For many people, one of the biggest factors that must be considered before proceeding with a dental implant is the cost. People often wonder why replacing a single tooth can cost so much! Dr Teo hopes that this article will help explain what factors influence the cost of your treatment.
There Are Many Factors That Influence The Cost Of Having A Dental Implant
There are many factors, sometimes quite complex ones, that must be taken into consideration when we estimate the fee. We seldom quote a ballpark figure until after a consultation appointment, because every person’s case is unique.
For example, some patients have been blessed with plentiful amounts of quality bone. Assuming they are in good health and there are no other complicating factors, implant placement is likely to be straightforward.
But some patients will need additional treatment to be included so that their implant can be placed more safely and predictably.
Below, we have listed some of the factors that can influence the cost of dental implant treatment.
Factors Influencing The Cost Of Dental Implant Placement- Patient Factors
Sometimes a patient will not have enough bone to securely place a dental implant. Others have poor quality bone (bone that is softer than normal), or medical conditions that may delay or reduce the likelihood of healing. Some of these patients may need to be referred to specialists for management of their medical status, or for bone grafting procedures to increase the amount of bone available. Referrals to specialists and additional procedures will add to the cost of treatment.
Other patients may have challenges with their bite, such as crowding, lack of vertical space between the top and bottom teeth, or a particularly heavy bite (occlusion). In these situations, additional treatments such as orthodontic tooth movement may be required. This is usually provided by a specialist orthodontist. Sometimes a more complex plan may need to be considered to cope with the heavy forces that the implant(s) will be placed under.
Sometimes there will be a critical cosmetic consideration to take into account. Some people have a “high smile line,” meaning their upper lip rises high above the gums of the upper teeth when they smile. If an implant is to be placed to replace a front tooth of a patient who has a high smile line, it is sometimes necessary to refer them to a specialist periodontist to ensure that the gum surrounding the implant is sculpted to look as natural as possible. Once again, this need for additional expert care will add to the overall cost of treatment.
Most people expect to be able to wear a temporary tooth (or teeth) during their treatment, particularly if the missing tooth is at the front. The type of temporary tooth that is required or preferred will have an influence on the overall cost of care.
Factors Influencing The Cost Of Dental Implant Placement- Component Factors
The relatively high cost of a dental implant is reflective of the quality of the implant system used. Implant components are precision machined and most are made of high-grade titanium. It is important to be aware that different implant systems use different quality titanium. We only use systems that are made of the highest quality materials and manufactured under the strictest hygienic conditions.
A crown, bridge or denture is the final component that is connected to the securely-embedded implant. These are custom-crafted by a dental ceramist/implant technician. The dental technicians that we engage only use quality materials that have been approved for use in Australia. We use local technicians; whilst it would be cheaper to outsource this work overseas, Dr Teo insists on the strict quality control and high standards of work her laboratories provide in Australia.
Factors Influencing The Cost Of Dental Implant Placement- Practice Factors
Our rooms are always prepared to the highest standards of hygiene and infection control, regardless of the procedure. However, there are additional requirements when a dental procedure involves surgery. The most important requirement is the preparation of a sterile (aseptic) operating field for implant placement surgery.
It is important for the patient to know that we would never cut costs at the expense of quality, reliable components, strict infection control procedures, and treatment.
How We Can Reduce The Impact of Implant-Costs
Implant dentistry generally involves a series of stages over several months. We are happy to spread the payments out over this time, which may help with your budgeting.
Sometimes there are options other than a dental implant that may be considered in the interim. Dr. Teo will discuss your options available, time-frames, and treatment plan accordingly to keep your options open for potential future implant treatment if you are interested.
Ultimately, Dr Teo’s goal is to do whatever is in the best interests of her patients.
Dental Implant Placement At Ailin Teo Dental Practice
Over the years, Dr Teo has completed a number of training courses on implant dentistry. This means that some of her patients can avoid the wait for and the additional expense of dental specialists, and can have all of their treatment completed by Dr Teo in her rooms.
If you have any questions about Dental Implants, please feel free to call the practice on (03) 5298 1020.
You can also visit our page about Dental Implants or read other articles about Dental Implants
