While unfortunate to note, millions of individuals still suffer from missing teeth despite the massive improvements implant dentistry has made through the years. Mostly, tooth loss is attributed to tooth injury, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.
For many years, bridges and dentures were considered the top option for patients suffering from tooth loss. Fortunately, dental implants have been added to the list.
Dental implant surgery is now considered one of the best alternatives to dentures and bridgework. Not convinced? Statistics show that a staggering 3 million individuals have dental implants. And that’s in the U.S. alone! What’s even more impressive? The number grows by as much as 500, 000 annually!
If you’re considering dental implants or deemed a great candidate for the procedure, you probably have a lot of questions in mind. This is especially true if the procedure is something you are not quite familiar with yet, such as implant surgery. For instance, you’re probably wondering if it’s painful, or what the procedure would be like, or how much dental implant costs.
This article is aimed at answering the most prevalent dental questions about teeth and gingiva. Rest assured, you’d be well versed with the basics of peri-implant surgery after.
Answers to the Most Common Dental Implant Questions
What exactly are dental implants?
Dental implants are prostheses used to replace missing teeth. dental implants dental implants Basically, it is a small titanium fixture that’s inserted in the jawbone. On top of which, dental implants, abutments, teeth, or tooth can be attached: single crown (cap), full denture, fixed bridge, or partial denture.
Once the dental implant has fused with the bone, a structure known as abutment is connected to the implant. This is also attached to the artificial tooth. Simply put, dental implant procedure has 3 main components: the implant, abutment, and the artificial tooth.
Implants serve as the missing tooth’s roots. Since the titanium will fuse with the jawbone, dental implants won’t slip, make noise, or cause bone damage.
How much does a dental implant cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on a few key factors. However, a conservative cost estimate for a single dental implant is at $3, 000 to $4, 500. The cost already covers dental implant placement and the implant crown.
If you want a more accurate assessment, asking your dentist about dental implants is considered your best option. If anything, the cost of the procedure will also depend on different individual factors including quality and location of the jawbone, number of dental implants needed, type of artificial teeth that will be used, as well as the kinds of dental implants used.
If you’re wondering if dental implants are covered by insurance, in most cases, it is not. Dental implant is considered an elective procedure even though it has undoubtedly become the standard of care for replacement of missing teeth.
How long do dental implants usually last?
Given that it is looked after accordingly, dental implants can last a lifetime. Of course, proper care will involve regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits. While dentists can’t guarantee the longevity of your implants, they can recommend guidelines and suggestions on how you can take care of them better.
Typically, the care recommendations given will be based on 3 basic guidelines: the patient’s genetic history, nutritional habits, and proper hygiene procedures. As long as the guidelines provided are strictly adhered to, you’ll be giving your implants the opportunity to last a lifetime.
Will the procedure hurt?
If your pain tolerance is not that high, you’d be delighted to know that the dental implant procedure is considered by many to be less uncomfortable than tooth extraction. Most dental offices also have dentists and staff trained to provide anaesthesia methods alongside other intravenous sedation choices when required.