I have always been one of those people who loves to get out into the world and talk with other people, but a few years ago, I realized that I had to do something about my smile. My teeth were yellow and unattractive, and it was really discouraging to see how much different my smile was. I knew that I needed to get my teeth fixed, so I started working with a professional dentist to make things right. Within a few short months, my smile was completely transformed, and I knew that I owed it all to my dental professional. Check out this blog for more information about working with a dentist.
Harper Hughes
When it comes to tooth loss, it's more common than you may realize. More than 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and 36 million have no teeth at all. Losing a tooth or multiple teeth can have a major impact on your life. However, there are various types of tooth replacement that can help restore your smile. Dental implants are one of those options and are considered to be the most natural looking and feeling option. Here's what you should know about implant dentistry.
How It Works
The first thing that you need to know when it comes to implant dentistry is how it works. Dental implants are essentially replacement tooth roots that are surgically implanted into your jaw. The implant bonds with your natural bone and acts as a base for the replacement tooth. A connector called an abutment is then attached to the implant and supports the crown or replacement tooth. The entire process requires multiple surgical procedures and is not a quick form of tooth replacement. However, once in place, tooth implants look and feel just like your natural teeth.
The Cost
Another thing to be aware of is that implant dentistry can be expensive. Dental implants cost on average between $2,400 and $3,000 per implant. If other procedures, such as bone or tissue grafts, are required before the implant is put into place, costs can soar to between $4,000 and $10,000. Often dental implants are used to anchor bridges and dentures. A full set of implant-supported dentures can range anywhere from $6,549 to $80,000. Most dental insurance policies do not cover dental implants. However, your health insurance may cover some of the surgical costs associated with the implants.
How Long it Takes
If you are looking for a quick way to restore a missing tooth or missing teeth, dental implants may take longer than you expect. Since this process typically requires multiple surgical procedures, healing time is necessary in between. How long the implant process takes from start to finish will vary depending on your healing rate and the complexity of the process. If bone or tissue grafting is needed, the entire process will take longer. From start to finish the entire process can take anywhere from a few months to upwards of a year.
Implant dentistry is a great way to restore missing teeth. Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth. If you are considering dental implants, there are a few things to know. First, knowing how implants work and that multiple surgical procedures may be needed is important. Costs can vary but a single dental implant will set you back at least a few thousand dollars. The entire process also takes time. It can be a few months to upwards of a year before the implant process is finished.