Tooth implants can be a great solution to replace lost or damaged teeth and restore your smile. If you’ve been considering getting an implant, it’s important to understand that several factors will determine the final cost. We know this is an important decision for most of our patients, so in this blog post, we’ll discuss what goes into getting a dental implant – from picking out the right type of implant to discussing how much you may need to invest upfront. By the end, you should have all the necessary information to decide whether or not to get a dental implant treatment.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial titanium tooth root that is placed in or on the jawbone. It serves as an anchor for a false tooth or bridge, and it can also be used to secure dentures. Dental implants offer an effective long-term solution to missing teeth, and they have become increasingly popular over the last several years due to their durability and convenience.
The dental implant procedure
If you are thinking about undergoing a dental implant procedure, it is important to understand what the complete process entails. Here is what you can expect before, during, and after the tooth implant surgery.
Before surgery
Before surgery Prior to your implant surgery, your dentist will check the condition of your gums and jaw bone. If there is not enough healthy bone for the implant post to be securely placed in the jawbone, then a bone grafting procedure may need to be performed first.
A bone grafting procedure involves transplanting bone tissue from another part of your body and placing it in the area needing repair. Once this has healed completely, you can proceed with the actual implant surgery.
During surgery
During the actual tooth replacement procedure, the dentist will incise a small section in the gum line and place an anchor in the jawbone. An abutment will then be placed on top of this anchor, which will hold the artificial tooth in place. The abutment is usually left exposed for several weeks so that soft tissues can form around it and provide additional stability for the new tooth.
In some cases, a temporary restoration may also be placed on top of the abutment during this healing period so you can still use the tooth while you wait for permanent restoration placement.
After the surgery
Once you are done with the dental implant surgery, the entire healing process typically takes anywhere from 4-6 months, depending on individual factors, such as age and overall health.
During this period, it is vital to follow all instructions given by your dentist regarding proper oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, as well as avoiding hard foods until instructed otherwise by your dentist.
After complete healing has occurred, you can return to normal eating habits as well as have permanent restorations, such as crowns or bridges placed on top of the abutments if necessary.
Benefits of dental implants
Here’s an overview of the top seven benefits of dental implants that you should consider when deciding on a treatment plan.
Natural look and feel
Dental implants look and feel just like your own natural teeth. Once they are placed, no one can tell the difference between them and the rest of your smile.
Durability
With regular care, dental implants can last a lifetime. They are durable and strong enough to withstand everyday activities, such as eating and speaking, without any issues.
Improved speech
Dental implants help you with improved speech, as due to the loss of teeth, you may be unable to speak fluently, which can lead to a loss of confidence, especially in public. Having dental implants will solve this issue instantly.
Easier eating
Chewing can be challenging with traditional dentures because they tend to slip out of place or break if too much pressure is applied while eating certain foods. But with dental implants, you won’t have any of these problems because they act just like real teeth do when it comes to chewing food!
Improved oral health
Improved oral healthTraditional dentures simply sit on top of your gums, leaving gaps in between where bacteria can gather and cause infection or gum disease.
With dental implants, however, there aren’t any gaps in between because they are securely placed in your jawbone like real teeth would be, so bacteria have no chance of gathering around them and causing harm to your oral health.
No need for adhesives
Traditional dentures require the use of adhesives to stay in place, but with dental implants, this isn’t necessary since they are anchored into place by titanium screws. This means no more mess from using messy adhesives or having them come loose while eating or speaking.
Confidence boost
A full set of healthy-looking teeth can do wonders for self-esteem and confidence levels! When you get dental implants placed, you don’t have to worry about anyone noticing that something is off with your smile anymore since they look and feel just like real teeth do!
Risk factors
If you’re considering having dental implants, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and complications.
Like every surgical procedure, dental implant surgery carries its own set of risks, and while dental implants are considered a safe, reliable option, there is always a chance that something could go wrong. To have a successful surgery, choose dental practitioners that are experienced.
Let’s see what some of the risks involved are.
Infection risk
Dental implants are at risk for infection. Proper oral hygiene is essential to reduce this risk. Antibiotics may be prescribed before and/or after surgery.
Damage to surrounding teeth
Another potential risk is damage to surrounding teeth due to improper placement of the implant. During implant placement surgery, extreme care must be taken in order to ensure that adjacent teeth are not damaged during the procedure.
In some cases, damage can occur if an implant is placed too close to an adjacent tooth or if excessive force is used when inserting an implant into the jawbone. This can lead to serious complications, including loss of teeth or even breakage of adjacent teeth due to pressure from the implant itself.
Nerve damage risk
Nerve damage risk Finally, nerve damage due to incorrect placement or over-preparation is another potential risk associated with dental implants.
Nerves run throughout your mouth and face, so it’s important for your dentist or surgeon to be extremely careful when positioning an implant, as any damage done could have serious consequences, such as facial numbness or paralysis on one side of your face.
How much for a tooth implant?
Are you in the market for dental implants? The cost of a single dental implant is around $3000 AUD, but additional expenses, such as checkups, X-rays, and crowns, ought to be factored into your budget. That being said, the dental implant cost varies greatly depending on different factors like the complexity of care required, materials used, and dentists’ expertise in Australia.
So ultimately, it pays off to compare your options carefully before making an informed choice. Let’s take a look at some factors which could affect dental implant costs.
Factors affecting the dental implants cost
Number of implants required (single tooth implant cost vs. multiple teeth)
The first and most obvious factor affecting the cost of dental implants is the number of implants needed. More teeth obviously require more work, so if you need multiple implants, you should expect to pay more.
However, depending on your particular situation, some dentists may offer discounts for multiple implant placements or other treatments like a bridge or crown.
Location
Where you live can also affect the cost of dental implants significantly. Different parts of the country have different levels of competition and overhead costs that can drive up prices. Additionally, certain states charge additional fees for dental services due to sales tax or licencing requirements that don’t apply in other areas.
Treatment complexity
If you require additional procedures like bone grafts or sinus lifts prior to implant placement, it could add significantly to your total bill. These procedures are typically necessary when there isn’t enough healthy bone in your jaw to support an implant, which could be caused by injury or gum disease. However, if these issues aren’t present, then this won’t be a factor for you at all.
Type of implant and dental crown used
There are varied types of dental implants available today, from traditional titanium screws to ceramic root-form implants and mini-dental implants (MDIs). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages as well as its own associated costs.
A porcelain crown is more expensive than composite resin or metal but provides a more natural-looking result, while metal is cheaper but can stand up better to heavy chewing forces.
Experience level of the surgeon and staff
The experience level and reputation of your surgical team can also influence how much you pay for dental implants. Highly trained dentists with many years in practice often charge higher rates than those with less experience; however, this doesn’t necessarily mean they provide better results, as even junior surgeons must complete extensive training programmes before being allowed to practise independently in most states.
Insurance coverage for implants
Finally, insurance coverage can play a major role in how much money out-of-pocket costs you incur during treatment. Many insurance plans now cover at least part of the cost for traditional titanium screws; however, coverage for other types may vary significantly from plan to plan, so make sure to check with your provider before scheduling any appointments.
Additionally, certain plans may impose deductibles or co-payments, which will increase total out-of-pocket expenses regardless of insurance coverage levels offered by the plan itself.
Understanding all the factors that go into pricing mouth dental implant cost is important when considering this dental treatment as part of your overall oral care routine, not only because it allows you to budget appropriately but also because it ensures that you get value for money spent on treatment regardless of whether it’s covered by insurance or not.
How to take care of dental implants?
Proper cleaning techniques
It’s important to keep your teeth clean, especially if you have dental implants. You should brush your teeth at least two times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Additionally, flossing is essential for cleaning around the base of dental implants in order to control the buildup of plaque, which can lead to gum disease or infection.
Regular check-ups
Visiting the dentist regularly is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to taking care of your dental implants. Most dentists recommend visiting them at least twice per year for checkups and professional cleanings. During these visits, your dentist will carry out a detailed examination of your mouth for any signs of infection or damage and make sure that everything looks healthy and functioning properly.
Lifestyle changes
Taking care of your dental implants means making some changes in lifestyle habits that could damage them over time. This includes avoiding hard foods like ice cubes or hard candy, quitting smoking if you are a smoker, and using alcohol sparingly or not at all (as excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the bond between implant fixtures).
Wearing a protective mouthguard during contact sports or other activities that could cause trauma to the jaw is recommended in order to protect the integrity of your implants.
Get affordable dental treatments at Broadford Dental
Book a checkup with Dr Pramatha Menon, who has been an experienced dental practitioner in Australia for more than a decade. It’s time to replace your missing teeth and restore your beautiful smile. Schedule an appointment with Broadford Dental now to get 20% off on your first visit. You may call us too at (03) 5749 1208.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental implant surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
Dental Implants: What You Should Know
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-implants-what-you-should-know
