If you’ve landed on this page, then we’re guessing that you’re looking to replace one or more missing teeth with dental implants and are wondering what the tooth implant cost per tooth is likely to be.
Naturally, if you’ve been doing your research, you already know that dental implants are one of the most expensive treatments available. Yet that hasn’t stopped tens of millions of people undergoing surgery to achieve a great-looking smile.
In this article we strive to answer all your questions relating to dental implant cost so without further ado, let’s dive in…
Tooth implant cost per tooth – How much can I expect to pay?
When determining dental implant cost, you need to be aware that you don’t need a dental implant for every missing tooth. For instance,
- A single missing tooth or two consecutive missing teeth can be restored using a single dental implant supporting either a single crown or two fused crowns
- Several consecutive missing teeth can be restored with a bridge restoration that is attached at either end to a dental implant post
- Numerous consecutive and non-consecutive missing teeth can be replaced with implant-supported partial or full dentures. We usually recommend 3 to 6 dental implants per denture.
So, getting back to tooth implant cost per tooth, in reality, this can set you back anywhere from $3000 to $7000 depending on various factors. These include:
- Location – A single dental implant will cost more in a city than a suburb simply because the cost of living is higher in cities such as Sydney. Consequently, dental practices have higher overheads, and this is usually factored into the cost of their treatments.
- Implant brand – Implants are big business with more than 500 different global brands. Those leading the way have spent huge amounts of money and time researching and designing the best implant materials, shapes, and types to achieve better outcomes. This is usually reflected in the dental implant cost.
- Complexity of the case – The complexity of each individual case also contributes to the dental implant cost. For example, if a tooth extraction is needed beforehand, or a person requires a bone graft, they’re going to incur additional costs.
- Experience of the dentist – Implantology is constantly evolving and to stay at the top of their game, many dentists spend a good deal of their own money on attending seminars and training programs. This cost has to be recouped and is often incorporated into the dental implant price.
As you can see, it’s practically impossible to give you an exact tooth implant cost per tooth because there are so many variables and factors to take into account.
So, what about cheap dental implants overseas?
No doubt you’ve read about the rise of dental tourism and even know of people who have travelled to countries such as Bali where a single implant can cost from $960. Even factoring in the cost of a return airfare, it would seem there are significant savings to be made.
We’d advise you to think carefully before going down this route because there are certain risks to consider when getting treatment overseas, that you wouldn’t face when getting dental implants in Australia. For example:
- Experience – Your Balinese surgeon/dentist may not be trained to the same high standards
- Language barrier – They may not speak or understand sufficient English to enable you to clearly get across your requirements and aesthetic expectations
- Repercussions – Should your implant(s) fail, or you experience other problems is there any comeback?
While there are plenty of good dentists and dental clinics in Bali providing dental implants, it’s worth remembering that they aren’t usually the ones offering bargain-basement prices.
What about the true dental implant cost?
So far, all we’ve talked about is the monetary cost of dental implants which, understandably, is the first thing most people are concerned with when weighing up their tooth replacement options.
What you may not have thought about is the long-term costs when comparing the price of dental implants versus another form of tooth replacement such as a bridge or denture.
Did you know that when a tooth is missing the bone that once supported it, is absorbed by the body? Over time this changes the shape of the jaw and causes that sunken look that makes a person look older than they are.
Because dental implants act as artificial tooth roots and stimulate the bone, this puts a halt to the natural bone loss that occurs with tooth loss. No other method of tooth replacement addresses bone loss.
Not only does a dental implant fill the missing gap, it has the ability to retain facial structure making you look younger and giving your confidence a boost too. Now that’s priceless!
In addition, dental implants allow you to eat any foods that you like without the restrictions that conventional denture wearers face. If you want to bite into a crunchy apple or chew on a succulent steak, then you can. While a partial or full denture solves the problem of missing teeth, did you know that at best, their biting force is around 20% to 30%?
Conversely, a dental implant on average has a biting force of around 80% of your natural teeth.
Being able to eat what you want when you want is surely worth the dental implant cost.
Then there’s the question of longevity
While a dental implant may cost more initially than a denture, provided it is well cared for, it has the potential to last for decades.
A denture, on the other hand, will need replacing every 7 to 10 years as the jaw changes shape. Add to that the cost of cleaning solutions and denture adhesives and suddenly, a conventional denture isn’t such a cheap option after all.
Not so, with dental implants. An implant incurs a one-off payment and that’s it. Implants are easily maintained in the same way as natural teeth with daily oral care at home and regular dental check-ups with your dentist.
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the tooth implant cost per tooth so all you need do is find a good dentist.
Not only do our experienced dentists provide top-quality dental implants at affordable prices but we also offer payment plans so you can spread your cost of several months. Why not contact No Gaps Dental at (02) 8007 6727 today and schedule a dental implant consultation with us?
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.