Are you considering dental implants? If so, you’re not alone. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, more than 500,000 people get dental implants yearly. Dental implants are popular for replacing missing teeth because they look and function like natural teeth. They’re a long-term solution that can last a lifetime with proper care.
If you’re thinking about dental implants, you probably have many questions. How much do they cost? What’s the difference between dental implants and other tooth replacement options? And, most importantly, will they be right for you? Keep reading to get answers to all of your questions about dental implants.
Three Main Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal Dental Implants
These are the most common type of dental implants. They’re placed directly into the jawbone and are usually used for people who miss one or more teeth. Endosteal implants are one of the most natural-looking tooth replacement options available. Aside from standard brushing and dentistry, they don’t require special care, and patients can speak and chew comfortably without discomfort.
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
These dental implants are placed on or above the jawbone under the gum. They allow people who do not have enough bone for standard dental implants to have support for dentures or artificial teeth. Subperiosteal implants are less popular than endosteal implants. However, they’re still used for tooth replacement.
The implants are meant to fit around the teeth and serve as a foundation for future restorations. The fake teeth do not sit directly on the jawbone; instead, they have attached to a metal plate or frame that the bone grows around and holds in place.
Zygomatic Dental Implants
These are placed in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone and are usually the only teeth replacement option for people who have lost teeth due to injury or disease and don’t have enough healthy jawbone left to support endosteal or subperiosteal dental implants.
Zygomatic implants minimize the need for grafting and reduce treatment time, resulting in significant functional and cosmetic benefits. Many patients would require invasive grafting procedures if this implant were not used.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implant surgery is a major investment; however, it’s important to remember that they’re a long-term solution that can last a lifetime if properly cared for. The average cost of endosteal dental implants (including surgery and artificial tooth/teeth) is $3,000-$5,000 per tooth. Subperiosteal and zygomatic dental implant surgery are typically more expensive than endosteal surgery; however, exact costs will vary depending on your situation.
What’s the Difference Between Dental Implants and Other Tooth Replacement Options?
Several other options are available for replacing missing teeth; however, none offer the same benefits as dental implants. For example, dentures and bridges can replace missing teeth; however, they do not provide the same stability or chewing power as dental implants because they’re not anchored into the jawbone like dental implants.
Additionally, dentures must be removed each night while bridges remain in place at all times (which means you’ll have to take extra care when cleaning them). And finally, while both dentures and bridges typically need to be replaced every five to 10 years due to wear and tear, properly cared-for dental implants can last a lifetime!
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Generally speaking, most adults over 18 with healthy gums and adequate bone support in their jaws are candidates for dental implant surgery; however, there are some exceptions. For example, people with certain medical conditions (such as diabetes or osteoporosis) may not be suitable candidates for implant surgery because these conditions can reduce healing time and increase surgical risks.
Smokers may be good candidates for implant surgery because tobacco use can reduce healing time and increase risks associated with surgery. However, there are some special cases where smokers may still be able to get dental implants if they’re willing to quit smoking temporarily before and after implant surgery (and if they follow their dentist’s post-operative instructions closely). The best way to determine if you’re a candidate for implant surgery is by scheduling a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon.
Conclusion
Dental implants offer many advantages over other tooth replacement options; however, they’re also a major investment. If you’ve been considering implant surgery but still have questions about whether or not it’s right for you, this blog post should help clear things up! Remember that the best way to determine if you’re a candidate for implant surgery is by scheduling a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon—they’ll be able to give you personalized advice based on your situation.
