Worked estimates and checklists
Single dental implant cost: a worked example from quote to out-of-pocket
A line-by-line illustrative estimate for one implant and crown in Australia, with three different extras policies, a staged timeline and the final out-of-pocket cost.
For one missing back tooth replaced with an implant and crown, a typical Australian plan has six to nine item numbers spread over three to six months. In the illustrative example below, the total fee is $6,350. With no extras cover the patient pays all of it; with a policy paying 60% of major dental up to $1,500 a year (and 70% of general dental) they pay about $4,400; and if the treatment straddles two limit years on that policy, about $2,900. The numbers are invented for arithmetic, but the method is the one to use on your own quote. It follows the steps in how to estimate dental treatment costs.
The scenario
- Adult, lower left first molar (tooth 36) was extracted a year ago; the site has healed.
- A general dentist will place a one-stage implant and restore it.
- No bone graft is expected, but the dentist notes one may be needed.
- The patient has held extras cover for three years.
The itemised quote
| Stage | Item | Description | Illustrative fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Assessment | 014 | Consultation | $120 |
| 1. Assessment | 037 | Panoramic radiograph | $110 |
| 1. Assessment | 026 + 087 | CBCT scan (small field) and interpretation | $370 |
| 2. Surgery | 688 | Insertion of one-stage endosseous implant | $2,750 |
| 2. Surgery | 941 | Local anaesthesia | $50 |
| 3. Restoration | 661 | Fitting of implant abutment | $950 |
| 3. Restoration | 671 | Non-metallic crown attached to implant | $2,000 |
| Definite total | $6,350 | ||
| If required | 243 | Osseous graft | $850 |
| Maximum total | $7,200 |
Three policy scenarios
Each is illustrative; real policies differ.
Policy A: no extras cover. Out-of-pocket = $6,350 (up to $7,200 with a graft).
Policy B: mid extras. General dental 70%, annual general limit $700. Major dental (including implants) 60%, annual major limit $1,500. Waiting periods served.
| Group | Fees | Benefit before limit | After limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (014, 037, 026+087, 941) | $650 | 70% = $455 | $455 (within $700) |
| Major (688, 661, 671) | $5,700 | 60% = $3,420 | $1,500 (limit) |
| Total benefit | $1,955 |
Out-of-pocket = $6,350 − $1,955 = $4,395. Some funds class 026 scans differently; if the scan were treated as major dental, it would compete for the $1,500 limit and the general benefit would fall by $259 (70% of $370), raising the out-of-pocket to about $4,650.
Policy C: extras that exclude implants. General items as in policy B ($455). Implant items 688, 661 and 671 excluded: $0. Out-of-pocket = $6,350 − $455 = $5,895.
Spreading the stages across limit years
On policy B, suppose the limit resets on 1 January. If surgery (688) is done in November and the abutment and crown (661, 671) in February, after healing:
| Year | Major items | Benefit before limit | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 688: $2,750 | 60% = $1,650 | $1,500 |
| Year 2 | 661 + 671: $2,950 | 60% = $1,770 | $1,500 |
Major benefit = $3,000 instead of $1,500; total benefit $3,455; out-of-pocket $2,895. That uses the whole of the next year's major limit, so other major treatment in year 2 would get nothing. If the healing time naturally spans the reset, this is legitimate planning; it is not a reason to change clinical timing. See timing treatment around extras limits.
Adding the graft and finance
If the graft is needed, add $850. On policy B the major limit is already used in a single year, so the graft adds the full $850 to the out-of-pocket.
If the patient finances a $4,395 gap at 14% p.a. over two years with $250 of fees, the payment plan calculator shows about $211 a month and roughly $670 of interest, so the total cost is about $5,315. Paying from savings avoids that, which is a reason to compare carefully. See paying for dental implants.
What to check on your own quote
- Are scan and interpretation both itemised?
- One-stage (688) or two-stage (684 + 691)? Compare totals, not line counts.
- Is the crown material specified (671, 672 or 673)?
- Are review visits included?
- Is the graft definite or "if required", and will you be asked first?
- Have you got the fund's benefit per item in writing?
Use the implant quote checklist and choosing an implant dentist.
Frequently asked questions
Is $6,350 what an implant costs?
No. It is a made-up figure for arithmetic. Fees differ between practices, cities and practitioners. Use your own quote in the implant cost estimator.
Why is the crown so expensive relative to the implant?
The crown involves impressions or scans, laboratory work and fitting. Both components carry material and laboratory costs, and the split varies by practice.
Can I have the implant at one practice and the crown at another?
Sometimes, but compatibility of components and responsibility if something goes wrong need to be clear. Ask both practices.
Do I pay all at once?
Practices often bill at each stage. Ask for a payment schedule in writing.
Sources
- Australian Dental Association — item numbers 014, 026, 037, 087, 243, 661, 671, 688 and 941
- privatehealth.gov.au — extras limits and benefits
- ASIC Moneysmart — comparing loans and payment plans
