What Are Dental Implants?
Simply put, dental implants are replacement teeth for those who have missing them due to cases such as having an accident or, gum disease that has loosened teeth and caused them to fall out.
An implant acts as an artificial root in the tooth which is composed of ‘human’ like materials such as ceramics or titanium. Once the root has been put in place surgically, then a crown, bridge or full denture can then be fitted.
The Two Different Types Of Implant
There are two different types of implant that can be fitted. These are known as an endosteal implant and a subperiosteal implant. Both of these differ by the way they are placed. An endosteal implant is screwed into the bone directly, whereas a subperiosteal implant is positioned on the bone and is ideal for patients who have an inadequate bone height for the normal route.
The Benefits Of Dental Implants
More than 3 million people across the US have implants fitted on an annual basis by dentists. They’re widely popular for a large number of reasons including the following:
- Implants can’t slip or shift – they provide much-needed stability, are reliable and secure as normal teeth.
- No changes to cleaning methods – implants can be cleaned using brushing and flossing just as regular teeth can. There’s absolutely no need to ever remove implants for soaking or cleaning.
- They prevent shifting of teeth nearby – nobody wants to be concerned about moving teeth or have to wear braces due to teeth moving impacting others. Implants prevent shifting which preserves the jawbone and helps maintain the contour of a face.
- Implants don’t need neighboring teeth for support – this results in no tooth structure being lost at all.
- They act as an ideal solution to missing teeth – if teeth are lost, it can become increasingly difficult to maintain simple everyday tasks such as chewing and speaking. Dental implants are a great long-term solution to this.
Can Anybody Get Dental Implants?
Most people with healthy gums and enough bone support, can go forward with the procedure. A dentist like this Dentist in South Barrington will assess suitability based on these factors and advise accordingly. Even without adequate bone structure, there are treatments that can help to build up a jawbone prior to getting dental implants fitted. However, if a patient is suffering from a chronic disease such as diabetes, the procedure may not be suitable as healing can be difficult.
Thinking of getting dental implants? Visit a local dentist to discuss the procedure further and speak about suitability. If this type of procedure isn’t doable, there are other options that may be suitable including crowns and bridges for minor damage to teeth.
Costing
How much do dental implants cost, then?
Prices vary when it comes to having dental implants fitted. In the US, a patient can expect to pay anything up to $13,000 for a full set. Whereas for smaller procedures the cost is far less. When weighing up pricing as a factor, it’s a good idea to compare where possible and consult with an insurance provider.
