If you've lost or damaged a tooth, you may be looking for a long-term solution. Dental implants have been growing in popularity because of their long lifetime. At your next dentist appointment, ask your dentist about dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial roots that will, over time, fuse with the bone cells in your jaw. Dental implants are customized to match the natural teeth in your mouth. These implants can last your entire lifetime if you know how to take care of them correctly. It's possible to have dental implants replace multiple teeth, or possibly even all of them.
To be able to get dental implants, you will need to have healthy gums and bones in the mouth. If you've suffered from a chronic disease, you may need to have an evaluation completed before moving forward. If it comes to this, your dentist will be able to walk you through the process.
Main Parts of Dental Implants
There are a few main parts to dental implants.
Those parts include:
- The implant itself: The implant is a screw that will attach to your jaw and mirror a root.
- The abutment: The abutment is a connector that holds your dental implants in place.
- The crown: The crown is the artificial tooth. This is the part of the tooth you can see above the surface of the gums.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many benefits that come with getting dental implants.
The benefits can include:
- An implant looks almost exactly like a real tooth
- They feel like your real teeth
- Convenient
- Comfortable
- Easier to eat with implants than with dentures or missing teeth
- Improved speech
Caring For Dental Implants
To ensure a longer life for your implants, it's important to take good care of them. Caring for dental implants is just like caring for your natural teeth. To ensure they stay healthy, you need to brush and floss regularly. You will also still need to go to regular check-ups for exams and cleanings.
Paying For Dental Implants
Most insurance plans won't cover the cost of dental implants. If you are thinking about getting implants, you will most likely need to pay the entire cost out-of-pocket. The price of dental implants can vary widely depending on how many you need. The cost of a single implant can cost between $1,000 and $3,000. If you need implants for your whole mouth, the average cost is around $34,000 but can cost up to $90,000. If this isn't something you can afford, you can talk to your dentist about payment plan options.
