If the thought of dental implant cost is leaving you tossing and turning at night, you can relax. Patients who have been recommended implants always reply with “how much is the dental implant procedure?” And that’s a tricky question to answer because dental implants aren’t sold off the shelf or self-installed. To get an accurate estimate you need to visit an expert dentist that offers consultation prior to surgery. The good news is that we have compiled some average costs, to help you out with budgeting.
How Is The Cost Of Dental Implants Calculated?
The cost of your dental implant only makes up a portion of the total you will pay for your procedure. Your implant surgery is a series of procedures that will be carried out over a period of up to 18 months, and the fee will be presented as one total.
Here are some of the line items that would typically appear alongside your final treatment plan.
The cost of your implant
The dental implant market is price-competitive and there are a number of different brands available, offering products in different price ranges, and corresponding degrees of quality.
At Dental 266 we use Nobel Biocare implants, which are high quality implants with a track record of success. In fact, Nobel Biocare was part of the team that developed the all-on-4 dental implant system that is used around the world.
Because the teeth are a permanent structure in your body, and we strive for implants to last a lifetime, it is important that we make use of a high quality system.
We will be the first to tell you that we do not use cheap or substandard implants. You may very well find cheaper implants elsewhere – but also expect that their performance will be reflected in their price.
The number of implants you need
Of course a single implant will cost less than multiple implants – if it is straightforward. Often your dental practitioner will offer a discount for multiple placements, rather than charging you the full cost per implant.
The all-on-4 system pioneered by Nobel Biocare implants enables you to replace a whole row of teeth using only four implants. This makes a significant cost reduction in cases where patients need between 10 and 14 teeth replaced. Rather than replacing all the teeth individually, the all-on-four system makes use of innovative positioning and placement to achieve the same benefits.
How complex is your case?
We mentioned above that a single straightforward implant costs less than multiple placements, but if your case is complex a single implant could cost more.
If you need a bone graft or sinus lift, this will add to your total. In the event that your dental practitioner needs to sedate you under general anaesthetic and you must be admitted to hospital, your procedure cost will be higher than if you are treated in the chair.
Do you need a tooth extraction?
Should your dental practitioner need to extract a damaged tooth before placing a dental implant, this will also add to the cost of your procedure.
What are the professional fees?
Your dentist will include your initial assessment, his or her fees to perform the surgeries as well as any follow up consultations you may need. Again, the complexity of your case will play a part in determining what this cost is.
So, What is the Price of a Dental Implant?
Each costing is prepared on a case-by-case basis. Our dental experts will assess you and create a bespoke treatment plan that works best for you. Ultimately you aren’t just paying for an implant; you are paying for 18 months of treatment and many years of a healthy smile.
If you have already found a dentist that offers consultation and you got a dental implant estimate, here are some ballpark averages to compare it to.
According to smile.com.au’s National Dental Fee Survey from 2017, the placement of a single and straightforward dental implant cost between $3,000 and $6,000 per tooth. Adding a bone graft to the procedure increased the cost of a single implant to $11,500.
Finder.com.au says patients should expect to pay in the region of $3,000 to $7,000 for a single straightforward procedure. Patients needing the all-on-4 procedure could budget in the region of $15,000 – $30,000 for their treatment.
These are very big price ranges, but remember that the final price is dependant on your personal circumstances and you will only get an accurate estimate when you have consulted a professional.
Are Implants Worth The Investment?
When you consider that you can expect your dental implant to last for the rest of your lifetime, it certainly is worth investing in high quality implants. With the appropriate care, there is no reason why your implant can’t last for the rest of your lifetime.
Furthermore, Nobel Biocare implants carry a warranty that allows for their replacement in the event of implant failure. Implants have a 98% success rate as well as a long list of qualifying criteria, so your chances of experiencing implant failure are already mitigated when you work with an experienced practitioner. In the very unlikely event that your implant does fail, you will be offered a replacement.
Will My Health Insurance Cover My Dental Implant Cost?
In many health policies, a dental implant is listed as a policy exclusion because it is an elective procedure, however there are some circumstances under which your implant procedure may be covered.
Will your implant surgery be done in hospital?
If you need a major bone graft or need to be put under anaesthetic, you may need to be admitted to a hospital for your dental implant surgery.
Do you have extras cover?
Implants fall under periodontics, and if your health insurance policy does include periodontics your dental implants are likely to be covered. It’s quite possible that the full amount won’t be covered and there may be some out-of-pocket costs for you to budget.
Remember: Do not go ahead with any treatment until you have confirmed your cover with your insurance provider.
To find out more about the cost of dental implants and how you can save in the long term by doing it right the first time, give us a call to schedule a consultation near you: (02) 9051 0600