What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into the jawbone and allowed to bond with the bone in a few months. The invention of dental implants restored confidence to millions of people who had lost teeth due to various reasons such as diseases, accidents, etc. The inventory of dental implants made tooth replacement somewhat easy as they provide a surface for the dentist to place the missing teeth on them. The new tooth resembles your natural teeth, making it difficult for others to notice the difference.
How do dental implants work?
Since dental implants bond with your jawbone, they render steady support for artificial teeth. This ensures dentures and bridges mounted to implants are firm to the extent that they can’t slip nor shift in your mouth. This allows people to eat and speak without experiencing difficulties. The firm attachment of implants to the jaw bone ensures the dentures, bridges, and individual crowns mounted over implants have a more natural look than traditional dentures or bridges.
Who is eligible for dental implants?
Many people have expressed dissatisfaction over standard dentures and bridges because of the substandard ridges and sore spots. Additionally, traditional bridges need to be bonded to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth’s space. The great thing about implants is that they require no adjacent teeth to be ground down to support your new tooth. You can only be eligible for dental implants if you have the following:
- Healthy gums
- Sufficient bone to firmly hold the implant
- Good oral hygiene
Cost of Dental Implants
Only specialist dentists can administer dental implants. They include periodontists, oral surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons. Implants are costlier than other alternative tooth replacement methods, and only a few health insurances provide cover for implants. A single dental implant ranges from $2500-$500, American Academy of Implant Dentistry reveals.