When someone loses a tooth due to a disease or an injury, they may experience complications such as defective speech, rapid bone loss, or changes in their chewing patterns. This may make them feel uncomfortable and even lower their self-confidence. Fortunately, replacing a lost tooth through a dental implant can significantly improve someone’s health and quality of life.
A dental implant is a medical device surgically implanted on a patient’s jaw to improve their appearance and chewing ability. Furthermore, the stimulus and pressure of the chewing action may also facilitate the preservation of the jawbone. Dental implants usually support artificial teeth, including bridges, crowns, or dentures. Dental implant systems comprise a dental implant abutment and a dental implant body. These systems may also consist of an abutment fixation screw.
When is a Dental Implant Used?
Dental implants are crucial when someone has missing teeth, but they do not want or cannot get bridges or dentures. It is essential to replace a lost tooth since the consequences of losing or removing a tooth and failing to take action can lead to more complicated issues as time passes on.
Dental implants have several aesthetic advantages and play a crucial role in the general function of someone’s mouth. These implants support a healthy bite while keeping each tooth placed properly. Moreover, they also support a healthy jawbone and prevent bone weakening.
A dental implant can also be used to achieve a great look. Someone may feel self-conscious about the look and feel of their smile. Therefore, a dental implant can help to boost a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem. For instance, this procedure enables someone to eat comfortably, especially at public places and social gatherings, and also laugh and smile without feeling self conscious.
Types of Dental Implants
Different dental implants contain different connectors, coating, and size options. Types of dental implants include:
- Subperiosteal Implants - Subperiosteal implants are made using metals and fastened over the jawbone and underneath the gum tissue. The metal frame is made from chrome, cobalt, or other metals, and it gets attached after the gum recovers from the initial phase of the implant. Though this procedure is rarely used nowadays, it is suitable for patients who intend to replace several teeth in one area if they do not prefer wearing dentures. This procedure is also ideal for individuals with low jawbone density.
- Endosteal Implants - These are the most common type of dental implant. They are straightly fused onto a patient’s jawbone, offering an alternative to permanent bridges or dentures. Endosteal implants are suitable for a patient who intends to replace one tooth.
- Mini-Dental Implants - These dental implants are suitable for someone who doesn’t prefer conventional restorative procedures or if the traditional methods don’t fit them. Size is the only main difference between standard implants and mini-dental implants. Typically, a mini-dental implant is usually half the size of the traditional implant.
How Much Does the Procedure Cost?
The cost of a dental procedure is about $3,000 to $5,000 on average. This cost entails the abutment, post, and crown placement. In most cases, bone grafting, CT scan, tooth extraction, and X-ray costs are paid separately. Typically, dental implant costs usually depend on:
- Preliminary Procedures - If a patient requires additional preparation procedures such as sinus elevation, tooth extraction, and bone grafting, the cost of the implant is usually high.
- Experience of the Dentist - A more experienced dentist is likely to charge more since seeking these services from top-notch professionals usually reduces risks.
- Materials - Implants are usually manufactured using zirconium and titanium. The cost of an implant depends on the quality of these materials.
- Individual Characteristics - Typically, dental implants are highly personalized based on an individual’s needs. Therefore, the implant cost varies from one person to another.
- Location and Laboratory - A dental implant cost may depend on the location of a dentist and their type of laboratory.
A dental implant can significantly transform a person’s general health and boost their self-confidence and self-esteem. However, it is essential to consult a professional before undergoing a dental implant procedure.