Dental Implants
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a procedure that involves a metal fixture
(usually a screw) being fixed into the jawbone, which then
acts as an anchor for a new false tooth.
It seems straightforward, but this form of cosmetic dental
surgery is quite an involved process, so it is in your best
interests to fully understand the procedure, costs involved,
and to speak with a dental implant expert prior to making
a decision.
Are missing teeth making you feel self-conscious about your
smile, or keeping you from eating comfortably each day?
Implant dentistry allows you to benefit from a brand new tooth that looks and feels natural. Smile by Design offers comprehensive dental implant treatments at both of our specially equipped, Sydney dental implant treatment centres.
The most common questions we field are about why you should get a dental implant and what are the options surrounding dental implants, as well as the costs involved. Below, Sydney-based implant dentistry expert Dr. Michael Tam explains most of the questions regarding dental implants to help you make a more informed choice when it comes to dental implants.
Why Should I get a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are beneficial over several other more traditional forms of tooth replacement because of the following reasons:
They last longer than bridges or dentures
They prevent bone loss, which is often associated with missing teeth
They are an ideal replacement option for removable dentures
There is no wear and tear on surrounding teeth
They look natural and will only be identifiable by dentists
They allow you to eat hard foods without any issues
They can improve your self confidence
There is no age restriction: anyone can have dental implants
Is a Dental Implant Right for Me?
Dental implants, unlike teeth whitening, isn’t a one size fits all procedure, so you will need to spend some time with your dentist assessing whether or not you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
The three most important aspects of eligibility are:
You must have a reasonable amount of dense bone tissue in your jaw
You must not have periodontal disease (this is a form of gum disease)
You must not be a smoker, or at least be willing to give up smoking
Our team of experienced, Sydney based, dental implant specialists can help you decide whether dental implants are the best solution for your case – providing context as well as alternatives where possible. If you’re still not sure about whether you need dental implants you can book a FREE* consultation (*Or Health Fund only, no gap consultation) at either of our Sydney dental clinics: Bondi Junction or North Sydney to discuss your case with someone from our experienced dentist team.
The Different Types of Dental Implants
Most tooth implants are made from titanium, which is commonly used in many surgical applications due to its ability to avoid corrosion. The lightweight, non-magnetic material will not be rejected by the body as a foreign object.
Unlike other ‘foreign objects’, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration
In layman’s terms, osseointegration helps the implant remain sturdy long after it has been inserted.
Which type of dental implant you get will depend on your individual case. The main types of implants are as follows:
Endosseous Implants
These are placed within the bone and are typically shaped like a screw or cylinder. They’re the most popular option, however the bone must have enough depth and width to be successful.
Subsperiosteal Implants
These implants are placed on top of the bone, but underneath the gum line. They involve a metal frame that works well if the patient doesn’t have deep enough bone.
Subsperiosteal Implants
A metal pin or U-shaped frame is passed through the jawbone and into the gum tissue for these types of implants.
What is a Mini Dental Implant?
As the name suggests, these are the small dental implants that are used in place of a traditional, larger tooth implants and can be utilised in the instance of medical, financial or anatomical reasons.
Mini dental implants are most commonly used to replace small teeth, front teeth, pre-molars, teeth in narrow areas or for patients who have low bone tissue density.
What are the main differences between mini dental implants and dental implants?
1. Size
The main size difference is in the diameter of the screw, which is less than 3mm across, where as dental implants measure 4 to 5mm in size.
2. Strength
Because they are smaller, mini dental implants cannot take the chewing forced that a traditional implant can, so they are not suitable to replace molars.
3. Insertion Process
The process is faster and healing often happens more quickly because of their smaller size
4. Price
The smaller implants can be as much as half of the price of a standard dental implant, making them a more affordable option for those with financial restrictions.
What is the Dental Implant Procedure Like?
While the procedure for teeth implants can change to suit the type of dental implant, the number of replacement teeth required and the health of your mouth, in general it will involve the following steps:
Step 1
Placement
Removal of the damaged tooth by tooth extraction surgery or, in the instance of no tooth, the gum is surgically cut open to allow the bone to be drilled for the implant.
Step 2
Abutment
The implant is fitted into the jawbone and covered while the bone fuses to the implant (osseointegration).
Step 3
Crown
Several months later, following osseointegration, a second operation may be required to uncover the top of the implant and the crown or bridge is fitted.
What are the most common dental implant problems?
In over 25 years as a cosmetic and implant dentist, Dr. Michael Tam is happy to report that he has seen very few issues with his dental implants patients.
Occasionally we see dental implants that have failed to integrate with the bone. We replace these with a larger implant, which usually resolves the problem.
On very rare occasions, gum infections or broken implants can occur, but with proper care the risk of these issues are almost entirely eliminated.
How Much do Dental Implants Cost?
The table provided below showcases the average cost of dental implants, encompassing the dental implant cost in Sydney, Australia. The price of tooth implants varies depending on the complexity of your specific case. It is important to note that this table is to be used as a general pricing guide, as each dental implant case is unique, and the cost may vary depending on various factors.
| Dental Implant Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Uncomplicated single dental implant | $5000 – $5500 |
| More complex single dental implant | $5500 – 6500 |
| ‘All-on-4’ dental implant procedure | $20,000 – $30,000 |
Complications such as a weak or shallow bone structure requiring bone grafting may increase the listed prices. The only way to determine this is by having booking a consultation with our dental team.
The cost can vary greatly due to several factors, but you should keep in mind the following when comparing the price of different implants:
Do you need work to be done prior to the implant?
Tooth extraction, for instance, is a separate cost. However, damaged teeth don’t always necessarily need to be removed. Book a free consultation and we can see if its viable to save a ‘dead’ tooth through root canal, which is a far simpler procedure compared to a dental implant.
Are you being quoted for the entire implant?
Some dentists may create separate quotes for the titanium anchor and the porcelain tooth, so ask exactly what each quote you receive entails before committing to one. At Smile by Design, we’ll ensure you’re fully aware of all costs, and we also offer payment plans to make it even easier for you.
Is your situation more complex than a standard case?
While most cases are relatively straight forward, some patients may need more work which can add to the cost.
How many dental implants do you need?
If you need more than one implant, we can discuss dental bridges that can support multiple teeth and the cost difference between that and individual implants.
| Dental Implant Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1-2 teeth |
| 2 | 4 teeth |
| 4 | 12 teeth |
Instances where the cost is higher can involve bone grafting in the instance of a narrow, shallow jawbone, longer healing time, rejection of an implant, the type & quality of your crown and the number of dental implants you require.
Dental Implant Payment Plans & Financing
Dental Payment plans up to $70,000
Flexible payment plans up to 84 months to suit every budget
No stress – the whole process is managed privately by our expert consultants
Flexible options – any additional repayments or rebates from Private Health funds can be added back on to the payment plan at no extra charge
Fast efficient approvals, simply apply online
Are you looking to get dental implants in Sydney? To find out more about our affordable dental implant payment plans, please arrange a consultation by calling us on (02) 9389 3333 (Bondi Junction) or (02) 9460 3566 (North Sydney) or click here to book an appointment online.
About Dr. Tam
Dr. Michael Tam BDS (NZ) Grad Dip Clin Dent (Oral Implants) (Syd) and his dentist team have over 50+ combined years experience in the dental field and with a special interest in Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry. Dr Tam obtained a Distinction Award from the NZDA in Continuing Dental Education and has met with dental practices in London, Europe, Asia, America and Canada. With years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Tam and his team have performed countless successful dental implants in Sydney so rest assured your teeth will be well taken care of.
FAQs
The cost of dental implant treatment in Sydney ranges anywhere from $2,000 and upward per implant. There can be several factors that influence the average price of dental implants, and these are very subjective to your specific case. We understand that financial investments in your smile can be a big determining factor, which is why we offer flexible dental payment plans and help accommodate your dental insurance coverage to maximise benefits related to your care.
Patients with healthy mouths can have their implant placed as soon as they schedule the appointment. If bone grafting is necessary, you may need to wait between several weeks and three months before the implant placement.
Healthy patients typically only require two treatment visits. The first is the surgical placement of the tooth implant. If necessary, a follow up assessment may also be conducted to monitor your healing. Approximately three to six months later you will return for the placement of your permanent crown on top of the implant.
Yes. Dental implants use the same tooth-coloured crowns used in other types of Smile by Design treatments, and are designed to blend in with your other teeth.
Dental implants can be used to replace one, several, or all of your teeth at once.