How Much Should Dental Implants Cost?

How much should dental implants cost?

If you are reading this article, you are most likely interested in the cost of dental implants in Australia. Unfortunately, you may have suffered a sports injury, gum/bone loss, periodontal disease, or missing teeth, which can knock your confidence! No matter how ready you are to replace the missing tooth/teeth, it’s understandably a huge decision to make, with varying costs out there. Therefore, it’s essential to do your research and understand the available options, plus weigh up the pros and cons so you’re not hastily jumping onto an alternative that might lead to a poorer than expected outcome. And we see this all the time – Unfortunately, often having to do revision work for clients who have made the wrong decisions elsewhere – which adds additional time, costs and stress. Dental implants are – in most cases – the best long term solution for teeth replacement. The cost of a dental implant depends on several factors. These can include the type and quality of the implant used, the complexity of each case, how many teeth need to be replaced, and whether you require a bone graft or sinus lift. Typically in Australia, the price of a straightforward dental implant can range between $3,500 – $5,500 per tooth. Despite the higher price, the benefits far outweigh any negatives, making them a cost-effective option. Here we’ll explore that for you to help inform your decision.

Which tooth replacement option is better for your budget?

When it comes to tooth replacement options, there are multiple options available. And each case must be individually assessed by a dentist to help you understand the advantages and limitations of each option before choosing one that suits your expectations and budget. Dental Bridge A dental bridge is a fixed option that uses crowns on the adjacent teeth as anchors to fill a gap left by one or more missing teeth. If inserted correctly, dental bridges can be an effective permanent solution to fill one or more gaps. It is a procedure that we use very successfully at The Dental Room here in Melbourne. In terms of staying power, a dental bridge can last between 10 to 20 years and remains fixed in your mouth, unlike dentures which can slip around. Bridges have the added benefit of not requiring a minor surgical procedure compared to dental implants. The process can be conveniently completed within just two appointments. However, the cost of dental bridges is very similar to dental implants, so most of our clients only choose a bridge in the case where dental implants are not a viable option for them. There are a number of reasons why dental bridges rarely take preference, including:

• The need to drill into adjacent teeth. This can alter the prognosis of these teeth in the long term, whereas a dental implant can be inserted without harming the surrounding teeth.
• If there are issues with the adjacent teeth, there is potential for loss of the entire bridge.
• Keeping teeth clean under bridges can be difficult, making the anchor teeth more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
• The cost of a dental bridge can often add up to the same as that of a dental implant.

Dentures Dentures are removable devices supported by the surrounding tissues of the space left by your missing tooth or teeth. They are the most economical option short term but have largely fallen out of favour due to the issues around retention. Even the best-made dentures can often feel loose, which makes eating certain types of food tricky. At The Dental Room, we provide denture stabilisation solutions using either just 2 or 4 implants that are strategically placed that ‘snap’ the dentures into place. This results in a denture that is essentially fixed in place (you can even bite an apple on the denture) but also easily removed when you need to clean them. Dental Implants A dental implant is an anchor (made of titanium or zirconia) that replaces the root-part of the missing tooth. By attaching to the jawbone and gum tissue, dental implants offer a fixed base for artificial replacement teeth such as bridges, dental crowns, and dentures. Dental implants can replace one or several teeth. They can be used to support partial or full dentures. Dental implants are ideal for replacing missing or badly-diseased teeth, plus they are the most natural-looking restoration option. They are also an ideal alternative to dentures, as, like crowns, implants remain inside the mouth rather than slipping around. Other advantages include:

• Natural look and feel – Dental implants allow you to speak, eat, and smile as you usually (unlike dentures, which sometimes slip around). Only the trained eye may pick up that you have implants, meaning you can smile with confidence
• A restoration that doesn’t compromise healthy teeth – Tooth-supported bridges require grinding down healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth, therefore damaging healthy teeth. Implants are inserted into the jawbone, replacing missing teeth without harming the healthy ones
• No foods barred! With dental implants, you can eat anything, just like you would with your original teeth; unlike dentures, which makes eating certain foods difficult
• Healthy, happy, bone – Dental implants keep your jawbone healthy and robust, unlike other forms of dental procedure, therefore preventing bone loss, which can also change your appearance and the shape of your face.

The cost of dental implants in Melbourne depends on several factors, including the type and quality of implant used, how many teeth need to be replaced, and whether you require a bone graft or sinus lift. Typically in Australia, the price for a straightforward dental implant can range between $3,500 – $5,500 per tooth. To learn more about how dental implants can help improve your smile and the costs involved, please call us on (03) 9857 3988 to book a smile assessment with Dr Shawn. A $170 prepayment is required to secure the appointment. ZipMoney Interest-free payment plans are available for eligible clients.

Is your tooth replacement procedure costing more than it should?

We’ve looked at the different types of teeth replacement solutions and how much they cost. Now it is time to do your research when assessing which Melbourne clinic to opt for. Is your tooth replacement procedure costing more than it should? Prices for dental implants can vary significantly between clinics. This is due to there being many variables that contribute to the price, therefore making it challenging to understand. Some of the reasons for prices varying include:

• Brand and quality of implant used The way the surgery is conducted, i.e. is the procedure via keyhole? Does it include scanning radiographs?
• What type and quality of crowns are used?
• Are the crowns made in-house or externally, or even offshore?
• Is the dentist using metal or metal-free crowns?

Conversely to keeping an eye out for overly high prices, look out for unusually cheap solutions. The most important thing to assess is quality. At the Dental Room in Melbourne, we do not believe in cheap dentistry. We use innovative implant systems that have extensive research and success rates. We implement keyhole precision-guided surgery to deliver the most effective, long-term results. All of our crowns are made by our in-house ceramist, using only the finest European ceramics. Pricing at The Dental Room in Melbourne is highly competitive vs. other clinics of the same field and class. You can expect an assured, high-end service provided by Dr Shawn and his team. Investing in dental implants at The Dental Room will set you up for life.

What is involved in the dental implants procedure?

We get it… Most clients start worrying at the thought of a screw placed in their jaw. Questions arise such as ‘is it painful?’, ‘how many days off work do I need to take?’, ‘does the procedure take place in a hospital?’. In reality, the procedure is far more stress-free than clients imagine. Most of my clients leave the clinic pleasantly surprised and wondering, ‘was that it?’. With the use of keyhole surgery, our procedures have minimal (if any) discomfort and downtime. A one implant procedure is comfortably completed in the chair under local anaesthetic and within 30 minutes – that’s most likely less time than an episode of your favourite Netflix show! Unlike many dentists and clinics, Dr Shawn Rama and The Dental Room is at the forefront of dental innovation. Dr Shawn Rama utilises the latest in implant materials and technology in-house to create a very streamlined one-stop solution for all his clients requiring dental implant procedures. There are three key steps in our implant procedure, as outlined below:

1. Implant consultation and planning. The key to long term implant success is in the planning. We utilise the latest in-house 3D scanning software to first assess the bone in terms of volume and quality for implant placement. Various treatment plan options and costs will be discussed with you after the detailed evaluation.
2. Implant 3D-guided keyhole surgery. The placement of the dental implant is typically a one-hour appointment and is done using a gentle keyhole method under local anesthesia. Traditionally implant surgery involved having to raise gum flaps to gain access to the underlying jawbone in order to place the implant. Dr Shawn’s ability to do the entire process in a keyhole manner means that the process is quicker and, very importantly, gentler and equates to less postoperative tenderness and quicker healing times. 3D-guided surgery. This scan of your jaw is then transformed into a 3D printed guide which is then locked into place in your mouth to use as a location map for your new dental implants. The margin for error is reduced when we plan out the precise positions in advance.
3. Implant crown placement. This step typically occurs three months after the implant surgery – to allow optimal time for the integration of the implant to the bone – a process called osseointegration. At this appointment, a scan of your dental implant is taken for our in house ceramist Chloe to customise a crown to be placed over the implant.

Why The Dental Room?

Dr Shawn Rama Dr Shawn Rama has 20 years of experience in the dental industry. His unrivalled passion for the latest developments in dental technology, combined with his mission to create a space for clients outside of the usual clinical encounter, means that your experience will be first-class, right from the get-go. The Dental Room has a close-knit team that provides ultimate comfort, wellbeing, and exceptional results for its clients. All under one roof at The Dental Room At some clinics, you must see a separate oral surgeon as part of the implant process. At The Dental Room, our in-house radiology and laboratory service means that all discussions and decisions are looked after under one roof, keeping everyone on the same page and allowing us to provide quality care consistently. Competitive pricing As we’ve mentioned, pricing at The Dental Room is highly competitive with other clinics in the field, especially with the world-class service considered. If you’re unable to pay upfront, we offer interest-free payment plans for eligible clients through Zip. If you are considering investing in your smile, speak to one of our team members, who can guide you through the payment plan options available. — Contact us on (03) 9857 3988 or book an appointment with us online here. *A $170 pre-payment is required to secure this appointment with Dr Shawn Rama.