What To Know About Dental Implants

Losing a tooth, or multiple teeth, can be difficult to deal with. But there are plenty of tooth replacement options that can restore your smile. More than 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and 36 million are missing all of their teeth. Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option that you may want to consider if you need tooth replacement. Implants are easy to care for and look and feel like natural teeth. Here's what to know if you are looking into dental implants.

They Require Dental Surgery

The first thing that you should be aware of is that unlike many other tooth replacement options, dental implants require surgery to be put into place. Implants are essentially replacement tooth roots that are surgically inserted into the jaw. They are typically titanium screws or brackets that are put into place. An abutment or connector is attached to the implant, and then a crown or replacement tooth is put into place. The site of the implant needs to be strong enough to offer enough support for the implant itself. For some patients, this means additional procedures such as bone or tissue grafts. The entire process can take upwards of a year in complex cases. 

They Are Pricey

Another thing to consider if you are looking into dental implants is their cost. Single dental implants range in price between $2,400 and $3,000 on average. However, if additional procedures are required, it can cost closer to $4,000 to $10,000 per implant. Dental implants are also often used to anchor dentures. This can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $90,000. In most cases, dental insurance will not cover the cost of dental implants. However, medical insurance policies will often cover some of the surgical costs associated with dental implants.

They Are Long-Lasting

One of the benefits of dental implants is that they are long-lasting. In fact, in many cases, dental implants last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Bridges and dentures on the other hand typically require replacement after a decade. Another benefit of dental implants in that they preserve the underlying jawbone, unlike other types of tooth replacement. When determining whether or not implants are for you, it's important to consider how long they last. Over time, dental implants can be cost-effective.

If you are looking into dental implants, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, dental implants do require surgery as well as a significant amount of healing time. Implants are also pricey costing thousands of dollars. The good news is that these implants can last for a lifetime. Reach out to the professionals at a place like Orange Door Dental Group for more information. 


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