Dental Implant: How Much Do They Cost?

Before you book an appointment with a dentist for dental implant surgery, you should know the value and the cost of dental implants. You might be surprised how affordable dental implants are compared to other tooth replacement options, especially when you take into account long-term cost effectiveness and quality of life. Continue reading to learn more.

Cost of Dental Implant Depend On…

The dental implants cost will depend on several different factors to prepare your mouth for the implants. They are,

  • The number implants
  • The number and additional procedures
  • Where they’re located
  • The type of implants
  • Number of teeth needs replacing

If someone quotes you the exact price for dental implants without examining you, be wary. Since, dental implant treatments are customized for your specific needs, the costs vary accordingly. An evaluation by an experienced dental implant expert is the best way to ensure that you are getting an accurate cost estimate for quality work.

True Cost of Dental Implant and Traditional Bridges

At first glance, dentures or removable bridges will seem to be much less expensive than dental implants, and show their lower upfront costs. However, the truth is the full cost of both financial and emotional options will run much higher than dental implants, for many reasons. Wondering how? Here we have listed the reasons,

The Health Costs

Without an implant or tooth, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate, which can change your facial appearance and makes you look aged.

The Convenience Costs

Unlike your dental implants or natural teeth, you need to remove your dentures to soak and brush them, which can be a time-consuming hassle.

Initial Costs Versus Total Costs

The initial cost you used to pay for your treatment doesn’t include the cost of replacing your bridges or dentures, which may be necessary as often as every 5 to 15 years. It also doesn’t include the ongoing maintenance costs, such as fixatives and adhesives.

Payment Options and Insurance Coverage

Many implant dentists offer financing and payment options to make dental implants even more affordable, so be sure to ask what plans your dentist offers. By recognizing the long-term benefits of dental implants over other tooth replacement options, an increasing number of insurance companies have started to provide some coverage.

Final Recap

Over the long term, from a purely financial perspective, cost of dental implants is competitive with other tooth replacement options. In addition, when you factor in quality of life and long-term oral health, dental implants clearly rank as the higher-value alternative.

How Does Smoking Affect Dental Implants

Does Smoking Affect Dental ImplantsIf you have just received a dental implant or planning to get one, you should quit smoking, as it increases the risk of dental implant failure. The majority of the past and current researches implicate smoking as one of the prominent risk factors affecting the success rate of dental implants. Also, most of the studies report that the failure rate of dental implants in smokers is high when compared to non-smokers. These findings cannot be ignored, as smoking has a strong influence on the complication rates of implants as well.

Smoking leads to dental implants failure

One of the most common questions many patients have about tooth implants is whether smoking affects dental implants. The short is Yes, especially, if you have undergone a bone graft procedure to secure your implants. People who smoke are at high risk of infection following surgery and may heal slowly.

The dental implants cost is affordable, and are manufactured devices that are inserted into the jawbone, where they function as anchors for a crown or bridge. For dental implants success, they must have enough bone support. Smoking after receiving dental implants can lead to bone loss, and it can cause the bone to deteriorate. Smoking during the healing phase can cause pockets of inflammation around the implants. When it is left untreated, it leads to peri-implantitis which leads to bone resorption and ultimately implant failure.

Moreover, smoking can reduce the blood flow and slows down the process of healing which can prevent the implants from fusing with the jawbone.

Cigarettes consist of toxic chemicals that pose serious health risks. Among all other chemicals present in a cigarette, Nicotine potentially posses the significant risk of healing and tissue health. Studies show that nicotine constricts blood vessels that make it more difficult for oxygen to reach areas where healing is needed.

If you are a smoker, here are a few suggestions to ensure that your dental implants are successful.

Quit smoking

It is easier said than done. But, you need to stop smoking as it is not good for your overall and oral health. When it comes to your health, what might be the better time than now to quit this habit? So, quit smoking today.

Stop smoking one or two weeks before and after the dental implants procedure

If you are a chain smoker, the thought of smoking can be anxiety, and it cannot be done in a single day. So can you commit to quitting for at least two or three weeks before and after the procedure? Yes, you can!

Cut the smoking habit in half

If you can’t think you can quit smoking, not even for a week, you can at least try to reduce. Even if you smoke half as much as you do right now, it can help improve the blood flow and increase the chances that your dental implants will be successful.

Are Bone Grafts Necessary for Implants

Bone grafting for dental ImplantsAccording to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the average Australian adult is missing around five teeth. However, tooth loss is common, and it can happen as a result of trauma and disease. But, it doesn’t mean that you have to spend the rest of your life with missing teeth.

Today, dental implants are extremely popular in the market, as they are the only permanent solution to a missing tooth. While dental implants are a popular choice for replacing a missing tooth, unfortunately, if your teeth have been missing for a long time, bone grafting becomes necessary for receiving dental implants.

What causes bone loss?

When a tooth is missing, there is no more stimulation, and it could slow the replacement rate and cause the bone volume to decrease gradually. The jawbone could get reduced to about 25% during the first year and several millimeters in height after just a few years. Though dentures can restore lost function and appearance, they can’t duplicate this needed stimulation. They also tend to reduce bone loss by irritating and creating forces on the bones and gums they rest upon.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium screw that is inserted into the jawbone. The embedded titanium post is made of a biocompatible component that attracts bone cells to grow and adhere to its surface. So it increases bone density at the site. The affordable dental implants replace the root of a tooth and form a sturdy foundation to hold the crown or bridge.

Bone grafting for dental implants

Bone loss can be problematic for anyone wishing to replace their missing teeth with dental implants, as there may not be sufficient bone to support an implant. So, this is where bone grafting plays a vital role to help receive dental implants.

Your dentist may recommend bone grafting procedure prior to dental implants that affect the dental implants cost as well. Bone grafting is a procedure of adding bone to your existing jawbone to hold the implant securely in place.

Though bone grafting is a surgical procedure that can be sometimes extensive, it plays a vital role in making new teeth possible. So, if you have bone loss due to missing teeth, then you bone grafting procedure becomes necessary.

Based on several factors, there are potentially four bone graft options.

  • Using your bone
  • Using donated bone
  • Using animal bone
  • Using synthetic bone material

Additional procedures like bone grafting, sinus lift, and tooth extraction affect the overall cost of dental implants. Visit your dentist and find out your options to receive affordable dental implants.

An Overview of the Lifespan of Dental Implants

Lifespan of Dental ImplantsDental implants have incredible longevity due to the material they are made from. Yes, dental implants are made from a titanium material, and several clinical research show that the survival rate is high compared to other teeth replacement options. Moreover, with advancement in dental technologies, complex dental procedures like dental implants have become less invasive, affordable, quick recovery and a painless procedure.

As a matter of fact, patients with low bone density can enjoy better implants and techniques that continue to contribute to making dental implants available to more people.

Are dental implants successful?

Yes, as long as you maintain your oral health, dental implants are successful. According to the Australian Dental Association, tooth implants have a 95% success rate. But, still, the success depends on how well you maintain your health and lifestyle.

Some people who have diabetes or who have the habit of smoking might not be well-suited for implants since they penetrate the gum and jaw bone. However, your dentist will examine your teeth, jawbone, and gums and then lets you know if you are a good candidate or not.

What factors shorten the lifespan of a dental implant?

The following are the several risk factors that contribute to dental implant failure.

Smoking

Smoking leads to various health issues. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, and it decreases the flow of blood. Smoking after dental implant will lead to failure of the implant due to the decreased blood flow. If you are planning to replace your missing tooth with dental implants, quit smoking.

Gum disease

Gum disease destroys a tooth’s connection to the jawbone and can destroy implants connection to the jawbone as well. The gum disease is caused due to the plaque and tartar build-up. Gum disease around a tooth implant is called peri-implantitis, and research shows that it is the leading cause of implant failure.

Diabetes

Patients who suffer from diabetes have a high risk of implant failure due to the inadequate blood supply to the surgical site. Proper blood flow is essential for healing and proper bone attachment to a dental implant. However, if you have good control over blood sugar levels, you may also be a good candidate for dental implants. Consult your dentist and evaluate your oral health.

Factors that improve the lifespan of a tooth implant

Great gum health

As long as your gum is healthy, the implants can last longer. Visit your dentist for a professional cleaning to remove the plaque, as it is the primary reason for peri-implantitis. The removal of plaque is essential to the health of your implant.

Good oral health

Practicing good oral hygiene is essential for both your oral and overall health. Eat healthy foods and avoid sugary foods. Brush your teeth twice in a day and floss at least once in a day.

Dental implant cost is affordable due to the advanced methodologies in dental technology. Consult your dentist, evaluate your oral health and get the exact price for tooth implants.

Key Factors That Influence the Cost of Dental Implants

cost of dental implantsDental implants are the most efficient way to replace a missing or broken tooth. But, when it comes to biggest decisions in life, one question stands out from the rest – how much will it cost? Apparently, dental implants are one of those biggest choices, as they involve a surgical procedure, stay with you for the rest of your life, and especially, it requires a considerable investment. However, determining the cost of dental implants is equally complex because it depends on various factors.

Come on, let’s find out what are those factors that determine the dental implants cost.

Number of replacements

When it comes to the cost of dental implants, the number of implants you need is one of the significant factors that affect the treatment cost. The price for replacing several teeth can be more than replacing a single tooth.

The Implant is the significant component that actually replaces the tooth root that is missing. It is basically anchored inside the gum, and it acts as the root of for the new replacement tooth. The implant is made of biocompatible material that naturally fuses with your jawbone and forms a sturdy foundation to hold the crown, bridge or denture in place.

So, if you are getting a single implant, you will pay less than the patient who is getting two or more.

Quality and type of restoration

The quality of the implant and the type of restoration you choose are the other factors that will greatly impact the cost. Yes, for example, a complete set of dentures will cost more than a partial bridge. Besides, the quality factor also you have to consider, as the more quality you need, the more you have to pay. However, choosing the quality implant will last longer than the low cost one. Plus, there are also other prices associated with the different high-performance acrylics and dental porcelains.

Additional procedures

Though dental implants are the most efficient ways to replace a missing tooth, one should be qualified for getting dental implants. So sometimes an additional procedure may be required before to get the implants.

Bone grafting

Bone grafting procedure is done to add mass and secure the implant post. Bone quality is very essential to get dental implants. If you don’t have enough bone, getting this procedure done can reduce the risk of further bone loss and failure of implants.

Teeth extractions

If you have a decayed tooth or an unhealthy tooth, then it will be pulled out to get implant supported dentures.

Periodontal therapy

The more healthy your mouth, the greater the success rate of the implant procedure. Gum disease will lead to implant failure. If gum disease is present, it must be treated before the procedure.

These are the key factor that impacts the affordable dental implants. Speak with your dentist and find out your options.

Why Dental Implants are a Great Option?

dental implants in MelbourneA missing tooth can be painful, embarrassing, and lead to several oral issues. Unrivalled in durability and strength, the dental implants help restore the look and function of a missing tooth.

So, why are dental implants such a great option? Come on let’s find out.

  • You can replace any number of teeth!
  • With dental implants, you can replace all your teeth. Yes, even if you have lost entire arch, you can replace it with dental implants in Melbourne. As the implant is inserted to the jawbone, they provide a sturdy foundation to hold a single crown or bridge or even support an entire full denture.

    The implant-retained denture provides the advantage of being non-removable so that patients will enjoy more natural results which is much better than traditional removable dentures.

  • Dental implants are extremely strong!
  • While dentures and bridges rely on the gums and neighbouring teeth to be supported, tooth implants in Melbourne are anchored directly into the jawbone. In addition to making them virtually indistinguishable from the natural teeth, implants also provide the replacement teeth with a much stronger hold. So, patients can speak, eat, and smile confidently without having to worry about it may slip.

  • Dental implants can last longer!
  • Well maintained dental implants can last longer as long as you live. Moreover, compared to dentures and bridges, implants success rate is high, and they offer the most durable, secure, and natural-looking results. When dental implants are placed by highly experienced implant dentist or an oral surgeon, they can last more than 30 years.

  • Dental implants improve facial and bone features!
  • Unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants in Melbourne preserve natural tooth tissue by avoiding the need to cut down the adjacent teeth. They also help preserve jawbone tissue and significantly reduce bone deterioration that results in loss of jawbone.

    Now, let’s take a closer look at three primary parts of dental implants that makes dental implants a terrific option.

  • The Implant:
  • Implants are made of a titanium material which is a bio-grade screw that does not have any side effects. As it is a biodegradable material once it is inserted into the gum, it naturally fuses with the jawbone through the process called osseointegration. This is the primary reason why dental implants are the most durable solution for a missing tooth.

  • The Abutment:
  • The abutment is a small portion that is attached to the implants once the osseointegration process has been completed. It is screwed into the implant fixture and holds the dental work.

  • The Prosthesis:
  • The prosthesis is the artificial teeth that are attached to the implants. A crown or bridge is cemented or screwed into the abutment.

    Hope now you are clear why dental implants are a great option, and this is why dental implants cost in Melbourne are bit high than other restorative options. While they are not an affordable solution, dental implants are the most durable and permanent solution for a missing tooth. Do not consider the price; think about the long-term benefits they provide.

Why A Dentist May Suggest Bone Graft Before Dental Implants?

Dental ImplantsMissing teeth can make eating and speaking challenging and affects your confidence as well. If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants are an ideal solution. However, in order to qualify for the treatment, you must have sufficient jawbone to support the implant posts.

Yes, a strong jaw bone and a healthy lifestyle are the two essential things that are required for long-lasting dental implants. Unfortunately, the bone recession is the side effect of tooth loss, and this is why you should replace your missing teeth as early as possible. When you ignore missing teeth, it may lead to loss of jawbone that eventually increase the cost of dental implants in Melbourne by requiring additional procedure like bone graft.

To encourage new bone growth and supplement existing bone, your dentist may suggest bone grafting for dental implants.

The revolution of dental implants

Gone are the days when there were only dentures and bridges for replacing a missing tooth. However, neither of the options is ideal. For bridges, the dentist will reshape adjacent healthy teeth which can affect their structural integrity. A removable denture provides different kinds of challenges like maintenance, slips while eating and speaking, and looks unsightly.

Today in dentistry, dental implants are considered to be as the gold standard for tooth replacement. As the affordable dental implants in Melbourne are inserted into the jawbone they create a strong foundation for holding bridges, dental crowns, and dentures. Plus, the functional and aesthetic benefits that come with replacing missing teeth, tooth implants preserves jawbone and keep them healthy.

Even though restorations are placed in the future, dental implants are designed to provide lifetime support.

When is bone graft recommended?

The dentist or oral surgeon will recommend a bone graft after tooth loss. When your smile is healthy, the roots of the teeth stimulate the jawbone. Without natural stimulation, the bone begins to shrink. Bone recession results in more widespread tooth loss and changes your facial structure.

Do not worry if you do not have enough jawbones for getting dental implants. Yes, thanks to bone grafting! Healthy patients will qualify for dental implants after bone grafting treatment.

Bone graft is performed in preparation for dental implant surgery. This additional procedure price also affects the overall dental implants cost in Melbourne. If you suffer bone loss, there are higher chances of implant failure. By construing the diminished area of your jaw, you can increase the likelihood of successful treatment.

Bone grafting is a common procedure performed by administering anaesthesia. You can also choose sedation options like nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV to help you relax and all are safe and reliable choices. It will usually take six to nine months for your jaw to heal completely. Later on, you will receive affordable dental implants in Melbourne.

Bone grafting helps patients to receive dental implants and make them last longer. So, if your dentist suggests bone grafting, do not ignore.

Myths about dental implants.

dental implants in MelbourneFor decades, dentures were the only option for replacing a missing tooth. Fortunately, advancements in dental implant technology have made more options available, including dental implants.

Today, dental implants are considered to be as the permanent tooth restorative option for missing teeth. When compared to other restorative options, dental implants have the highest success rate. Though dental implants have high success rate, still people tend to avoid the procedure due to some rumours. In this blog, we will address the five most common myths about dental implants.

Dental implants surgery is invasive and painful:

It is one of the most common myths. Though dental implants in Melbourne require oral surgery, modern techniques have made it a minimally-invasive and painless procedure. Sedation dentistry has paved the way to get dental procedures without any pain.

With new digital dental implant techniques, you won’t even need stitches. The dental implant procedure is done by administering local anaesthesia, and you will not experience any pain.

Modern implant procedures like immediate load implants are boon for patients who are missing anterior teeth. When compared to traditional tooth implants, immediate implant placement gives more benefits.

Tooth implants don’t look real:

NO! Tooth Implants in Melbourne gained its popularity because it looks and functions like a normal tooth. If you are worried that dental implant may stick out like a sore thumb in your mouth, you shouldn’t be. The crown is made from ceramic to resemble real teeth, and the dentist will ensure that the colour, shape, and size of the implants match your existing teeth. Nobody could find that you have an artificial tooth.

Dental implants are expensive:

It is true that dental implants cost in Melbourne is not cheap. But, think of the damage that is done to your mouth by not replacing a missing tooth will cost you a lot more in the long run. Dental implants are a single investment that is going to give you incredible benefits.

Moreover, dental implants cost in Melbourne can be reduced by choosing payment plans. Many dental clinics offer flexible payment options to make the dental treatments affordable for all. Discuss your options with your dentist.

The recovery takes too long:

While the healing time associated with dental implants Melbourne can last from two to six months, it may vary from one patient to another based on their oral and overall health condition. The extended healing time is taken for the implant to naturally fuse with the jaw bone which will provide a sturdy foundation to hold the prosthetic tooth.

Implants are uncomfortable:

Dental implants are not uncomfortable like many assume. Once it is placed, dental implants look, feel and function like a natural tooth. When compared to dentures, they provide you maximum comfort. As they are non-removable you can speak, eat and smile confidently.

Modern Technology Makes Dental Implants Easier for Patients

dental implantDental implant technology was introduced four decades ago which has changed the dental industry. Though much of the concept remains the same, advancements have been made to bioengineering concepts and the way in which dentists can assess and prepare the implant site. Such technological advances include imaging enhancements, improvements in implant design and surgical innovations.

Technological advancements in implant dentistry now make it possible to place the artificial tooth roots with no incision and minimal discomfort for the patients. The latest dental implant coatings and nanostructure titanium is even stronger and heals quickly than implants using conventional coatings.

Let us take a look into different types of the implant and alternative dental implants techniques that can be achieved through modern implant dentistry.

Types of dental implant:

Dental implants come in different types, sizes, and heights. The dental implant cost in Melbourne depends on the type of implants you receive. Your dentist can help you determine which option is best for you depending on your particular needs.

  • Endosteal:
  • These types of dental implant are surgically placed in the jawbone. It is made of titanium and shaped like small screws. Endosteal type of implants is the most commonly used type of implant. The material used for making dental implants also influences the cost of dental implants in Melbourne.

  • Subperiosteal:
  • These types of dental implants are also placed under the gum but on, or above, the jawbone. It is mainly used for the patients who do not have enough jaw bone and cannot undergo a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild it.

    In case, if your jawbone is not able to support affordable dental implants in Melbourne, the following techniques can be used to rebuild and restore the natural jaw line and provide a sturdy foundation for implant-supported teeth.

  • Bone augmentation:
  • It involves restoring your bone in your jaw when it is not able to support the implant. Research shows that using bone additives and growth factors to fortify the bone generally achieves the best results.

  • Sinus lift:
  • Also called sinus elevation involves adding bone below the sinus in cases where natural jawbone has been deteriorated.

  • Ridge expansion:
  • If your jawbone is not wide enough to support dental implants, bone graft material can be added to small ridge, or space, created along the top of your jaw.

3D Imaging and treatment planning:

State-of-the-art, precise 3D imaging and implant surgical software have made dental implant procedures faster. These advancements save time, money and shorten the recovery time.
Depending on the health of your jawbone, your dentist may suggest the following alternative affordable dental implants Melbourne techniques.

  • All-on-4: It is an effective alternative to placing top or bottom set of replacements teeth, called a full arch.
  • Mini dental implants: The size of mini implants is smaller than traditional implants and is primarily used to stabilise a lower denture.
  • Immediate load dental implants: Also called same day implants. This technique allows placement of temporary tooth during the same appointment as your dental implant placement.

Things You Need To Know About Dental Implant in Melbourne

Dental implant is a procedure, which replaces your tooth roots using fixture, abutment & prosthesis to restore your missing tooth with the artificial teeth. Such teeth will function and looks like your real one. Dental implant surgery will be performed depending on the type of implant you need and the health condition of your jawbone. The main benefit of having dental implants in Melbourne is, they give substantial support to your new teeth and save you from bone loss. Here in this article, let’s discuss about dental implant:

Purpose of Dental Implant

The purpose of dental implant surgery, are

  • To Avoid Missing or damaged teeth
  • Facilitate Jawbone to reach full growth
  • To have healthy oral tissues
  • Alternative to wear dentures
  • Improve your appearance and speech

How to get prepared

Before dental implant surgery, it’s must to be prepared for the process, which includes

  1. Comprehensive dental exam
  2. Treatment plan

Comprehensive Dental Exam

  • The first thing you may have to do is dental X-rays. This helps to identify, how deeply your roots and teeth are affected.
  • The models are made of your teeth and mouth.

Treatment Plan

  • According to the condition of your jawbone and number of implants, the plan of the treatment will be discussed. Especially, they will discuss the cost of the dental implant.

Before you start the procedure, tell about the medical conditions of your teeth to the dentist. If you are allergic to anything or have any heart problem, don’t forget to mention it. They will take extra care of you during the procedure and avoid the things that are allergic to you. Also, ask the list of foods and drinks that you have to eat before and after your surgery.

After discussing about the dental implant in Melbourne, the dentist will take the impression of the teeth that you need to replace.

The procedure of Dental Implant in Steps:

Step1: Tooth extraction

The dentist will inject anaesthesia on the surrounding area of the tooth, after which the tooth will be extracted and new implant will be placed. After that, the dentist will extract the damaged tooth from your mouth.

Step2: Implant

Once the tooth is extracted, your dentist will insert the implant by drilling hole in your jawbone. This artificial root is fixed to support the new teeth.

Step3: Abutment Placement

After your jawbone heals, it will fit tightly with the dental implant and start to function like an original tooth. But the thing is, it takes weeks to recover completely. Once the implant is stable, an abutment is fixed over the implant.

Step4: Permanent Crown

At last, the crown is attached over the abutment, which resembles and function like an original tooth. You’re done!

Wrapping Up

Do more research and find the right dentist who is specialised in tooth implants in Melbourne. Their dental implant surgery will leave you with a fine looking and functional tooth.