the implant by abutments. The entire procedure can range from a few months to several months, including healing time.
Factors that Influence Dental Implant Cost
Number of Teeth Being Replaced
The cost of dental implants largely depends on how many teeth you need to replace. Naturally, the more teeth you need to replace, the higher the dental implant procedure cost. A single dental implant cost per tooth can start from $2,000. For multiple dental implants, the cost per tooth may increase.
Location of the Dental Implant
The location of the dental implant can also impact the cost of dental implants. Front teeth are more challenging to replace, which may require additional procedures like bone grafts to ensure a natural-looking implant. Conversely, Molars are more straightforward to replace and may not require additional procedures, resulting in a lower dental implant cost.
Type of Implant and Material Used
Dental implants come in various types, and the type of implant you choose can influence the cost of dental implants. Some types of dental implants, such as zirconia and titanium, are more expensive than others, like ceramic implants. Similarly, implants with additional features like abutments and connectors will also increase the overall dental implant cost.
Pre-Implant Procedures
Before getting dental implants, some patients may require pre-implant procedures to ensure their jawbone is strong enough to support the implant. Bone grafting is a common procedure that may be required for patients with thin or weak jawbones, which can increase the overall dental implant cost.
Surgeon’s Experience and Location
The dental surgeon’s experience and location can also affect the dental implant cost. High-end dental clinics with experienced doctors may charge more for dental implant treatment.
Additionally, dental implant costs can vary from state to state and even city to city, so it’s essential to research and compare dental implant prices in your area before deciding.
Average Cost of Dental Implants
The starting price for a single dental implant in Australia is $2,000. This cost can rise if bone grafting or other additional treatments are required. If you are considering dental implant surgery, it’s important to take note of these costs and consider them along with other personal and financial factors.
Different regions and countries also offer varying prices for dental implants. The average cost of a dental implant starts from $1,000 per tooth in the United States. In the United Kingdom, the starting price for a single tooth implant is around £2,000. In Europe, the average dental implant cost starts from €1,000 per tooth. Prices may vary within different regions and countries, so it’s important to research and compare prices before deciding.
In Australia, the national dental fee survey revealed that the average cost of a single dental implant starts from $2,000, depending on the location and complexity of the case. Dental insurance policies may offer partial coverage or bonuses for some dental treatments.
Insurance Options for Dental Implants
Dental implants are typically considered a cosmetic treatment when it comes to insurance, which means that your dental insurance plan may not fully cover them. However, some dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for dental implants, so it’s worth checking with your insurance provider to see your options. You can also purchase supplemental dental insurance that covers more of the cost of dental implant treatment.
Conclusion
Dental implant costs per tooth can be daunting for some patients, but the long-term benefits of implant treatment are undeniable. The cost of dental implants varies with location, the complexity of the procedure, the type of implant, and the materials used. Dental insurance may also cover a portion of the cost of dental implants. We recommend talking to our dental professionals to determine the best tooth replacement option and to discuss the cost of dental treatment best suited for you. Remember, investing in dental implant treatment is an investment in long-term oral health, which provides many benefits, making it worth the cost. Contact us on (02) 9158 6334 today to book your first appointment!
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
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