Dental Implants: Are They Worth The Cost?

Are dental implants worth the cost?

New Zealanders are no strangers to missing teeth. The average kiwi will have two missing teeth by age 40 and 5 missing teeth by the time they reach 60. Gaps in your teeth don’t just affect the look of your smile, they can cause problems that negatively affect your oral health. 

If you’ve lost a tooth, there’s a few options you can choose to fill the gap in your smile. A dental implant is a great solution, but is it worth the cost?

What does a dental implant cost?

The cost will vary from practice to practice, but in New Zealand most dental implants will set you back about $6,000. This cost includes $3,000 for the implant surgery and $3,000 for the dental crown. For an exact quote, you’ll need to book a consultation with a dentist.

When it comes to getting a dental implant, there's more to consider than just the price. Dental implants might seem like an investment, but they’re also highly durable, can last a lifetime and are a more permanent solution than dentures or dental bridges.

What’s involved in a dental implant procedure?

A dental implant is made up of a titanium post inserted into the jawbone and an artificial crown that sits on top of the post. 

The procedure takes place over two appointments – surgery to insert the post, and a follow up appointment three to six months later to fit the crown.

While the amount of time between appointments might feel like a downside, it's part of the reason why dental implants are so strong. During the healing process the titanium post fuses into the jawbone and is as strong as a natural tooth. 

How long does a dental implant last?

It depends. Titanium implants are designed to be permanent, but the dental crown may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear. 

Dental implant surgery has a high success rate. Only 5% of surgeries fail and most of the time this is due to insufficient bone health, or poor oral hygiene during the healing period.

At Gentle Dental we use a range of digital dentistry techniques to assess whether your existing jawbone will support a dental implant and accurately place the titanium post into the bone. This helps you heal faster and minimises the already small risk of dental implant failure.

Are dental bridges and dentures more affordable?

Dental bridges and partial dentures can be a more affordable option for treating multiple missing teeth but there are other factors you should consider. 

Dental bridges: Dental bridges are a good choice if you are missing multiple teeth in a row. There are some downsides with dental bridges – the bridge needs replacing more often than a dental implant. They can increase your risk of tooth decay. If you have a history of tooth loss due to poor oral hygiene, you might find an implant more manageable.

Partial dentures: Dentures have come a long way over the last twenty years and are much more comfortable than they used to be. While dentures can be a more affordable solution for multiple teeth, they also need more care than dental implants. 

A dental bridge might last ten years while dentures last five to ten years before they need to be replaced. The longevity of a dental implant often makes any cost associated with the procedure worth it.

How do you care for a dental implant?

After your dental implant surgery, you’ll need to follow your dentist’s aftercare guidelines. These often include:

• Taking any pain relief as directed by your dentist
• Eating soft foods for the first few days after surgery
• Avoiding caffein and alcohol to help the healing process
• Avoiding strenuous physical exercise
• Rinse the wound with salt water every few hours

Once you’ve healed from surgery and your dentist has attached the crown you can care for your tooth as normal. It’s important to adopt an oral hygiene routine to avoid future problems with your implant.  Make sure you:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes
• Flossy daily between your teeth
• Go for an annual check up
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products

How to get started with a dental implant

A dental implant is a great permanent solution for tooth loss. Get started by booking a consultation at one of our Gentle Dental practices in Wellington, Lower Hutt or Upper Hutt.