A dental implant surgery can change your life. It can bring remarkable improvements to your oral health, psychological being, and smile. If you have lost a tooth or two, you can regain your original, beautiful smile with a dental implant. You will not have any difficulty with your implant because biting and chewing food still feel like the same as if you still have all your original teeth.
What Exactly Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium stubs fabricated specifically for replacing lost tooth. It is surgically fitted into bone tissues inside your jaw. An artificial tooth, or crown, is finally attached over it. It is a procedure commonly used to treat lost tooth due to periodontitis.
Dental implants may be attached individually or as a bridge implant when two or more teeth sitting together are missing. For individual teeth, implants are fitted into the bones without the need to connect them to neighboring teeth. For dentures, two or more implants can be bridged and placed inside the jaw. This is more rigorous compared to individual implants because the neighboring teeth need to be prepped. After implants are inserted inside, crowns on top of the teeth are affixed.
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants are categorized into two major types which are the following:
1. Endosteal Implants: They are the most commonly used type of dental implants. They are formed like small screws, and are inserted into the bones of your teeth. They act as a replacement for the roots of your teeth.
2. Sub-Periosteal Implants: They are designed for the elderly, or for people with shallow jawbone. Jawbone can be rebuilt, but some people are not comfortable with it, so they prefer this type of implant which is simply attached over the jawbone.
During its conceptive stages, dental implant surgery was painful. Today, it is no longer agonizing to go through it. Dental surgeons and periodontists are better equipped and trained at doing a dental implant procedure nowadays.
Proper Care for Dental Implants
Dental implants do not require special attention like other dental procedures. Like with how you care for your natural teeth, dental implants only need regular brushing, flossing, and visits to your dentists. However, dentists may advise you to avoid over-exerting your artificial tooth crown. You should avoid eating chewy and hard food.
How Much Is the Cost of a Dental Implant?
A dental implant may cost you from $500 to $6,000. It depends on what type of dental implant you are getting, and the professional care you will be hiring. Operation for a single tooth implant can cost up to $2,000. Dental plans do not usually cover implant surgeries, so cost has to be paid by patients.
For a more informed choice and to know the best available option for you, consult with your dentist.
