Dental implants are surgical components that attach a prosthetic tooth to the jaw or to the bone. Most modern dental implants are made of materials like titanium, that form a strong bond with the bone to ensure that the prosthetic stays in place.
The procedure of implantation can be quite complex, so dental implant costs can vary. Dental implantation has to be carefully planned since the implant should be durable and be able to withstand considerable force involved during chewing.
Overall, the initial dental implants cost may be high, but over time it is cheaper than other alternatives.
Do You Need Dental Implants? Cost-Benefit Analysis
The main purpose of a dental implant is to support a prosthesis. A prosthesis can be a crown (a single tooth restoration), a bridge (attaching a prosthesis to adjacent natural teeth), or dentures (false teeth).
The process in which the implant integrates with the bone is called osseointegration. This process ensures that the implant lasts for decades. This durability justifies the dental implants cost, which can be quite high.
Another reason for the relatively high dental implants cost is that the implant is usually made of titanium which is an expensive metal.
Dental implants are customized to an individual’s mouth. This is why the dental implants cost can vary from person to person. Your age, pre-existing conditions, tooth health, and other factors play an important part in determining the dental implants cost.
Even if the initial dental implants cost is high, the maintenance of dental implants is easy and cheap. They last for decades and doesn’t require too much care.
Dental implants cost also depends on the number of teeth being replaced. Logically, the more the number of teeth to be replaced, the higher the dental implants cost.
Apart from this, the dental implants cost is also affected by the health of the teeth surrounding the missing tooth, the health of the jaw, and the state of the gums.
Find a dentist who specializes in dental implantation. Dental implantation is a delicate procedure that requires a high level of training and skill. Specialists have a higher dental implants cost but remember that you get what you pay for. If the dental implants cost is slightly higher, but you get a skillfully placed implant, then it’s definitely worth it.
Why Should You Get Dental Implants?
The next best thing to natural teeth are dental implants. They blend in naturally with your own teeth and function just like a natural tooth.
Dental implants cost may be high but they are cost-effective over the long term. Dental implants can last you for a lifetime and don’t interfere with activities like eating, speaking, or brushing your teeth. They don’t move or click in the mouth.
Moreover, dental implants help to maintain to facial structure and bone integrity.
Dental implants are recommended for tooth replacement, when the tooth is lost due to tooth decay, gum disease, root canal failure, congenital defects, tooth injury, and age-related wear and tear.
Most insurance companies cover a small percentage of dental implants cost.
Recovery From Dental Implant Surgery
The recovery time from dental implant surgery depends upon the type of implant, and the surgical procedure.
The types of dental implants are:
Endosteal Implants
These dental implants are fixed directly into the jawbone. This is a two-step procedure—once the gum heals after the implant is placed, a post is attached to the implant. After this, the false tooth is attached to the post.
Subperiosteal Implants
These implants consist of a metal frame that is placed onto the jawbone just below the gums. As the gums heal, the metal frame is fixed. A post and crown is then attached to the implant.
Once a dental implant is placed, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. After all, with the dental implants cost, you have to be careful with your new implants.
You have to brush and floss regularly to make sure that the surrounding tissue doesn’t get infected. Smoking can also cause failure of the implantation, so smokers are advised to quit smoking before getting dental implants.
After the surgical procedure, there can be a minimal level of discomfort. The surrounding gum tissue and the face, may be swollen for a few days. There can also be bruising and bleeding at the site of dental implantation. Painkillers may be prescribed by your dentist, to help you manage the pain and discomfort.
For a week after the surgery, you should stick to eating soft foods that are easy to chew. If there are stitches over the implantation site, these need to be removed by your dentist, unless they’re self-dissolving stitches.
Recovery from a dental implantation surgery can take up to 6 months.
Dental implants are the best replacement for your natural teeth. If you have missing teeth, dental implants are the best option. The dental implants are costly since these implants will last for a lifetime, if cared for properly.