Implant Dentistry - Important Answers to Common Questions
Author: Dr. Ved Berani
Losing a tooth can end up making you feel self-conscious about the way you look. You may be afraid to speak because it makes you sound different. Maybe you do not like smiling anymore because you do not want others to see you are missing a tooth. Sometimes losing a tooth can even make eating difficult. While dentures used to be the only option available to you, today implant dentistry has gone far and dental implants now provide a convenient and safe way to replace your tooth so you don’t have to feel embarrassed anymore. Here is a closer look at dental implants, their benefits, and a look at the dental implant cost.
What are Dental Implants?
If you are interested in implant dentistry, you may be wondering what dental implants are. These implants replace the root of the tooth with a titanium metal replacement that is implanted into your jawbone. After the surgery to put in the root, the bone is allowed to fuse and heal. Once healing is complete, bridges, dentures, or crowns can be anchored to these implants, offering the best natural replacement option for those who have lost a tooth.
Implant Dentists – What Do They Do?
Dentists that work in implant dentistry begin by doing a patient evaluation, which looks at your dental and medical history. They also do a clinical exam of your mouth, including the area where the tooth is missing. The dentist usually does certain x-rays as well. After doing a complete assessment, the dentist comes up with a treatment plan that is tailored to you. Once the treatment plan is decided, the dentist puts in implants and then the bone is allowed to heal. During this time, the dentist will probably check the implant from time to time until it is totally healed. When the implant has totally healed, dentists can go on to implement the rest of your specific treatment plan.
What Occurs if an Implant Fails?
In some cases, implants may fail because they do not bond to the bone the way they should. When this occurs, dentists can put in another implant that is a bit larger in diameter. Sometimes the area may need to heal for a short time before trying to place another implant in the bone at the same place.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Choosing to have implant dentistry done can bring many excellent benefits. One of the main benefits that you can enjoy when choosing this route is an increase in your self-esteem. You will not have to feel self-conscious about that missing tooth anymore. Many people also find that eating becomes easier and they enjoy eating their favourite dishes once again. Even the way you talk can be improved when you have implants put in to replace any missing teeth.
How Much does it Cost?
If you are considering implant dentistry, you may wonder about the dental implant cost. In most cases, dental implants cost about $3,000, although that can vary from dentist to dentist. While this may seem expensive, you will not need to worry about paying for work on adjacent teeth if a problem occurs. Bridges can be a bit cheaper, but they can include a lot of work on adjacent teeth that can add up, making them a more expensive option over time. In most cases, implants do provide a cheaper option for tooth replacement, although they do appear more expensive up front.
