A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made from titanium (or zirconium) that acts as a “stump” for a replacement tooth or teeth. There are several medical terms used surgically and dentally to describe dental implants, including: osseointegrated dental implants, endosseous dental implants, and surgically integrated dental implants.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implant surgery is performed in two stages. In the first stage, the dental surgeon places a post into a hole drilled into the jawbone where he or she wants to subsequently place an artificial tooth root/teeth.
The dental implant post acts as the base which attaches to natural bone tissue at (or near) the gum line and gives support and foundation for an artificial tooth or teeth to be attached in place of that dental implant post.
Months after dental implants surgery, a dental crown is placed over dental prosthesis posts replacing any missing teeth if needed. Again, this second phase dental implant work will require multiple dental procedures until the dental implant work is completed.
What Are The Costs of Dental Implants?
Dental implants cost a lot more compared to other alternatives. This can be attributed to the fact that it is one of the best options available for patients nowadays.
Private health insurance often provides some indirect coverage for dental implants cost but it may not cover all types of implant work needed by patients so additional out-of-pocket expenses must be factored in.
A complete set (two or four) of dental implants may run from $2000 to $5000 total, depending on dental insurance coverage, dental procedures performed and dental clinic fees charged for dental implant services.
You should also expect to pay for realistic-looking artificial teeth (dental crowns) that fit over each post in addition to the dental procedure costs involved with placing titanium posts into your jawbone.
However, a well done full mouth restoration can be incredibly life-changing and well-worth the investment. Unlike your natural teeth, your dental implants are not susceptible to diseases like decay. However, gum health is considered vital for maintaining lasting dental implant success.
Looking after your dental implants through dental check-ups, routine cleanings, and conscientious home care are crucial to dental implant sustainability. However, every individual is different.
Typically, the success of your dental implant procedure can depend on several key factors including planning and diagnosis, lifestyle choices (during healing), planning and diagnosis.
What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants?
There are several practical benefits to having a full set (or partial) of teeth anchored into the jawbone via titanium posts and capped with artificial crowns. These include:
- No more struggles to chewing food on an empty mouth
- Easier swallowing when all natural tooth roots are present in the mouth
- Better overall facial aesthetics after replacing missing teeth with artificial tooth roots/teeth
The cost of your full set (four plus two) of dental implants is going to far exceed the price tag for just one single day visit to a dentist’s office . You need a highly skilled dentist who understands how anesthesia works when someone needs numerous crowns attached to their new artificial tooth roots once dental work is complete.
Depending on the dental clinic fees charged by your dentist and your dental insurance plan, you might be able to schedule your dental appointments during a block of time when the cost for multiple procedures saves you money.
Or better yet, you can ask about any dental discount plans or dental financing options available at your local dental office .
