You see, dental implants are tailored to the individual, so the cost varies. There are many factors that affect the dental implant cost, including a patient’s oral health, location, and treatment complexity. To make things easier for anyone considering dental implant treatment, let’s discuss the reasons that dictate dental implants cost in more depth below.
Six factors affecting the dental implant cost
Your current oral health
Dental implants must be placed into a healthy mouth. Before a dentist can decide if dental implants are suitable for you, they will examine the current health of your teeth and gums. If any signs of periodontal disease (gum disease) are present, this will need to be treated first. Naturally, this incurs a fee.
Preliminary procedures
To prepare your mouth before commencing dental implant treatment, you may need dental surgeries, which will increase the dental implants cost and lengthen the duration of the implant procedure.
For instance, you may need a damaged or severely decayed tooth extracted if it isn’t already lost. Our dentist may also consider a sinus lift (for upper jaw implants) or lower jaw bone grafting, so there’s sufficient healthy jaw space to accommodate the implant screw. These treatments ensure the implant is placed into dense, robust bone, free of damage or decay.
The number of implants being fitted
Commonly, we speak about dental implants in the singular. However, there are dental implants that replace a few teeth at a time and implants that replace a full mouth of teeth. As you’ve probably deduced, the more implants needed, the higher the overall cost. On the flip side, placing multiple implants simultaneously reduces the cost of each dental implant. Planning for one dental implant procedure is more efficient than doing it numerous times on separate occasions. And that fact, you’ll be pleased to know, is reflected in the total price.
Implant size and placement
Implants vary in size with differing diameters and lengths. The distance between the teeth and the amount of jawbone available determines the size of the dental implant. This can influence the dental implants cost.
Implant manufacturer
Dentists in Australia aren’t limited to just one implant manufacturer. As with most dental supplies and equipment, several companies manufacture them. Furthermore, some companies, including Nobel Biocare and Straumann, invest more heavily in research, design, and clinical testing, leading to better quality and higher prices.
Your dentist’s experience and location
Your dentist’s location and experience can also affect the dental implants cost. The clinic’s overheads and the dentist’s ongoing continuous training (to keep up to date with the latest innovations and techniques for patients) may be reflected in the cost of dental treatment and other services.
So, how can you save money?
Claiming for a dental implant on health insurance
Dental implants fall beneath the category of major dental work, and some health insurance providers will cover dental implants. However, be sure to ask what your out-of-pocket expenses will cost. Remember, too, that major dental procedures like implants could have a wait time of a full 12 months before you can claim.
Because dental implants cost a lot of money, some policies will limit the number of implants you claim in a given period. Your dentist can tell from your health fund card whether your policy covers the item codes needed in your treatment and what the cost gap will be.
Flexible payment plans
Many dentists offer flexible payment plans allowing patients to spread the dental implants cost over a number of weeks or months. Many are low-interest and some provide zero interest payments. Ask your dentist about their payment plans.
Are you looking for a dentist that offers a free consultation?
Here at My Local Dentists West Ryde, we offer complimentary implant consultations, enabling patients to learn if they are suitable candidates for dental implants. Here you can get your questions answered and receive an up-front dental implant cost to help you make an informed decision.
Why not schedule a free dental consultation near you to find out more? Call My Local Dentists West Ryde on (02) 9000 2183 or use our online booking service.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Reference
Smile.com.au – How Much Does A Dental Implant Cost?
https://www.smile.com.au/dental-treatments/implants#:~:text=Typically%20in%20Australia%2C%20the%20price,up%20to%20%245%2C514%20per%20tooth.
National Library of Medicine – Implant Outcomes Poorer In Patients With History Of Periodontal Disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28338030/
Healthline.com – Everything To Know About A Sinus Lift
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/sinus-lift
Healthline.com – What You Need To Know About A Dental Bone Graft,
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-bone-graft
iData Research – Australia Dental Implants Market Segmentation
https://idataresearch.com/product/dental-implants-market-australia/