How much do dental implants cost?

The Aussie guide to what you'll actually pay

Dr. Betty Lisa Matthews

Clinical Director & Senior Dentist

Written:May 21, 25Updated:May 21, 25
11 min read
Vogue Dental Studios patient Mitchell after smile transformation with dental implants and veneers

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a screw-like device that is placed into a person’s jaw where a tooth is missing. Over time, bone grows around the dental implant and they integrate together. The implant is held firmly in place in the jawbone, mimicking natural tooth roots.

Dental implants are used as a foundation for tooth-replacement prostheses, such as crowns, bridges and dentures. They function just like your other teeth, working in harmony with them to support a healthy daily oral routine. While most dental implants are made of titanium, there are alternative options as well, such as zirconium oxide implants.  

The main components of dental implants are:

  1. Implant fixture – this is the post that looks like a screw, which is inserted into the jawbone.
  2. Abutment - this is the connector that is attached to the top of the implant to secure the crown or another replacement prosthesis.
  3. Prosthesis – this is the visible part that resembles a natural tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or another type of replacement. Crowns or other prostheses are custom designed to match the structure, shape, and colour of the surrounding teeth in your mouth, creating a natural appearance.

Benefits of dental implants

While a missing tooth, particularly if it isn’t visible, may not appear to be a serious problem to some people, the absence of just one tooth can significantly alter the chewing forces in your mouth and put more load on the surrounding teeth. This can affect how you eat, speak, and engage daily with the world around you.

Dental implants provide a way to regain your natural smile and improve chewing, jaw function, speaking ability, and overall oral health. Unlike other options, such as bridges, dental implants do not require the removal of enamel of adjacent teeth during the procedure. As a result, you can fill the gap in your mouth without affecting the surrounding teeth.

At the end of the day, one of the biggest benefits is psychological. Restoring your smile and self-esteem can enhance your quality of life and help rebuild your confidence.

How do dental implants compare to other tooth replacement options?

Dental implants are among the best options for replacing teeth. While bridges and dentures are worthy alternatives, dental implants do not require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth. Additionally, they naturally help preserve the health of your jawbone by preserving bone volume and preventing bone loss after the loss of a tooth.

Dental implants are exceptionally durable, often lasting a lifetime with proper care, whereas dentures and bridges typically need to be replaced over time. While all three options are feasible, dental implants have the edge because they offer a permanent, natural, and bone-friendly solution for missing teeth.

What are the types of dental implants?

There are various options available that can be tailored to meet each individual’s needs and circumstances. Whether you need to replace one tooth or multiple, there is an ideal treatment plan for you.

The most common types of dental implants include single dental implants, multiple tooth implants, retained dentures, and All-On-X full mouth dental implants.

Single dental implant

While losing a tooth can be daunting, it isn’t the end of the world. Modern dental practices offer quick solutions. A single dental implant provides a reliable, strong, and natural way to restore your smile.

The treatment involves replicating a natural tooth root by inserting a small titanium post into the jawbone. Over time, this post bonds with the bone, forming a strong foundation.

Once the site has healed and the implant and bone have integrated, a custom-made crown is placed in your mouth to perfectly match the shape, size, and colour of your surrounding teeth. Whether you have lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or gum disease, a single implant provides a long-term solution for restoring your smile.

Here is one smile that was transformed with a single dental implant in combination with veneers. Visit our gallery to see more before-and-after's of dental implant transformations.

Multiple teeth implants

If you are missing several teeth, receiving multiple dental implants can be a strong, lasting solution to enhance your oral health and self-confidence.

Several factors must be considered before getting multiple dental implants. Your jawbone needs to be healthy and strong enough to support the surgical procedure, the implants as well as the prostheses on top, such as crowns or bridges.

Before proceeding, the skilled team at Vogue Dental Studios will do a thorough assessment. They may recommend prior treatments such as bone grafting or professional cleaning first, to ensure a solid foundation for your implants and to maintain excellent long-term oral health.

Implant-retained removable dentures

Another option for patients missing multiple teeth is implant-retained dentures, which provide a strong and comfortable alternative to traditional dentures. This treatment utilises usually 2-4 strategically placed dental implants in the jawbone to securely support a custom denture.

The denture is attached to the implants, ensuring that it doesn’t shift or slip while eating or speaking. This makes everyday activities feel more natural and stress-free.

Many individuals find this option transformative, as it offers enhanced confidence, comfort and functionality, compared to traditional dentures. It can be a great choice for anyone looking for a stable, long-term solution for multiple missing teeth.

All-on-X full-mouth dental implants with fixed bridges

The All-On-X dental implant procedure is an excellent oral treatment option for patients who are missing all their teeth and need a stable, long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures.

The procedure involves usually 4-6 strategically placed titanium implants in the jawbone, which then support a full arch of fixed replacement teeth. This procedure, like other dental implants, offers the patient the appearance, sensation, and function of natural teeth.

This procedure requires much less waiting time than traditional implants. The All-On-X procedure is considered revolutionary because it can treat patients with significant bone loss, usually without the need for a complex grafting procedure.

This quick and minimally invasive approach eliminates the need for temporary dentures, enabling you to smile with confidence in no time. It truly is a life-changing option for those interested in the procedure.

Zygomatic and Mini Dental Implants

Two additional types of dental implants, which are less common, are zygomatic implants and mini dental implants.

Zygomatic Implants are used when there is insufficient bone in the upper jaw; instead, the implants are anchored into the cheekbone, providing a stable foundation for new teeth. For patients who have experienced periodontal disease or oral trauma, this technique can be especially beneficial. By utilising the cheekbone, these implants often eliminate the need for bone grafting procedures. This enhances comfort for patients and reduces treatment time and post-procedural complexities overall.

Mini implants are the little siblings of traditional dental implants. They typically measure less than 3 millimetres in size. They are particularly useful for replacing smaller teeth and can stabilise dentures. However, while beneficial, mini implants cannot replace molars as they lack sufficient strength.

With so many options available for dental implants, it’s imperative to consult a professional team for proper guidance on how to proceed and determine which treatment choice is best for you.

What can you expect during the dental implant procedure?

For many people, the idea of a dental implant procedure can be quite overwhelming, particularly due to the numerous steps involved in the process. This feeling is completely normal; however, rest assured that the caring team at Vogue Dental Studios is here for you at every step of the journey.

  1. Initial Consultation - Your dental implant journey begins at the ground level with us. This includes a detailed consultation with our dental team, during which we discuss your dental history and concerns. We take X-rays and 3D scans to obtain a clear picture of your bone structure, determining whether dental implants are the right choice for you and which type makes the most sense. Here, you can ask any questions, discuss your goals, and feel confident about the procedure pathway moving forward.
  2. Treatment Plan - After completing your consultation with our team, we then develop a tailored treatment plan for you. This plan will outline the expected timeline, associated costs, and specific steps involved in the procedure.
  3. Implant Placement - This procedure involves one of our skilled dentists providing local anaesthesia to numb your mouth, then gently making an incision in the gum and carefully positioning the implant into the jawbone. Once the implant is in place, the gum is stitched back over the area to allow it to heal. While this may sound frightening from afar, be assured that the procedure is painless and all effort is taken to minimise any discomfort.
  4. Time To Heal - The duration of healing depends on the complexity of the procedure. Generally, the healing process for a dental implant can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Proper healing is essential to ensure that the implant fuses correctly with the jawbone, which supports your new tooth.
  5. Abutment - After your implant has fully healed, the next step is to attach a small connector (abutment) that will serve as the foundation to securely holding your new tooth in place. To accomplish this, your dentist gently reopens the top of the gum to expose the implant, attaches the abutment, and then closes the tissue around it. This prepares the site for the final crown and brings you one step closer to your final result.
  6. Artificial Tooth Arrival - Once the gum tissue heals around the abutment, detailed scans of your mouth will be taken. These scans provide the blueprint for crafting a crown that perfectly matches the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth, ensuring it blends seamlessly into your smile. When the crown is ready, it is securely attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant process.

The reward for all your dedication is a beautiful, natural-looking tooth that feels and functions just like your own. So go ahead and smile proudly—you truly deserve it!

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Ok, since you have most of the information about dental implants down pat, you might be wondering how much a procedure like this will cost you. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question; it varies based on several factors.

Generally, ballpark figures can range from $4,500 to $7,500 per tooth in Australia. As a result, you will need to adequately plan when determining what type of dental implant you need.

  • Single Tooth Implants - As stated above, a single tooth implant typically costs between $4,500 and $7,500, covering the three stages: the implant, abutment, and crown.
  • Implant-Supported Removable Dentures - As previously stated, this method involves using 2 to 4 implants to anchor your denture for additional support. The average cost of this procedure is approximately $15,000 per jaw, including the implants and denture.
  • All-on-X Dental Implants with Fixed Bridges– This procedure is usually more expensive, as it provides you with fixed bridges, rather than removable dentures. They can usually support 10 to 14 teeth on 4 to 6 dental implants. You can expect to pay between $20,000 and $30,000 per jaw for this procedure.
  • Zygomatic Implants - Zygomatic implants are generally more expensive due to the complexity and specialised nature of the procedure. Depending on the severity of one’s condition, this procedure can cost between $10,000 and $25,000 for these implants.
  • Mini Dental Implants - Due to their size and simplicity of procedure, these implants are typically lower in cost, but are also limited in their benefits. Depending on the number of implants needed, the cost can range from $900 to $6,500 per jaw.

Want to better understand the costs involved in dental implants? Contact the professional team at Vogue Dental Studios today.

Health funds and financing options for dental implants

The decisions regarding your oral health are often significantly influenced by the financial aspects involved. That’s why at Vogue Dental Studios, we offer a wide variety of plans, including interest-free options, to help ease the cost burden on your wallet.

Some private health funds may help cover part of the cost of dental implants; however, this depends on your specific policy and level of cover. Since every health insurance plan is unique, the best approach is to contact your health fund and enquire whether dental implants are included. It's always worth checking, as you might be pleasantly surprised by what's covered.

If you still feel uncertain, don’t hesitate to chat with our friendly staff at Vogue Dental Studios today to gain a clearer understanding of the financial costs involved.

Why Vogue Dental Studios?

As one of the leading practices for dental implants in Sydney, Melbourne, and Gold Coast, we are proud to offer cutting-edge treatments, including planning advanced solutions like All-On-X and zygomatic implant procedures, as appropriate. With a focus on comfort, precision, and long-term results, we are here to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile that lasts.

Written By

Dr. Betty Lisa Matthews

Dr. Betty looks after smiles at our Sydney studio. She is a keen traveler and loves scrabble.

Clinical Content

Dr Dee

Clinical Photos, clinical content, cosmetic and restorative dentistry by Dr.Deepan Duraisamy (Dr Dee) BDS., MSc., FICCDE , FICOI , Vogue Dental Studios.