If you’ve recently lost a tooth, consider a titanium tooth implant to restore your smile. You might have heard about them but are still determining what it is, how long they will last, and the cost of getting one. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect when looking into titanium tooth implants, including various costs involved in the procedure.
Whether you’re hoping to brighten up your grin or want an easy way to replace missing teeth for aesthetic or practical purposes, this blog post offers insight into whether titanium tooth implants are right for you!
What You Need to Know About Titanium Tooth Implants?
Losing a tooth can be a significant issue, not only for your oral health but also for your self-confidence. Thankfully, dental implants have revolutionised how we replace missing teeth, and titanium tooth implants are one of the most common options. Titanium has proved to be an excellent material for implants as it integrates seamlessly with the jawbone, allowing for a stable and durable tooth replacement.
Unlike other tooth replacement treatments, dental implants do not require the removal of surrounding teeth, making it a safer and more conservative approach. Additionally, titanium implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, making them a wise investment. If you’re considering tooth replacement options, titanium tooth implants may be the solution you need to restore your beautiful smile.
Types of Titanium Tooth Implant Procedures
This article will explore the different types of titanium tooth implant procedures you can opt for.
Endosseous Implants
Endosseous implants are the most common types of dental implants used today. This implant is a small post of titanium placed in the jawbone where the missing tooth was.
Once secured in the bone, the implant can be used to anchor a bridge or a crown.
Since it is placed inside the jawbone, the implant is not visible in the mouth. It offers a permanent cure for tooth loss.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are rarely used today but were popular in the past. The implant is placed on top of the jawbone rather than inside it. A metal frame is used to secure the dental implant, and a prosthetic tooth is attached. This type of implant is less strong or durable than endosseous implants and typically lasts only a few years.
Transosteal Implants
Transosteal implants are also known as mandibular staple implants. They are used in cases where the patient has significant bone loss in the jaw. This implant is secured to the jawbone using metal pins that protrude from the gum line. A prosthetic tooth is then attached to the dental implant. Due to its invasive nature, this type of implant is only used in specific cases.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are used when patients have severe bone loss in the upper jaw. The implant is longer than traditional dental implants and is anchored to the cheekbone. This procedure is usually reserved for patients who do not qualify for other types of implants due to inadequate bone density.
All-on-X Implants
The All-on-X implant procedure is an alternative to traditional dentures. This procedure involves placing four dental implants in the mouth and attaching a full arch of prosthetic teeth to each implant. This procedure is less invasive than other implant procedures and can be done in one day.
Cost of Titanium Tooth Implants
On average, a single titanium tooth implant can cost anywhere from $1,500. The price can increase depending on the location and the complexity of the procedure. Dental implants can sometimes seem expensive, but it is essential to remember that they are a long-lasting solution to missing teeth. In other words, the dental implant cost is worth it in the long run.
Understanding the Factors Affecting the Cost of Titanium Tooth
Location
The location where you get your dental implant treatment affects the cost significantly. The cost of living in one city may be higher than in another; hence, dental implant procedures may be more expensive in one region over another. Therefore, finding an experienced dental implant provider in a less expensive location can drastically reduce the cost of dental implants.
Number of Implants
The number of implants required is another crucial factor in determining the dental implants cost. For instance, if you require full-mouth dental implants for multiple teeth, the cost will be higher than a single dental implant. Furthermore, if you need pre-operative treatments like bone grafting, sinus lift, or extractions, the cost may increase even more.
Type of Implants
Different types of dental implants can impact the dental implant cost. While titanium tooth implants are the most popular choice among dentists and patients due to their durability and longevity, other implant types, such as zirconia, can cost more. While each implant type may have unique factors that affect its cost, it is important to discuss the options with your dentist to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Dentist’s Expertise
The experience and qualifications of the dentist or surgeon you choose also impact the cost of dental implant procedures. While it may be tempting to find a less expensive provider, choosing an unqualified or inexperienced dentist can cause more harm than good. Therefore, it is crucial to research dental implant providers’ expertise before finalising a treatment plan to ensure you receive high-quality dental implant surgery.
Sedation Options
Dental implant surgery requires extensive drilling and invasive procedures, which may cause anxiety for some patients. Hence, options like sedation can help make the treatment more tolerable and comfortable for the patient. However, the use of sedation increases the cost of dental implant surgery. Discussing your options with your dentist beforehand can help you understand the cost implications of each sedation option and choose the most appropriate one for your procedure.
What Type of Financing is Available For Titanium Implants?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the different financing available for titanium implants in Australia so that you can make the right decision about your dental health.
Payment Plans
Many dental providers offer payment plans as a financing option for patients. Payment plans enable you to spread the cost of dental implants out over several months or even years, so you don’t have to pay the full cost upfront. With payment plans, you’ll typically pay a deposit upfront, followed by regular instalments. Before committing to a payment plan, it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand the interest rates and any other fees involved.
Personal Loans
A personal loan is an unsecured loan that can be used for various purposes, including dental procedures. With a personal loan, you can borrow a set amount of money and pay it back over a fixed period. Personal loans generally have higher interest than secured loans, and you’ll need a good credit score to be approved.
Credit Cards
Credit cards can also be used to handle expenses of dental procedures, including titanium implants.
If you have a credit card with a high credit limit, you can use it to pay for your implant procedure and then pay back the balance over time.
However, credit cards typically have high interest, so this might not be the most cost-effective option if you cannot pay the balance off quickly.
Early Withdrawal of Superannuation
If you have superannuation savings, you can access some of your funds early to pay for dental procedures, including titanium implants. The Australian Taxation Office allows early access to superannuation for medical procedures, but it’s important to note that accessing your superannuation early can have long-term financial implications.
Government Assistance
In some cases, you may be eligible for government assistance to help cover the cost of dental procedures, including titanium implants. The Australian Government’s public dental scheme provides free or low-cost dental services to eligible individuals, such as those with chronic health conditions or concession card holders. However, eligibility criteria and waiting periods vary depending on the program, so it’s important to research your options thoroughly. What type of financing is available for titanium implants.
Benefits of Titanium Tooth Implants
This section will discuss the benefits of titanium tooth implants and why they are worth the cost.
Titanium implants are long-lasting
One of the main benefits of titanium implants is their durability. They are made of strong and biocompatible materials that fuse with your jawbone to create a permanent fixture. This process, known as osseointegration, ensures that the implant stays firmly in place for years to come. As a result, titanium implants last longer than other teeth replacement treatments, such as dentures and dental bridges.
Improved oral health
Missing teeth can cause several problems, such as bone loss and gum problems, leading to further tooth loss. However, titanium implants help to prevent this by promoting bone growth and maintaining the structure of your face. They also make it easier to clean your teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease and decay.
Aesthetically pleasing
Titanium implants look and feel like natural teeth, which can significantly affect your self-esteem.
Unlike dentures, which can slip and make eating and talking difficult, implants are secured, allowing you to eat and speak comfortably.
Moreover, dental implants are custom-made to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring that they blend in seamlessly.
Improved speech
Missing teeth can cause speech problems, such as a lisp or slurring of words. However, titanium implants improve your speech by providing a stable base for your tongue and mouth.
Better chewing ability
Dental implants act like natural teeth, allowing you to eat the foods you love without restrictions. They are strong and durable, so you can eat tough and crunchy foods without worrying about the implant breaking or slipping.
The Process of Getting a Titanium Tooth Implant
In this blog section, we’ll break down the process of getting a titanium tooth implant — from the initial consultation through the final restoration.
Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation
The first step in getting a titanium tooth implant is to meet with an experienced dentist to discuss your needs and evaluate your oral health. During your consultation, your dental consultant will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth to determine if you’re a good candidate for an implant. They will also thoroughly review your medical history to ensure your body can handle the procedure. If you have any underlying conditions that may affect the success of your implant, your dentist will work with you to address those issues before scheduling the procedure.
Step 2: Implant Placement
Your dentist will start the implant placement process once you’ve been cleared for the procedure. This involves a minor surgical procedure to insert a titanium post into your jaw bone, which will function as an artificial tooth root. This process is usually done under local anaesthesia; in some cases, patients may receive sedation to help them feel more relaxed. The post will need sufficient time to fuse with your jawbone. This can take anywhere from weeks to months.
Step 3: Abutment Placement
Your dental consultant will attach an abutment after the post fuses with your jawbone. This component will serve as the connector between your post and your restoration. In some situations, the abutment can be placed during the initial implant placement surgery. However, a separate surgery may be needed to attach the abutment in other cases.
Step 4: Restoration
The final step of getting a titanium tooth implant is to attach your restoration, which is the tooth-shaped part on top of the abutment.
This restoration is carefully crafted to match your surrounding natural teeth’ size, shape, and colour.
Once it’s attached, you can expect your titanium tooth implant to feel and function like a natural tooth for years.
Step 5: Postoperative Care
After your dental procedure, your dentist will provide detailed postoperative guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery. Some common postoperative care steps include taking pain medications as prescribed, avoiding certain foods and drinks, practising good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, titanium tooth implants can be a great solution to replace damaged or missing teeth. The cost of titanium tooth implants varies depending on the extent of the implant process and whether additional dental treatments, such as bone grafting, are required. Furthermore, proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure your implant lasts many years. If you want more information about the costs associated with titanium tooth implants, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (07) 3113 9789. Our qualified and experienced dentists are here to advise you on the best course of dental treatment to suit your individual needs and lifestyle.
References
Dental Implants: Surgery, Advantages, Risks, and Insurance Questions https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants
Dental Implants: Tooth Implants, Dentures, Dental Crowns & Bridges https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10903-dental-implants
This helps give our patients who are undergoing treatment at our clinic peace of mind knowing that we have demonstrated evidence-based quality standards of care.
If you have an urgent problem, call us on (07) 3113 9789. We will almost always be available to help out as times are reserved every day for emergencies, including Saturdays and Sundays.
