Your teeth are important to your good health and your self-esteem. If your smile is missing teeth, you might not smile enough or be comfortable in society.
There a few things you can do to fix your smile. Dentures and crowns are a possibility. So are dental implants. Dental implants are becoming more and more popular for anyone over the age of about 16.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant looks like a tooth on a screw. The dentist screws the base into your jaw bone and then attaches a crown that is custom made to match your teeth. A good dental implant will often last about 30 or more years. The dental implant is not like a bridge that requires the adjacent teeth to be filed down or is removable like dentures. They act more like real teeth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
There are five reasons that dental implants are very popular.
Empty spaces in our mouth cause problems with existing teeth. Teeth move around to try to fill the space and your jawbone can deteriorate where teeth are missing. Dental implants keep the other teeth stable and stimulate bone growth. Getting a dental implant doesn’t require grinding down adjacent teeth to anchor bridges or dentures.
Since the dental implants are permanent, it’s easier to chew your food and speak clearly. No more slipped dentures making you slur, or food particles stuck under your dentures.
Another benefit is that with proper care, your dental implant will last more than 30 years. With dentures and bridges you may have to have replacements made every five to ten years.
Dental implants act and function like natural teeth. You don’t need to take them out for cleaning. Your smile and face shape remain the same instead of collapsing around missing teeth or falling out.
Finally, the success rate for dental implants is very high.
Good Candidates for Dental Implants
The best candidates for dental implants are people who are in good health overall and have healthy gum tissue. You must also have enough jaw bone to support the implant. Your general dentist can advise you if you are interested in dental implants.
Who Does Dental Implants?
Most of the time, your general dentist will refer you to an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon or Periodontist. This person will place the implant into your jaw. Once it heals, your general dentist will make and place the crown.
The American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry is recognized by the American Board of Dental Specialties. It awards recognition for dentists showing the highest level of competence in implant dentistry.
Cost of Dental Implants
Dental Implants are not cheap, but neither are any of the other options. The best quality dentures will cost you between $2,000 to $4,000 per denture or $4000 to $8000 for a complete set and will need replacing every five to ten years. Bridges run from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on how many and what type you choose. Dental implants run from $1500 to $6000, depending on how many and what needs to be done. Don’t let the price scare you away. Your health and self-esteem are too important! There are ways to pay for dental implants that make them much more affordable.
Final Word
If you want to learn more about dental implants, the best way is to start with an online search. Discover specialists near you, learn more about the procedure, and find ways to finance your great new smile. Don’t wait. Start your search today.