As more people are exploring their options for dental restorations, implants are becoming more popular, and at times, more preferred than dentures. Dental implants provide solutions to the adverse effects of having missing teeth, including poor oral health and low self-esteem. Since the procedure is a bit complex, dental implant cost is no joke. But it’s a wonderful investment where you can enjoy its benefits for a lifetime. Read on to know more about dental implant cost, their benefits, and what a typical procedure can be like.
Defining Dental Implants
A dental implant is a screw-like implant, usually made out of metal, embedded within the lower or upper jawbone. The procedure either replaces the tooth roots, or missing teeth, with artificial ones that function just the same. They provide strong foundations that are made to match your natural teeth.
Because the metal fuses with your jawbone, you won’t have to worry that they might slip or cause bone damage. Moreover, it can’t decay like your own teeth.
Dental implant cost depends on the type of restoration work being carried out. It’s possible the more than one prosthetic tooth may be supported by a single dental implant.
Benefits of Dental Implants
If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, you should know about its many advantages, not just the dental implant cost.
Improved teeth appearance
Having one or more missing teeth can definitely lower someone’s confidence. Dental implants are made to look and feel like your own natural teeth. Before any procedure, your dentist will have to examine your teeth first to determine the type of implant to be used making sure that it fits with the rest of your mouth. In addition, because the implants will be fused to the bone, there will be no bone loss after removal of the tooth, meaning, no hollowing out will be seen on your face most especially in the philtrum/upper lip area.
Improved speech
Unlike dentures, you won’t have to worry about it slipping since implants are fused with your jawbone. Dental implants allow you to speak more comfortably and not mumble or slur your words.
Also, because the implants will be fused to the bone, there will be no bone loss after removal of the tooth, meaning, no hollowing out will be seen on your face most especially in the upper lip area.
Ease of chewing
Ill-fitting dentures can slide down which is bothersome especially when eating. Since dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, you won’t feel pain or discomfort as you chew your food.
Long-lasting
Dental implant cost may be significant, but the implants can last a lifetime. Since it’s made out of durable materials, such as metal, dental implants will last many years, even a lifetime — with proper care that is.
Convenience
Removing dentures can be such a hassle, coupled with the fact that you need to deal with messy adhesives all the time just to keep them in place. But with dental implants, you can eat food, talk, and go about your day like normal.
Taking all this into account, it’s no wonder dental implants cost much. They’re an investment you’ll be able to enjoy your whole life.
Who Can Use Dental Implants
Generally, anyone who has healthy gums and good bone density are qualified to get implants. Don’t forget implants fuse together with your jawbone. The same goes with those who can undergo oral surgery and routine dental extraction.
However, if you have underlying conditions, you might want to look for other alternatives. If you have gum disease, for example, having implants would be useless since you’ll only get infection.
People who have diabetes, leukemia, or any other diseases that can slow down your healing process are excluded from this procedure.
The same goes with those who take certain medications, bisphosphonate drugs, which can cause complications.
Risks
Just like any dental procedures, dental implant surgery has its own risks. Although they are rare and easily treated, it’s best to know some of them:
- Infection at the implant site
- Nerve injury
- Excessive bleeding
- Failure to integrate
- Perforation
Procedure and Dental Implant Cost
Dental implants require one or more surgical procedures. The first step is to develop an individualized treatment plan. This should address your needs and is prepared by experts, mainly in oral surgery and restorative dentistry.
To create this treatment plan and to determine dental implant costs, you’ll have to go through an evaluation which includes dental exams, wherein your teeth are examined using an x-ray, and a review of your medical history. Your dentist needs to know if you are taking any medications that might cause infection should you proceed with the implants.
During the surgery, the tooth root implant is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, securing it permanently into the jaw.
The entire process can take up to six to 12 weeks, to give ample time for the jawbone to heal.
So how much does a dental implant cost? Considering the multiple steps involved in the procedure, as well as healing time, you will need to consider this an investment.
Key Takeaways
What’s the dental implant cost? It may cost a sum, and for good reason. This procedure involves many steps and longer healing time, but the benefits you can get out of it make it worth it. Not only does it improve your oral health, but it boosts your confidence and provides convenience that other procedures can’t guarantee. Before getting one, make sure to consult your dentist first if you’re eligible and if you really need it.
Learn more about Cosmetic Dentistry here.
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