All on 4 dental implants cost: add up your full-arch quote

This calculator adds up the all on 4 dental implants cost from your own quote, per arch or in total, and shows your share after any health fund rebate.

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How it works

  1. Choose the number of archesEnter 1 or 2 in “Number of arches (1 or 2)”, as shown on your treatment plan. If your quote already gives totals rather than prices per arch, tick “The amounts on my quote are already totals”.
  2. Copy the items from your quoteUnder “Amounts from your quote”, fill in lines such as “Consultation, examination and scans (e.g. CBCT)”, “Extractions”, “Implants including placement (surgery)”, “Temporary bridge”, “Final bridge”, “Sedation or anaesthesia” and “Reviews and aftercare”.
  3. Add your rebate and a reserveEnter a confirmed benefit in “Amount your dental plan or insurer pays (optional)” or “Insurance refund in % (optional)”. Use “Contingency reserve in % (optional)” to add a buffer of your choice.
  4. CalculateClick “Calculate costs” to see the breakdown, the cost per arch, your own share and the budget including your reserve.

TitaniumDental implants are usually titanium screws that replace tooth roots and hold artificial teeth Source

About 3 monthsHealthdirect: time for the bone to grow around an implant Source

12 months or morePossible extras waiting period for major items, set by each health insurer Source

Check the registerEvery dental practitioner allowed to practise in Australia is listed on the Ahpra register Source

What the all on 4 dental implants cost includes

"All on 4" is a name often used for a fixed bridge of teeth that is held in one jaw by a small number of implants. An implant is a metal screw, usually titanium, that replaces the root of a tooth. Because a whole arch is treated, the all on 4 dental implants cost is made up of many parts: scans and planning, any extractions, the implant surgery, a temporary bridge while you heal, the final bridge, sedation if you choose it, and reviews. Your quote may show these per arch or as one total.

This calculator works only with the figures you enter. Healthdirect explains that each Australian dental clinic sets its own fees, so a figure from someone else's plan tells you little about yours. Enter the lines from your written quote and the tool shows which items make up the largest share. Check that the temporary and the final bridge are both included, because they are separate pieces of work and are sometimes priced separately.

Treatment stages, healing and aftercare

Implant treatment happens in stages. Healthdirect says it takes about three months for the bone to grow around an implant, and that you may have bruising, pain or swelling after the procedure. Possible complications include infection, nerve damage, sinus problems and damage to surrounding teeth. Whether a full-arch bridge suits you, and how long each stage takes, is something only your dental professional can assess after an examination. Ask them to explain the plan step by step.

Aftercare is part of the cost. Once healed, healthdirect advises caring for implants like your natural teeth, with brushing, cleaning and regular check-ups. Ask what reviews are included and what happens if the bridge needs adjusting or repairing later. Every dental practitioner allowed to practise in Australia appears on the Ahpra register, so you can check the registration of the practitioner who will treat you. Healthdirect also suggests asking whether there are less expensive alternatives before you agree to treatment.

  • Are the temporary and the final bridge both in the price?
  • How many review appointments are included?
  • What happens, and who pays, if the bridge needs a repair?
  • Which item numbers will your health fund see on the claim?

Health funds, payment and treatment abroad

Most dental care in Australia is not covered by Medicare. If you have extras cover, implants and bridgework usually count as major dental. Funds pay part of the cost and often have yearly limits, which matters for treatment that runs over many months. Privatehealth.gov.au notes that waiting periods for major items can be 12 months or more. Ask your fund what it would pay for each item number, and enter that figure in the calculator.

Some people compare an Australian quote with one from Turkey. Smartraveller notes that Medicare does not cover you overseas and that basic travel insurance rarely covers medical tourism. A full-arch plan may also need more than one trip because of the healing time. Run the calculator for each quote, then use our Turkey teeth calculator to add flights and accommodation. The Australian Dental Association recommends seeking an Australian dentist's advice before considering treatment overseas, so talk to your dentist before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

How much do all on 4 dental implants cost?

There is no set price. Each Australian dental clinic sets its own fees, and full-arch plans differ in the number of implants, the bridge material, sedation and aftercare. Ask for a written quote that lists each item, enter it in the calculator per arch, and you will see your total, your share after any rebate and a budget with a reserve.

What is all on 4?

It is a name often used for a fixed bridge of teeth held in one jaw by a small number of implants. It is not a single fixed procedure, and plans differ between practices. Ask your dentist to explain exactly what is planned for your mouth, how many implants are involved and which alternatives exist.

Is the price per arch or for both jaws?

Quotes do both. Some show a price per arch, others a total for upper and lower. Enter the number of arches in “Number of arches (1 or 2)”. If your amounts are already totals, tick “The amounts on my quote are already totals”, so the calculator does not multiply them again.

Does Medicare pay for all on 4 implants?

Generally not. Healthdirect says most dental care is not covered by Medicare and the Australian Government does not generally cover dental costs. Holders of a Veteran's Gold or White Card may be able to claim implant costs. Ask your dentist and the relevant agency what applies to you.

Will my health fund cover a full-arch implant bridge?

It depends on your extras cover. Implants and bridgework usually count as major dental, funds pay part of the cost and many have yearly limits. Waiting periods for major items can be 12 months or more. Ask your fund for its benefit per item number in writing and enter it in the calculator.

How long does all on 4 treatment take?

It depends on your plan. Healthdirect says it takes about three months for the bone to grow around an implant, and more than one appointment is needed. Many full-arch plans include a temporary bridge first and a final bridge later. Ask your dentist for a timeline with each visit listed.

Why is a temporary bridge on the quote?

A temporary bridge is often used while the implants heal, before the final bridge is made. It is a separate piece of work, so it may be priced separately. Check whether your quote includes both, and enter each in “Temporary bridge” and “Final bridge” so the comparison is fair.

What risks should I ask about?

Healthdirect lists possible implant complications such as infection, nerve damage, sinus problems and damage to surrounding teeth, as well as bruising and swelling after surgery. Ask your dental professional how these risks apply to you and what aftercare is included if something needs attention.

Is all on 4 in Turkey worth comparing?

You can compare the numbers, but the decision is yours and your dentist's. Smartraveller says Medicare does not cover you overseas and basic travel insurance rarely covers medical tourism. A full-arch plan may need more than one trip. Run the calculator for each quote, then add travel costs in our Turkey teeth calculator.

Sources

This tool provides general information and calculates only with the values you enter. It does not replace an examination or advice from a dentist, your health insurer or a financial adviser.