Do you have missing teeth? You may be wondering how to get a smile that feels strong and natural. Full-mouth dental implants might be the answer for you! They look and work like real teeth, helping you chew, talk, and smile with confidence. But what is the cost for full-mouth dental implants in Australia?
This guide explains full-mouth dental implants, how they work, and why they cost what they do. We will also talk about why so many people love their implants.
What Are Full-Mouth Dental Implants?
Full-mouth dental implant treatment replaces all missing teeth in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. They consist of strong titanium posts that get placed into your jawbone by a skilled dentist. These metal posts act like the roots of natural teeth and hold new, custom-made teeth on top. The new teeth look, feel, and work like real teeth, helping you regain a full, confident smile!
Why Do People Need Full-Mouth Dental Implant Procedures?
There are many reasons why people may lose their remaining natural teeth. Some common reasons include:
- Cavities: These are holes in the teeth caused by tooth decay.
- Gum Disease: A serious gum infection can lead to tooth loss if not treated.
- Accidents or Injuries: Sometimes, a fall or accident can cause teeth to break or fall out.
- Old Age: Teeth may weaken over time and become more likely to fall out.
Losing teeth can make it hard to smile, eat, or speak. Full-mouth implants help bring back a bright smile and make it easier to chew food and speak clearly. They also support the jawbone, keeping it strong and healthy. This can help prevent the face from looking “sunken” as the jawbone weakens.
How Do Full-Mouth Dental Implants Feel?
Full-mouth dental implants should feel as natural as possible. Once they’re in place, they are secure and don’t move around. Unlike dentures, which sometimes slip or feel loose, implants stay put. That is because they’re fixed to the jawbone. Full-mouth implants allow you to eat, talk, and laugh like you would with natural teeth. Many people say they feel just like their real teeth, allowing them to enjoy life without worry!
How Full-Mouth Dental Implant Procedure Works
Getting full-mouth dental implants is a process with several important steps. Let’s go through each step so you know what to expect:
Step 1: Meeting The Dentist
Your journey starts with a visit to the dentist. This first meeting is all about discussing what you want. The dentist will ask questions about your smile goals and what you hope to achieve.
You can share worries or concerns, and the dentist will help you understand how implants can work for you.
Step 2: Examining Your Jaw
Next, the dentist checks to see if your jawbone is strong and thick enough to support implants. They may use specific X-rays or 3D scans to take a closer look.
This is important because implants need a solid base to stay in place. If your jawbone isn’t strong, the dentist might suggest a bone grafting procedure to add more bone.
Step 3: Getting The Implants
After your jaw is ready, it’s time to get the implants! The dentist places small titanium posts into your jawbone. These posts act like the roots of new teeth, holding them in place.
You won’t feel much pain because you’ll receive numbing medication to keep you comfortable. Each implant should be in the best possible position for strength and stability.
Step 4: Healing Time
Once the implants are in place, your jawbone needs time to heal and join with the implants. This process is called osseointegration. Over a few months, the bone grows around each implant, making it strong and secure.
The healing time is important because it ensures your implants stay in place. This period will allow them to hold your new teeth just like natural roots hold your real teeth.
Step 5: Attaching Connectors
When healing is complete, it’s time to add connectors (abutments) to the implants. These connectors are placed on top of each implant and act as links between the implants and your new teeth.
The dentist places each connector so your new teeth will stay in place and feel natural.
Step 6: Getting Your New Teeth
Now, for the exciting part—getting your new teeth! The dentist attaches your new teeth to the connectors, making sure they fit and look just right.
These teeth should match the shape, size, and colour of real teeth so your smile looks natural and bright. Once they’re in place, you’re all set to enjoy your new, full smile!
How Long Does It Take?
Getting full-mouth implants takes time, usually a few months, from start to finish. The exact time can vary because healing is such an important step. The jawbone needs to heal around the implants to hold your new teeth.
This might seem like a long wait. Yet, each part of the process should give you strong, lasting results. With each step, you’re closer to a confident, natural smile that can last for years!
What Is The Cost For Full Mouth Dental Implants In Australia?
The cost of full-mouth dental implants can change depending on where you go and what you need. Full-mouth implants may seem expensive, but there are good reasons for the cost.
Let’s explore why these implants might cost more than other dental treatments.
Why Full-Mouth Dental Implants Can Be Expensive
- High-Quality Materials: The posts for full-mouth dental implants are usually made from titanium. Titanium is a very strong and safe metal. It can last a long time and help the implants stay in place inside your jaw. The quality of titanium makes it a good choice, but it can also be a reason for higher prices.
- Skilled Dentists: Full-mouth implants are not easy to do. Only dentists who are well-trained and experienced should do the surgery. Because they know how to put the implants in your jawbone to make them long-lasting. This level of skill and care adds to the cost.
- Extra Steps For Some People: Not everyone has a jaw strong enough for implants. If your jawbone is too thin or weak, you may need a bone graft. A bone graft is when the dentist adds extra bone to your jaw to help hold the implants. This extra step helps make sure the implants stay in place, but it can add to the cost of the treatment.
- Custom-Made Teeth: The teeth that go on the implants are custom-made. They match your other teeth in colour, size, and shape. This customisation makes the teeth look natural and fit well in your mouth. Custom teeth take time and skill to create, which can add to the cost.
Other Costs You May Need to Think About
Besides the cost of the implants and new teeth, there are a few other costs to consider:
- Consultations: Before placing the implants, you will meet with the dentist for consultations. These meetings allow you to discuss goals, ask questions, and learn what to expect. After the surgery, you will also need follow-ups to check on your healing and progress.
- X-rays Or Scans: To make sure your jawbone is ready for the implants, the dentist may need to take X-rays or 3D scans. These help the dentist see how your jaw looks and if it is strong enough for the implants. X-rays or scans help the dentist plan the procedure and make it as safe as possible.
- Sedation: You may feel nervous before surgery, but sedation can help you feel relaxed. The dentist may offer you a way to stay calm during the procedure. Sedation might include local anaesthesia to numb your mouth or other options. The cost of sedation is something you should think about before your treatment.
Benefits Of Full-Mouth Dental Implants
Full-mouth implants have many benefits that can help you smile, eat, and live better. Here are the top reasons why full-mouth implants can be a good choice:
Natural Look
Full-mouth implants look like real teeth! They fit your mouth, matching the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth. When you smile, they look very natural, so no one will know you have implants. You can feel proud of your new smile.
Strong And Sturdy
Full-mouth implants are very strong. Once they are in your jaw, they stay there so you can chew and bite with confidence. You can enjoy your favourite foods again without worrying about your teeth. Full-mouth implants give you the strength to eat with ease.
Long-Lasting
One of the best things about full-mouth implants is that they can last long! Proper care allows your implants to stay in place for 10-15 years or even longer. This makes them a great investment for your smile and dental health.
Healthy Jaw
Full-mouth implants help keep your jawbone strong. When you lose teeth, the bone in your jaw can weaken over time. Implants help to keep your jawbone healthy and strong because they act like real tooth roots. This helps stop bone loss, which keeps your face shape looking natural and your jaw healthy.
Confidence
Many people feel more confident after getting full-mouth implants. A natural-looking smile can boost your self-esteem and make you proud to show your teeth. When your smile looks great, you feel better about yourself in social situations. Full-mouth implants can give you the confidence to smile and enjoy life to the fullest.
Will Insurance Cover My Dental Implant Cost?
In Australia, many insurance plans do not cover full-mouth dental implants’ cost. Some plans cover only a part of the cost. You can ask your dentist about payment plans or financing options if needed.
Risks Of Dental Implant Surgery
While full-mouth implants have benefits, like any surgery, there are risks. These risks are rare, but they can happen. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Infection
After getting implants, your mouth might feel sore. Sometimes, an infection can happen around the implant. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions to avoid infection. Keeping your mouth clean and going to follow-up appointments will help.
Bleeding
It is normal to have a little bleeding after the surgery. Yet, some people may have more bleeding than usual. Your dentist will tell you how to manage this, which usually stops after a few hours.
Nerve Damage
The implants go into the jawbone, and sometimes, they may get close to nerves. This can cause numbness or tingling in your lips, chin, or gums. This feeling may go away over time, but in rare cases, it can last longer.
Implant Failure
Sometimes, the implant does not heal or bond with the bone. If this happens, the implant may need removal or replacement. Your dentist will check the healing process to make sure everything is going well.
Bone Loss
If the bone around the implant doesn’t heal properly, it may lead to bone loss. This can make the implant unstable. Bone grafting can help fix this, but it may be an extra step.
Discomfort Or Pain
It’s normal to have some pain after the surgery, but some people may have more discomfort than others. The dentist will give you medicine to relieve the pain, which usually gets better after a few days.
Problems With The Teeth Or Connectors
Sometimes, the new teeth or the connectors that hold them in place can become loose. This may happen if they are not placed the right way or if they get worn over time. If this happens, you should visit your dentist to have them checked and fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for my implants?
Taking care of your full-mouth implants is like caring for natural teeth. Here’s what to do:
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss with consistency.
- Visit your dentist for check-ups and cleanings.
Your dentist may also give you instructions on caring for your implants to keep them in the best condition.
Are full-mouth implants right for me?
You need to have enough bone in your jaw to support the implants. If your bone is weak, you may need a bone graft to build it up. Your dentist will check your jaw and health to see if implants are right for you.
What happens if I don’t get full-mouth implants?
If you don’t replace missing teeth, your jaw bone may lose strength, and your face shape can change. Without teeth, it can be harder to eat certain foods, and you may feel self-conscious about your smile. Full-mouth implants help restore your dental health and appearance.
The Bottom Line
If you’re thinking about full-mouth dental implants and want to know more, we can help! Our friendly team in Sydney is ready to answer all your questions and guide you through the process.
Call Hammondville Dental today at (02) 9000 1237 to help you smile with confidence!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources:
Colgate®. Full Mouth Dental Implants: 4 Ways They Improve Your Smile [Internet]. Colgate®. 2023 [cited 2024 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/implants/four-ways-full-mouth-dental-implants-improve-your-smile
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dental Implants: What You Should Know [Internet]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2021 [cited 2024 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-implants-what-you-should-know
Healthdirect. Dental Implant Procedure [Internet]. Healthdirect. 2023 [cited 2024 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-implant
Cleveland Clinic. Dental bone graft [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2024 [cited 2024 Nov 15]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft
Bell A. What Problems Can Occur After Dental Implant Surgery? [Internet]. Medical News Today. 2023 [cited 2024 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dental-implants-problems