David
Dental implants can sometimes be the only option to replace lost teeth, despite their cost. However, the investment should be worth it, with lifelike teeth that look good, feel natural and can, if looked after properly last a lifetime.
In this article we will look at why people need dental implants, what they are, how they work, and how to find out about the price of dental implants.
Who can have implants?
Dental implants can be the best choice for adults, whether the replacement is for a tooth that has been lost because of infection, injury or decay. Adolescents can also have them fitted once development and facial growth have finished, usually around 16 years of age for girls and 18 for boys.
How they work
Modern dental implants have been used for over 30 years and are the sturdiest way of supporting replacement teeth. They can be described as artificial tooth roots which are similar in shape to screws and when they are placed in the jawbone they bond with the natural bone and become a strong base for supporting one or more artificial teeth which are called crowns. When the procedure is done by an experienced dentist it is one of the most predictable and safe in dentistry. It’s important for patients to talk to their dentist in order to find out about the best dental implants.
For those wondering if it possible to have full mouth dental implants, larger spaces of, for example, two or more missing teeth do not need one implant per tooth. The number of replacements is decided by the volume of the bone at the place where the implant is to be put.
When thinking about dental implants price it is key to look at the process as a whole and weigh up the benefits against other procedures. Dentures or removable bridges can appear to be a less expensive option because of their lower costs upfront. However, the full costs can be higher in the long run – the initial price will not include the cost of replacing them which may be required every 5 to 15 years, and also doesn’t take into account ongoing maintenance costs.
What affects cost?
Dental implants cost depends on different factors including how many teeth need to be replaced, where they are located, the number and type of implants and whether additional appointments are needed to prepare the mouth for the procedure. As the treatments are customized to the patient’s individual needs, the price can vary considerably, and an examination and evaluation by an experienced expert is the best way to ensure that there is an accurate estimate for the cost of the work.
Advantages
One advantage of having dental implants is that they look, function and fit like healthy and natural teeth, and will help patients retain their natural face shape. They are also secure so will not click or slip when eating, laughing or talking. Dental implants also protect facial bone and healthy teeth as leaving empty spaces in the mouth after losing one or more teeth can lead to health issues such as jawbone deterioration. They are the only tooth replacement option that assists of bone growth and prevent bone loss.
There are obviously a lot of issues to consider before making the decision to have dental implants, but with proper research, that decision can be made with confidence.
