What Is the Value of Dental Implants? (Basic Guide)

Experiencing discomfort because of a missing or damaged tooth? Dental implants are a great way to replace decayed, broken or missing teeth. To help you make an informed decision about getting them, we have answers to your questions about dental implants, including their types, costs, and challenges.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a surgical fixture that is put into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with it over a number of months. It acts as your missing tooth, with the artificial root acting as the bridge to hold the replacement tooth. The implant mimics a natural tooth in that it doesn’t affect the nearby teeth and remains stable on its own. Dental implants are usually made of titanium which is an inert substance. This is why our body doesn’t reject it as a foreign object and it can integrate with the jawbone easily.

Why Choose Dental Implants Over Dentures?

Choosing between dentures and dental implants is easy if you know the difference between them. Dentures are affordable but inconvenient. They also affect the ability to sense and taste food. Dental implants offer many benefits over other tooth replacement options, as they can be set up without altering or affecting nearby teeth. Also, since they can integrate with bone, they are extremely stable, and look and feel like natural teeth.

Dental Implant Types

There are two types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. The endosteal type is implanted into the bone while the subperiosteal rests on top of the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are no longer used due to their poor long-term results compared to endosteal ones.

Dental Implant Procedures

Inserting dental implants is an extremely detailed procedure. It starts with consultation and planning, where the dental surgeon visually examines where the implant will be set using  dental imaging studies. Here, they will assess the quantity and quality of your jawbone to determine if you need more bones at the site. Once it is determined that the site is suitable, the surgical procedure is carried out. You will be given local anesthesia along with sedatives, if necessary. Then, the tooth is extracted. Usually, a solid base synthetic bone is put in. A different bone graft is placed on top of the existing jawbone if there is no tooth or bone loss. This is a more involved procedure and requires a healing time of six months or longer. When there is enough bone, the surgeon extracts the damaged tooth and implants it in the same session. Putting dental implants into the upper jaw is tricky because of the location of the sinuses, and that sometimes limits the number of bones available. More bones are grafted into the sinus (the air pockets in the facial bones) by lifting the sinus floor. This procedure is called a sinus lift. The implant is done when there is adequate strong bone present. The first step to the implant is placing a titanium post into the bone. A healing cap is then put over it, the gum is sewn closed, and the area allowed to heal. During this time, you can get a temporary denture for your missing teeth. It takes anywhere between two to six months for the titanium implant to heal and integrate with the bone. Don’t apply force or stress, and keep an eye on infections. After healing, your dental surgeon will test the implant to make sure it is successfully integrated. It is then connected to a prosthetic component through a screw. This component will hold the custom-made crown.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of one implant varies depending on the region and doctor. They can range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. To learn the exact amount, talk to your dentist. Dental implants are not typically covered by dental insurance, but some cover the cost of the crown. Talk to your insurer about compensation.

Risks of Dental Implants

There is a certain amount of risk with any surgery, but careful planning helps avoid bleeding disorders, allergies, infections, and other medical conditions. However, the risks are low compared to the chances of success. Dental implants have become a common option for tooth replacement because their success rate is close to 98%. If you are worried about getting a dental implant or having doubts about it, make an appointment with your dentist to talk about it. Go for the procedure only when you are feeling confident. Consider talking to someone who has had a dental implant, just to be more relaxed and certain about getting it.