Unless you’re one of the few fortunate Australians who have managed to preserve their natural teeth into adulthood, getting dental implants or some other form of tooth replacement surgery is probably a no-brainer by now. After all, we all need to chew. Implant surgery isn’t cheap, but it’s a lot cheaper than having your teeth removed and going through years of speech therapy while you also spend thousands on dentures and other temporary solutions. The average cost of implant surgery can range anywhere from $3000 to $9000 per tooth. Whereas in India, the same could start at $700 per tooth. The cost for dental implant is almost 8-10 times more in Australia. Most people are rightfully suspicious of the steep costs associated with dental implants in Australia. Here are some answers that might help ease your mind about investing in such an effective treatment plan.
What is Dental Tourism?
Dental tourism is supported by superior dental and oral care under the guidance of experienced surgeons, doctors, and support staff at an affordable cost. With exponentially high costs of medical treatment in developed countries, especially the United States, UK and Australia, more people from across the globe are finding India as a prospective place. This may require a patient to plan a visit to India, in order to receive the treatment required.
One such place, Royal Dental Clinic’s Mumbai; does straightening and beautification of teeth on a single day. They provide both general and specialised treatments to the patients visiting India, acknowledging every astute patient’s needs. Royal aspires to provide a personalised plan that is apt for your travel itinerary as well. Also, many pre-planned Dental packages for tour are available for patients visiting some of the interesting places in India.
Dental Implant Specialists in Australia
Like many other industries, dentistry has a severe shortage of qualified specialists in Australia. The few dental schools in the country can’t keep up with the growing demand for dental services, and most people want to see specialists in their 20s. The shortage of dentists is expected to only get worse over the next ten years, which means that the specialists who are practicing are probably going to increase their prices. This is why removing a tooth can cost thousands of dollars.
Specialists need to cover the cost of their education and also pay off student loans. Some dentists may also want to take vacations or save for retirement. All of these expenses need to be covered somehow, and surgery is the best way to do that.
Dental Implant materials more expensive in Australia
If you’ve ever seen an episode of House Hunters in the United States, you’ve probably noticed that people always get a bit defensive when they’re told they’re buying materials that are more expensive in their country. Sometimes, the materials are more expensive because of Australia’s strict labor laws. Other times, they’re just more expensive due to the overall state of the Australian economy.
The materials used in dental implant surgery are mostly imported. This means that they have to travel through a much longer supply chain before they can reach the dental surgery room. This could make some of the materials that go into your implant surgery much more expensive than if you were to get the same materials from a local supplier.
Dental expertise and experience with treatment
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 Complexities Management
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.
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 that 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.
Implants are a lot safer than replacement options
Many people think that implants are a risky procedure. The truth is that dental implant surgery is a lot safer than other tooth replacement options. Dentures, for example, are often ill-fitting and can easily become dislodged. Braces, while they look cool, can also cause problems in the long run. Additionally, it’s important to remember that the cost of dental implant surgery has to cover the cost of root canal surgery. Root canal surgery is an $800 procedure, but it also has to be done at least three times in a person’s lifetime. Without dental implants, most people would need to get root canals every ten years or so.
Conclusion
Dental implant surgery can be a scary procedure for many people. But, before you make any assumptions, it’s important to remember that the price of dental implant surgery varies from person to person. You’re also dealing with a single-payer healthcare system in Australia. This means that dental surgeons in Australia are only paid one amount for their services. This makes it even easier for the government to dictate prices. On top of all of this, you also have to consider that Australia has a very high cost of living. Even though dental implants are more expensive in Australia, they are still very much within reason. In fact, dental implant surgery is a lot cheaper than you might imagine!
