Dental Implants: Costs, Procedures, Types & Benefits

Dental implants are one of the most modern and advanced ways to replace missing or damaged teeth. They can be used to replace single or multiple teeth, and they offer many benefits over other treatments. Implants could be used as an alternative for dentures, bridges, and other dental appliances. It is a permanent solution, so it is cost-effective compared to other tooth-replacement methods. 

Dental implant procedure requires a lot of your time and effort. Moreso, it is also expensive; thus, it is an investment that you need to prepare for. You need to understand the cost of dental implants and what fees may be involved, as this will assist you in planning your finances accordingly. 

This article will cover what you need to know about dental implants, including how much they cost, the process, and who it is suitable for. So let’s get started!

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an excellent solution for tooth loss. They’re a screw-like anchor for the artificial tooth root replacement. Titanium, which is the commonly used material for implants, is biocompatible, which means that it will not irritate your body when in contact with it. It is attached to the jawbone and gum tissue to provide a firm base for artificial teeth replacement like dental crowns, dentures, and bridges.

The dental practitioner can do dental implant surgery on a single tooth or multiple teeth or even a full arch denture. Implants and crowns do not require any adhesive to stay in place, unlike dentures. Since they fuse into your jawbone, they remain inside the mouth, so there is no chance they will slip off as false teeth do. Implants provide both an aesthetic and functional restoration while also being more natural than dentures in some cases.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

A dental implant is composed of 3 parts that function differently:

• The implant or the titanium screw, which acts as the artificial tooth root.
• The abutment, which is the post that connects the implant screw and the crown.
• The dental crown, which is the artificial teeth. 

1. After the initial dental implant consultation, the dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implant treatment. Dental surgery involves several steps, and since every patient is different, the process may vary. Suppose you have healthy gums and jawbone, meaning you don’t have any dental problems and have adequate bone mass to support the implant. In that case, the dentist will be able to perform the surgery without any additional dental procedure. Otherwise, any dental problem will be treated first before the implant placement. Moreover, If you have low bone density, then a bone augmentation or bone graft has to be performed. 

2.  The dental surgeon will first implant the titanium screw into the jawbone under the empty tooth socket. It will gradually fuse to the bone (osseointegration) during the healing time, forming a solid foundation for the artificial tooth.

3. Once osseointegration is completed, the abutment is connected to the implant screw. It is a minor surgery, and the healing time is around two weeks.

4. When the gums are healed, the dental crown or the prosthetic tooth, usually made from ceramic, is attached to the abutment. The artificial tooth functions just like the real ones, and it also looks and feels like it.

You will be given pain medications after the surgery. It is normal to feel any mild discomfort, swelling, and pain for a few days. However, if it is unbearable or lasts longer than expected, don’t hesitate to contact your dental surgeon immediately. In addition, there is a risk of infection after the surgery; thus, you must strictly follow your dentist’s post-op instruction to avoid any dental problem. Moreover, it takes four to six months on average for you to fully heal from the surgery and resume your regular routine.

 Types Of Dental Implants

Dental implants come in two types: endosteal and subperiosteal. These are each good for different situations, so the dentist will evaluate your dental condition before deciding which one is best for you.

Endosteal Implants

The titanium screws are surgically inserted into the jawbone and serve as artificial roots to hold replacement teeth in place securely. Over time, these small titanium root fuse with the bone while protruding through gum tissue for a more durable tooth attachment. The abutment, a metal connector, is attached to the screw, and it serves as the base of the dental crown.

Titanium is used since it is light, strong, and corrosion-resistant. Unlike stainless steel, titanium is biocompatible, so it does not cause the body to reject it. 

However, not all are good candidates for endosteal implants. Specific criteria have to be met for you to have this type of implant. First and foremost, you must have good oral health with no periodontal disease. In addition, your jawbone has fully grown or has adequate bone mass to anchor the implant. If you are a tobacco user, you should be determined to stop smoking even before the surgery since there is a high risk of implant failure when you refuse to do so. Most of all, you must be willing to invest your time for several months to complete the procedure. Full recovery from the surgical procedure is approximately three to six months if everything goes well as expected. 

Subperiosteal Implants

A subperiosteal implant is a less standard dental procedure used as an alternative to endosteal implants for patients who do not have sufficient jawbone mass. Instead of using an implant screw that goes into the jawbone, a custom-made metal framework is attached on top of the jawbone but underneath the gum tissue. The metal frame has posts that protrude through the gum tissues, holding the dental prosthetics in place. 

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Learn more about: What You Need To Know About Different Types Of Dental Implants

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Dentures vs Bridge vs Implants: What’s Better for Me?

A missing tooth affects our oral health and how we feel about ourselves when looking in the mirror. With many dental treatments on the market today, you may be wondering which is best for your needs. While each option replaces missing teeth and addresses a similar problem somehow, they are very different procedures with drawbacks and benefits depending on personal factors like tooth health or individual preferences. To find out what’s right for you, it’s essential to consider all aspects before making any decisions about a treatment plan.

Dental implants are the most durable and natural-looking long-term solution; however, they also take a lot longer to heal than dental bridges or dentures would. If you need something quick that will still work well for chewing hard foods, then going with dentures might be better because of their affordability and convenience; however, if money isn’t an issue but time is, then go ahead with dental bridgework because it is a non-invasive procedure, thus you’ll have a fast recovery.

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Benefits of Dental Implants

Acts like natural teeth: 

A dental implant is a fantastic way to restore your natural chewing ability, without any notable difference between a natural tooth and the implant. You can eat like you never lost your teeth at all! In addition, brushing and flossing are no problem either.

It can last a lifetime:

Dental implants are more sustainable than other tooth replacement options like bridges and removable dentures. Dental implants can last a lifetime, while dental bridges only last for ten years. Dental implants are made from titanium. It integrates with the jawbone without causing any harm because it is non-toxic and biocompatible, so the body does not reject it.

Prevents bone loss:

Losing a tooth can be detrimental to your oral health. If you don’t get an implant within one year, the jaw bone in that space will deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation for growth. Hence, it will lose 25% of its volume and continue shrinking over time. 

It can help keep you free of gum disease:

Losing a tooth is more than just an aesthetic problem. It makes you more susceptible to gum disease and discomfort. Without your natural protection, food can easily get trapped between the gaps and spaces in your mouth. 

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Who Can Get Dental Implants

Dental implants are a viable option for all healthy adults who can undergo dental procedures such as tooth extraction. Moreover, there is no age limit for this treatment as long as the patient has good oral health, without any gum disease or cavities; otherwise, they must take care of those first before proceeding with implants. It is also necessary that their gums have sufficient bone mass so it won’t compromise the stability of the titanium fixture anchored on the bone. In addition, a smoker must quit smoking before the surgery, especially during the healing period, as it increases the risk of failure. 

 Some individuals are too young to receive dental implants because their jaw and bone tissue are still developing. Most of the time, these are patients under 18 years old. In addition, those who have medical conditions like an autoimmune disease, a blood clotting disorder, or uncontrolled diabetes may not be an ideal candidate for a procedure since they can affect the implant success rate.

Going in for regular dental checkups is the best way to keep your teeth healthy, and implant treatment requires regular dentist appointments throughout the process. Therefore, it is best to have ample time for a dental appointment since this treatment involves several procedures.

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Cost of Dental Implants

A dental implant is a costly procedure, but the price varies depending on your specific needs. For example, if you need to undergo a bone graft or sinus lift for an implant to be successful, it will likely cost more.

Single Tooth Implants Cost

The price of a straightforward dental implant in Australia varies between $3,000 – $6,500. The national dental fee survey in 2017 claimed that the average cost per tooth is around $5,563, so you should expect an amount at least this high.

Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost

If you’re interested in a full upper implant or all-on-4 dental implants, the investment would be between $23,000 to $27,000 per fixed arch.

Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Unfortunately, dental care is not covered by medicare. It would be much more affordable if it were subsidized, but sadly that’s not the case. Some people manage their treatment plan by spreading out payment over a period of time or making monthly payments. There might even be an alternative solution tailored to fit your needs, so don’t hesitate to ask. 

Does Private Health Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

If you’re seeking treatment for your teeth, don’t expect too much from private health insurance companies as they only issue about $500 -$1500 in rebates. It’s worth noting that most plans will not cover major dental procedures and surgery unless they cover the extras. If new health coverage is something you want now or on an ongoing basis, be wary of one thing: You’ll need to wait for a year before having access to surgery benefits offered by the plan, if it has any at all.

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Dental Implants Procedure

A dental implant is a long process. Every part of the process is done carefully and with the patient’s safety in mind. The treatment is done in stages of about four months or more. It typically starts with several tests and minor procedures to ensure that everything goes correctly before committing to surgery.

Preparation 

X-rays and other scans are done to grasp the teeth’s condition better and see if there are any other dental concerns like tooth decay or inflammation. If the patient needs bone grafts, this can make the process take much longer than usual.

Placing The Implants

The first step is to numb the mouth with local anesthesia. Then, an incision will be made in your gum using an electric drill so it can create a space for a screw implant. The drill is not at all loud or jarring and should cause no distress to the patient. The new implant is then inserted into the jawbone and secured in place with some stitches. 

Once implanted, the artificial tooth root will fuse into the jawbone. This process may take several months but will result in an integrated root system that supports the new tooth.

Installing the abutment

Once osseointegration is completed, you need to have minor surgery to install the abutment. This procedure is done under local anesthesia. The abutment is the post that protrudes through the gums connecting the titanium implant to the dental crown. It is the base where the ceramic crown is attached securely. The gum tissue is then closed around the abutment that has been put in place but not over it. 

Fitting the crown

The gums need to heal for around two to four weeks before the dentist attaches the artificial tooth. Once it has healed, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth and mouth. He will use this mould to create a crown for your tooth. 

Once your jawbone is strong enough, the crown can be placed. The artificial tooth looks like a natural one because it’s made of porcelain that dentists developed to maintain an exact appearance and colouration.

Recovery

A complete list of post-operative instructions will be given to you after the surgery. The instructions for surgical recovery may vary depending on the type of surgery performed and any necessary aftercare for preventative or therapeutic care.

As you heal from the operation, you have to be mindful of your diet, so it’s essential to avoid hard foods for a couple of days. Moreover, it’s crucial not to neglect proper oral hygiene, like brushing your teeth carefully. You need to take proper care with your teeth and mouth, or else gums can become bruised and painful as well.

Dental implant surgery often includes some of the typical discomforts associated with any medical procedure. You may experience swelling in your gums and face, bruises on both skin and gums, plus pain at the site where they place your tooth or teeth. In addition, you also need pain medications, but if the pain lasts longer than expected or becomes unbearable, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist at once so they can help alleviate these symptoms.

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Learn more about the Dental Implants Procedure: Dental Implants Procedure: What’s To Expect

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Final Thoughts

 Dental implants are the best solution for replacing missing teeth. They offer a long-lasting, natural look and feel of real teeth that is impossible to achieve with conventional dentures or bridges. Before opting for implants, you also need to understand that this process involves a considerable investment of your time, and you should be ready and willing to plan accordingly. 

 Suppose you’re looking for more information on dental implants before undergoing this procedure. In that case, we recommend you to contact our team of experts at Burwood Dental Care at 03 7034 0333. We can walk you through what it takes to get a dental implant and answer any questions you may have about the treatment process. You deserve only the best when it comes to your oral health, so why not give us a call today?