There are several solutions available for anyone hoping to replace missing teeth, whether that’s a single tooth or an entire arch. Dental implants in Sydney are one of the most popular solutions, capable of providing a long-lasting, natural-looking restoration. But with so many implant options available, how do you know which is right for you?
From costs to timelines, health conditions to bone density, there’s a lot that could affect your implants. As experienced dentists in Sydney, we know that the right treatment is the one that works for your lifestyle, and the team across our 18 locations can help you assess your individual implant suitability.
For now, let’s take a look at the different types of dental implants in Sydney, some of their main pros and cons, and what you could expect from each.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a long-lasting, natural-looking tooth replacement solution. It consists of a small titanium post inserted directly into your jawbone to replace a missing tooth root.
Over time, the implant fuses with your bone to form a stable, secure base for an artificial tooth capable of supporting crowns, bridges, or even dentures.
To be more specific, dental implants come in three parts:
- The implant – a titanium post, or screw, implanted in the jawbone
- The abutment – a small connector between the crown and implant post
- The replacement tooth – a restoration prosthetic, usually a custom-made crown
Comparing the different dental implant types
Just as bone density, the amount of missing teeth, and oral health vary from person to person, so do their specific dental needs.
Dentists will use different types of tooth implants to answer these unique circumstances, and will determine the right solution for your smile by looking at the location of your missing teeth and how many need to be replaced, the bone volume in your jaw and how the implants will anchor there, and what your implants are being used to replace.
They’ll also take into account your lifestyle and daily habits, your oral and general health, your budget, treatment goals, and timeframes, and your individual healing capacity.
Let’s break down some of the most common types of dental implants used in tooth restoration.
Endosteal implants
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant, where a titanium screw is surgically placed into the jawbone to fuse with it over a period of about 3–6 months.
Most patients are suitable candidates for an endosteal implant, as long as they have enough healthy jawbone to support one. If their bone density is low, a bone grafting procedure may be required. Costs typically range from $3,000 to $6,500, and the main draw is strong support with high success rates.
The majority of implant-based restorations, like crowns, bridges, and full-arch treatments, fall under this category.
Single implant
Single implants are intended to replace one missing tooth, and consist of a titanium post placed in the jaw to support a custom crown designed to match your other teeth.
They’re a good fit for patients with localised tooth loss, and unlike a traditional bridge, they don’t require filing down healthy surrounding teeth.
Costs sit between $3,000 and $6,500 or more, making this the most expensive option on a per-tooth basis.
Implant-supported bridges
If you’re missing several teeth in a row, your dentist may recommend an implant-supported bridge.
Unlike some implant solutions, dental bridges are anchored directly to your implants, rather than relying on healthy neighbouring teeth for support. This makes them a viable option when your surrounding teeth aren’t strong enough for a traditional bridge.
Generally, two implants are capable of supporting up to three adjacent teeth, while four implants can support five teeth. As an additional benefit of dental implants, implant-supported bridges can also help slow bone loss that occurs from missing teeth.
Costs range from $10,000 to $30,000, reflecting the higher upfront investment and longer treatment timeframe involved.
Implant-supported dentures (overdentures)
If you’ve lost most or all of your teeth in one arch, implant-supported dentures may be a suitable option.
These are removable like traditional dentures, but provide far greater stability while eating or speaking. They are attached directly to implants, without relying on suction or adhesive, but can be easily taken out for cleaning.
Pricing is typically $4,000 to $8,000 per arch, and while the process is more invasive and costly than conventional dentures, the improved stability is the main trade-off benefit.
All-on-4®s
The All-on-4 is also a type of implant-supported denture, so called because all prosthetic teeth are supported on just four or six dental implants. However, rather than be removed for cleaning purposes, it’s permanently attached to the implants and can only be removed by your dentist.
All-on-4 restorations are ideal for those individuals whose jaw bone is incapable of withstanding implants needed for removable ‘snap-on’ dentures.
All-on-X dental implants
All-on-X implants are a fixed full-arch alternative to removable dentures.
They are a complete set of teeth supported by four, six, or eight implants. These are permanently attached and can only be removed by your dentist.
Your dentist may consider All-on-X options for your treatment if your bone levels aren’t sufficient to support a full set of individual implants.
The number of implants used will also depend on your bone density, as well as jaw structure and the load they’ll have to bear.
Costs generally fall between $18,000 and $35,000 per arch. It’s a pricier option, but uses fewer implants overall and offers immediate function — though it isn’t suitable for patients with unhealthy gums.
Subperiosteal implants
Subperiosteal implants sit under the gum but on top of the jawbone, rather than inside it.
The process involves placing a metal framework on your bone, with the gum left to heal around it and secure it in place. Any replacement teeth can then be attached to posts protruding above the gumline.
This implant type doesn’t rely on bone depth or grafting to succeed, so it may be worth discussing subperiosteal implants if bone loss has eliminated the potential of conventional implants.
Costs typically sit between $4,000 and $7,000. While it avoids the need for bone depth, it’s generally less stable than endosteal implants and offers reduced biting strength.
Zygomatic implants
Zygomatic implants are typically used when jawbone loss is so severe that other implant types may not be viable for the patient.
While most implants anchor into the jaw, zygomatic implants are fixed into the cheekbone, an area that tends to hold its density even after significant bone deterioration has occurred.
If you’ve previously been told that traditional implants aren’t possible due to bone loss, speak to a specialist about your suitability. However, as zygomatic implants are longer than standard implants and require specialist surgical expertise for application, only select clinics offer them. Costs start from $30,000, reflecting the complexity of the surgery, though it removes the need for bone grafting entirely.
Who is Not Suitable for Dental Implants?
Potential implant patients typically need to meet certain requirements before their dental implants can proceed, and the exact criteria of your medical assessment and jaw examination will differ depending on the type of dental implant.
There are several factors your dentist will take into consideration before recommending an appropriate course of treatment, and these include:
- Medical conditions – certain long-term conditions, like autoimmune diseases, blood-clotting disorders, or diabetes, may affect your suitability. Dental implants may still be possible when these conditions are under control, and your dentist will work with you to assess your eligibility.
- Bone loss – Jawbone loss is one of the most common reasons for ruling out dental implants, as surgery generally can’t proceed without enough bone to anchor the implants. There are methods, such as bone grafting and sinus lifts, that your dentist may suggest to overcome this barrier, but these may impact both timelines and overall dental implant costs.
- Smoking – dental implant success rates are usually lower in smokers than in non-smokers, as smoking can impair the healing process and reduce blood flow to the surgical site.
The Takeaway
Tooth implants don’t just replace a tooth on a like-for-like basis. Instead, there are now several types of dental implants that can be used to replace multiple teeth with a combination of implant-supported bridges and fixed or removable (snap-on) dentures.
Here at No Gaps Dental, we’re committed to finding you the best solution to restore your smile.
Book a consultation and speak with one of our dentist in Sydney across 18 locations to see if dental implants are suitable for you.
Dental implant treatment with No Gaps Dental
While there are several types of dental implants available for anyone looking to restore their smile, whether you’re in need of a single tooth replacement or full-arch treatment, the right approach will depend on your individual circumstances.
At No Gaps Dental Sydney, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to dental care. Personal care is our priority, and our team of over 70 experienced dentists will take the time to understand your situation and can walk you through your treatment options.
If you’re considering dental implants in Sydney, want to learn more about which dental implants could be right for you, or to get a custom-designed personalised treatment plan, speak to one of our dentists across 18 different Sydney locations.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Nobel Biocare: All-on-4® Treatment Concept
https://www.nobelbiocare.com/en-au/all-on-4-treatment-concept
Healthline: What You Need to Know About a Dental Bone Graft
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-bone-graft
Colgate: Bone Resorption
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-and-teeth-anatomy/bone-resorption-why-it-happens-and-what-to-do-next
NCBI – The Effects of Cigarette Smoking On The Outcome Of Dental Implants
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4157230/#:~:text=Relationship%20between%20smoking%20habits%20and%20survivability%20of%20dental%20implants%20(Table,3.5%25)%2C%20p%20%3C%200.001