Why are Dental Implants so Expensive in Australia?

As a result of what’s been going on for the last two years (though it feels like two decades) as well as rising inflation, political uncertainty, rising interest rates, soaring energy costs, and countless other factors, it seems like everything is more expensive than ever before. Here in Australia, this is most definitely the case.

Everything in Australia seems to be getting more expensive, including, it seems, dental treatments and procedures. Take dental implants for example. While they’ve never exactly been cheap in other parts of the world, compared to here, it’s safe to say that they’re a great deal more affordable.

Dental implants are ideal for missing, damaged, or decayed teeth, yet unfortunately they’re considerably more expensive than other dental treatments and procedures. But why is this? Are dental implants worth it, and why are dental implants so expensive in Australia?

What are dental implants?

We’ll get to why dental implants are so costly here in Australia in a few moments. Before then, however, we need to make sure that you know exactly what we’re talking about.

With dental crowns, caps, braces, retainers, and other orthodontic treatments, it can be difficult to know exactly what dental implants are, and how they differ from the other aforementioned dental products.

Dental implants are basically designed to serve as permanent replacements for damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. The implants themselves are basically titanium screws which are screwed directly into the jawbone, where they are left for the bone to fuse to and around them, holding them in place.

After the screws have fused to the bone tissue, a false tooth, usually in the form of a denture or crown, will be screwed onto and fitted directly to the implant. The idea here is that these implants serve as replacements for missing teeth. They’re designed to be a similar shape, size, and colour to the patient’s existing teeth, giving them a healthy set of “teeth” that look aesthetically pleasing and are also functional.

Why are dental implants so expensive in Australia?

We know what dental implants are, but why the heck are they so expensive here in Oz? It turns out there are actually a number of factors which can influence the cost, including the following:

The type of implant used

One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of a dental implant is the type of implant used. You see, there are many different types of implant available, with each one made from a different material and consequently, this can have a massive effect on the price.

For example, you may require a single implant, or multiple implants. You may need implant supported bridges or implant-retained dentures. The material of the crown is also a factor, as porcelain is a lot more expensive than resin.

Location

Like anywhere else in the world, the location of your dental practice also influences the cost because prices vary from city to city.

The cost of living in Sydney for example, is much higher than other parts of the country, and consequently this means that dental implants here in Sydney tend to cost more.

Dental expertise and experience

The dentist that carries out your procedure can also influence the cost of the treatment itself.

If for example, you go with a dentist with decades of experience, a large practice, and a stellar reputation in the dental industry, it’s likely that they will charge you more than a new up and coming dentist just starting out.

Case complexity

Finally, case complexity also affects the cost as the more complex the procedure, the more work will be involved which means the more expensive the procedure will be.

If for example, you need multiple dental implants, as well as other treatments beforehand such as tooth extractions, this is much more work than simply fitting one single implant, so obviously it is going to cost more.

How much do full dental implants cost in Australia?

As mentioned, dental implant prices can vary massively from city to city, but generally speaking, you can expect to pay around $3,000 - $5,500 per tooth.

Are dental implants covered by Medicare in Australia?

Needless to say, because dental implants are so pricey, you may be wondering (or hoping) whether or not dental implants are in fact covered by Medicare here in Australia. Well, sorry to be the bearers of bad news, but dental implants are unfortunately not covered by Medicare.

What are the alternatives to dental implants?

Needless to say, at a minimum of 3K per tooth, dental implants are certainly not cheap, especially if you need multiple implants, so are there any alternatives? Well, the answer is yes.

Fixed bridges, partial dentures, and full mouth dentures are all great alternatives which are more affordable.

If your teeth are damaged and unsightly, but still healthy and intact, you could also opt for veneers or dental crowns/caps to cover the teeth and improve their aesthetics.

Book your dental implant procedure now!

If you require dental implants and are happy with the costs, go ahead and pick up the phone and get in touch with us here at Tuart Hill Dental today.

Here at Tuart Hill Dental, we can offer you a wide range of dental implant options, as well as alternative treatment options, all for very competitive prices. We have treatments available to suit all budgets, so get in touch today, and let us give you the smile you’ve wanted for so long.