What To Know About Dental Implants

18 December 2017
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Are you missing teeth or need a tooth removed? If so, you are probably considering all the ways to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are growing in popularity for their many benefits. If you are considering dental implants, you need to learn a little more about them, so you can see what makes them amazing.

Why Are Dental Implants Titanium?

The term dental implant actually refers to the fake root, which is made of titanium. The reason titanium is used is because it has the ability to fuse to bone. This is how the implant stays in your jaw. With normal teeth, ligaments hold them in place. The fusion of metal to bone mimics this hold. You don't actually see the titanium once the tooth is healed. A porcelain crown is placed on top of the root, which is all you see.

Do Dental Implants Harm Healthy Teeth?

Other tooth replacement options can actually harm healthy teeth. Partial dentures may scratch the enamel off healthy teeth, increasing the risk of decay. Dental bridges require healthy teeth to be filed down and forever altered to hold the bridge. If, at some point, you decide to replace your bridge with a dental implant (or if the bridge fails and falls out), you will need to have a crown placed on each anchor tooth because they no longer have protective enamel.

Are Other Procedures Required?

Depending on how long your tooth is missing, you may need a bone graft. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone around that tooth shrinks in the same manor a leg muscle shrinks while in a cast. It isn't being used, so you lose it. If the bone has atrophied too much, the dentist will need to perform a bone graft with synthetic bone or bone from another part of your body. As a bonus, dental implants stimulate the jawbone, so it won't shrink again.

How Much Does it Cost?

Dental implants aren't cheap. They cost up to $4,500 for one single implant. If you have multiple missing teeth, however, you may want an implant-supported bridge or implant-supported dentures, which cost more. On the bright side, however, thanks to their durability, a dental implant may last the rest of your life. Insurance doesn't typically pay for a "dental implant," but they may pay for some costs, such as the extraction, crown, etc.

If you're ready to replace your missing teeth, dental implants are a great option to consider. They are durable and look great. If you would like more information regarding dental implants, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area.