The cost of dental implants is front of mind for most patients. The good news is that it’s probably more affordable than you think. However, from full mouth dental implants costs in Melbourne to single tooth implant costs in Australia, there is a lot to know and understand.
As a leading Melbourne dentist, Parker Dental has been servicing the needs of the community for over multiple generations. The Parker Dental team has been carefully hand-picked, based on their skills and expertise to deliver superior care – this includes affordable dental implants.
Tooth implant cost in Australia is not as black and white as many people assume. There are a range of factors which influence how affordable your dental implants are, including the number of teeth which need to be replaced, the material used, and the possible need for bone grafting.
So, how much do implants cost?
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a single or set of ceramic teeth, attached to the jaw via a titanium screw and abutment. While the ceramic tooth sits on top of the abutment, the lower part will gradually fuse with the jaw, forming a kind of artificial tooth root.
While the process might seem scary, getting dental implants is a relatively straightforward procedure. Here’s what’s involved:
- Implant placement: In this initial stage, your dental implant is surgically placed in the jawbone. This implant is usually made of titanium and is similar to a small screw in appearance. Once placed, the implant will fuse with the surrounding bone tissue over a period of several months.
- Abutment placement: An abutment is placed on top of the implant. This serves as a connection point for the teeth that will be attached later.
- Prosthetic placement: In the final stage, the prosthetic tooth is attached to the abutment.
Factors that impact the cost of dental implants
Type of implant
For obvious reasons, the cheapest dental implant is a single tooth implant – this requires the least number of materials and takes the least amount of time. For the same reason, full upper arch or full lower arch (meaning a full row of teeth) are the most expensive.
Material used in the implant
The most common materials used for a dental implant procedure are titanium and zirconium. Titanium is the traditional choice and has been used with great success for decades. Zirconia is newer but quickly gaining popularity – it’s also significantly more expensive.
Dentist’s expertise and location
Not all dentists charge the same fees. Oral surgeons and periodontists are likely to charge higher fees due to their significant education and experience in the field of dental implants. General dentists may charge less but won’t have the same specialised set of skills.
Additionally, major cities like Sydney and Melbourne tend to be associated with higher costs. This is true for rentals, coffee, and, unfortunately, dental implants.
Additional costs
In some cases, the cost of dental implants can be inflated by the need for additional procedures like bone grafting and sinus lifts.
Bone grafts may be necessary in cases where your jawbone is too fragile or there is insufficient bone (due to the gradual bone loss that occurs naturally from missing teeth).
Sinus lifts are needed if the patient doesn’t have strong enough bone in the upper jaw. A sinus lift makes space below your sinus for the bone to be added or grafted – this bone is necessary to support the implants.
These additional procedures can significantly impact your final bill.
How much does it cost for a tooth implant?
- Single tooth – from $5-$7k
- Multiple teeth – from $10k
- Full arch (Upper, Lower or both) Also known as ‘All on 4’ or ‘All on X’ – $27-29k per arch
- Implant Retained Dentures – from $13k per arch.
This option is a cost-effective option that uses implants to hold your denture in place comfortably and without movement when in place, but still allows removal for cleaning purposes. At Parker Dental we offer a range of implant options including all-on-4 implants in Melbourne
Your Implant journey will involve the following
- An initial consult to discuss your expectations and options. We will discuss pros and cons and ensure you are aware of any complications that may arise.
- Once we have decided on an initial treatment plan, we will take detailed records of your teeth and jaws. A 3D image/X-ray of your jaws (called Cone Beam computerised tomography, or CBCT) is used to measure available bone.
3. A 3D C.A.D scan is made of your teeth and bite.In the case of a full arch or multiple teeth we will also take photographs of your teeth and smile to design a smile you can be proud of.
4. A surgical guide is created using the digital image. This fits over the teeth/jaws and allows us to place implants in the exact position for the best results in the safest way with minimal surgery
5 .After implant placement and a healing time of approx 12 weeks is required in the case of single or several teeth implants, a final scan at 12 weeks is used to create a zirconia crown or bridge that is then permanently screwed to your implant(s). In the case of a full arch, a temporary bridge will be provided and fixed usually between 24 and 72 hours post-surgery. The temporary bridge allows immediate function and a chance to ‘Test Drive’ your new smile. Any changes to teeth shape and colour can then be made so the final bridge is ideal. Home care of your implant will be reinforced.
6. Regular follow up care appointments will then be made
Hidden costs to be aware of
It’s easy to focus on the upfront costs of dental implants, but there are also hidden expenses you should keep in mind. Beyond the implant itself, there could be additional charges for bone grafts (if your jaw needs strengthening), and even temporary dentures while you heal.
Don’t forget about the anaesthesia or sedation fees if required, as well as post-surgery follow-ups and care.
Not all dentists offer comprehensive packages, so it’s important to be aware of what you’re paying for, and what costs might be added later.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Medicare doesn’t typically cover dental implants, but many private health insurance plans offer partial coverage. These plans will usually cover at least part of the overall cost.
At Parker Dental, patients can utilise Supercare to pay for dental implants. As part of this scheme, you can access your super to pay for your treatment, your partner’s or your children’s treatment. You may choose to apply for funding to cover the entire cost of the procedure or part of the cost.
Are dental implants worth it?
While they are surprisingly affordable for what goes into them, for most patients, dental implants still present a significant upfront investment, especially when compared to other tooth replacement methods like dentures or retainers.
The key difference is that while dentures and retainers will need to be repaired or replaced every 5-10 years, dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss.
If you’re a good candidate (with healthy gums and adequate bone structure), dental implants can be a worthwhile, lifechanging investment for long-term oral health.
With over 15 years of experience, Parker Dental Melbourne can help you determine if they’re the right choice for you.
Call today for a consultation
