Missing teeth not only affect your appearance and self-confidence, but they can also have a significant impact on your overall health. Research has demonstrated a close correlation between inadequate chewing ability and poor general health.
Gaps in your smile can lead to teeth shifting along the periodontal membrane, resulting in misalignment. Missing teeth can also lead to super eruption, where the tooth opposite the gap emerges too far out of the jawbone, causing further tooth loss. However, the most frequent issue experienced with tooth loss is bone resorption, where the jawbone deteriorates because of a lack of stimulation. This bone tissue loss can lead to a sunken face and changes in your bite pattern.
There are many tooth replacement options available to treat missing teeth. However, the only permanent restoration method is dental implants. A dental implant is a small biocompatible titanium post that acts as a tooth root to anchor an artificial crown. This innovative technology stimulates jawbone growth to fuse with the bone tissue, making the implant a permanent fixture in your jaw.
Dental implants have a higher initial cost than other tooth replacements, which can make people reconsider the procedure. Understanding how much do dental implants cost is vital when determining whether the treatment option is right for your oral health.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
While a dental implant procedure requires a larger initial investment than dentures or bridges, their longevity, durability, and natural appearance make them an affordable long-term option. Several factors impact dental implant cost.
The Number of Teeth to Be Replaced
Dental implants are priced per tooth, so the more teeth that need replacing, the higher the overall treatment cost.
If you require several consecutive teeth replaced, your dentist may suggest an implant-supported bridge which uses a dental implant to anchor a fixed bridge. This procedure requires fewer implants and does not require preparation of the surrounding teeth to hold the bridge in place.
For people who have an entire dental arch in need of replacement, an All-on-4 dental implant uses four implants positioned at the arch ends to secure a denture. The process is less invasive and more affordable than using individual implant posts for each tooth.
Additional Surgeries and Treatments
Ideally, candidates for a dental implant should have good oral health and ample jawbone tissue. However, where the jawbone under the gap is not dense enough, you may need a bone graft or sinus lift to prepare the area before embedding the implant.
For a broken or severely decayed tooth, you will need an extraction before your dental implant procedure. While most tooth removals can be performed quickly in the dentist’s chair, impacted or traumatised teeth may need to be extracted under general anaesthetic after admission to a dental hospital. These preparatory surgeries contribute to the overall dental implant cost.
Materials Used
There are various brands of dental implants available on the market, each offering varying levels of quality. At No Gaps Dental, we use state-of-the-art titanium implants for their longevity and high success rate.
There are also different crown materials available from porcelain to zirconia. Our facilities offer advanced CEREC crowns customised to your mouth using 3D imaging, then cut from a solid block of zirconia using CAD/CAM technology. We also offer porcelain crowns made by sending impressions of your mouth to an off-site lab for fabrication.
Does Medicare Cover the Dental Implant Cost?
Dental implants are typically not covered by Medicare. However, there are some exceptions if a dental implant is considered a medical necessity. To apply for Medicare coverage for your dental implant procedure, you will need a referral from your GP under the GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangement.
You may also be eligible for dental subsidies under the Children’s Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) or Veterans Affairs Dental Scheme. Contact your local Medicare office for details about your benefits.
Can I Claim Dental Implants on Private Insurance?
Dental implants are considered to be a Major Dental procedure. Most basic health insurance policies do not cover Major Dental treatments. However, some health funds may cover the dental implant cost under your hospital cover. Check with your policy and your insurance provider for details about your level of coverage.
If you changed or increased your coverage level before your dental implant procedure, check your policy for waiting periods and payment gaps, preventing you from claiming straightaway.
For your convenience, we offer HICAPS terminals at each of our 15 locations across Sydney, so you can make health insurance claims on-the-spot.
Get Affordable Dental Implants at No Gaps Dental
At No Gaps Dental, we believe that all patients deserve the smile of their dreams. So, we offer affordable payment plans through MacCredit so you can receive the treatment you need today, and pay later.
Applying for a payment plan is as simple as filling out an online form and showing proof of income. Once approved, you can receive up to $70,000 to go toward your dental implant cost with repayments starting as low as $30 per week.
If you have ever wondered, how much do dental implants cost? They may be more affordable than you think. To get the most accurate estimate of your dental implant cost, call (02) 8806 0227 to book a consultation with our experienced team of dentists at No Gaps Dental so we can create a customised treatment plan and restore your smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.