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Dental implants – Types, benefits, and cost

Getting a dental implant might be a good option if you have tooth problems or need to replace missing or unhealthy teeth. Implants have been gaining recognition since the 1970s, and around six percent of our country’s population has them. They help improve a person’s quality of life and can be a valuable investment in the long term. This post details the critical aspects of dental implants you must know before opting for the procedure.

What are dental implants?
Dental implants are tiny devices surgically implanted into the jaw that helps restore the capability to chew in people with missing teeth. They look like natural teeth, making it hard to tell the difference. Typically, an implant consists of three parts: an abutment, the dental implant body, and the abutment screw. The implant body is inserted into the jawbone in place of the tooth’s root. Then, the abutment is connected to the body with the help of the dental abutment screw. The abutment supports the attached artificial teeth by extending through the gums in the mouth.

What are the types of dental implants?
Implants can be of different types, so individuals must consider their dental problems when choosing a particular option. A few examples are:

Zygomatic implants
Zygomatic implants are used when the complete set of upper teeth needs replacement, not just an individual tooth. It is suitable for those with severe bone deficiencies or individuals who do not have sufficient healthy bone to support the implant. This option is more affordable than individual implants, but patients must choose a dental practitioner cautiously as the chances of complications are high. Zygomatic implants are named after the zygoma cheekbone, where the anchors are inserted during the procedure.

Mini and short implants
As the name indicates, these are the shorter and skinnier versions of the standard implants. Although the procedure may be performed when there is a bone deficiency, its success rate is not high, so traditional and standard implants are suggested in most cases.

All-on-4 implants
This procedure uses only four standard posts to attach a full-arch implant bridge. Although a quick and affordable method, the prosthetic bridge is heavier and less responsive than the natural teeth.

What are the benefits of getting implants?
These artificial teeth have several advantages, some of which are briefly discussed below:

Improved appearance
Dental implants help improve a person’s facial appearance as they give the feeling of natural teeth. And these are permanent as they fuse with the bone.

Enhanced comfort
They eliminate the discomfort and inconvenience of removable dentures. Implants look like a person’s own teeth and become part of them.

Improved speech
Unlike dentures, implant users do not have to worry about the teeth slipping inside the mouth. This improves speech and eliminates slurring or mumbling.

Higher self-esteem
Since dental implants help improve a person’s overall appearance and restore their smile, they feel more confident about themselves.

Convenience
Sliding dentures make it challenging to chew. But dental implants are fixed just like natural teeth, eliminating chewing problems. Users must also remove dentures from time to time, while there is no need to remove the implants, making them convenient and comfortable.

Easy to clean and maintain
An implant has the size, shape, and placement of a standard tooth. Therefore, it requires only regular care as recommended by the dentist once it integrates and becomes compatible with the mouth.

Improved oral health
The risk of oral health problems increases if a tooth remains missing for longer. This risk is reduced when the implants integrate into the mouth.

How much do dental implants cost?
A single-tooth implant procedure can cost $3,000 to $4,500 from beginning to end. And the price for a full-mouth implant could be around $60,000 to $90,000. The exact price varies depending on an individual’s oral condition. Some may need additional procedures like a sinus lift or bone graft, increasing costs. The other factors influencing the cost are the patient’s location and the material used to make the implants.

Fast facts about dental implants
Here are five interesting facts to know before opting for an implant procedure:

They are strong and sturdy, like natural teeth
Dental implants are as strong as natural teeth. The materials used to manufacture them are super strong. With proper care, the new teeth can last a lifetime and hence offer durability.

Surgery is not complicated
Some think implant surgery is highly complicated because it includes prosthesis implantation into the jaw’s bone. However, this is not true. It is a routine procedure performed by several dentists all across the globe. It has a good success rate, and anyone with healthy jaws and overall fitness is suitable for this procedure.

They are easy to care for
As mentioned earlier, the implants are easy to maintain. They are not susceptible to tooth decay as natural teeth. They also do not form cavities as they are manufactured using a unique material, unlike the enamel of natural teeth. Regular flossing and brushing are usually sufficient for maintenance.

They offer several health benefits
Besides being a cosmetic procedure, implants help individuals eat and chew easily and have balanced meals, improving their overall health. Moreover, it has been found that people above 65 years with tooth problems are prone to heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

They guard against bone loss
Bone loss in the mouth is another consequence of a missing tooth. Dental implants fit nicely among natural tooth roots, preserving the jawbone and preventing bone loss.

Dental implants boost self-confidence and self-esteem and provide that attractive and bright smile. However, the surgery’s success rate varies. In rare cases, it may fail to produce the expected results. Therefore, undergoing a dental exam from an expert dentist before the surgery is recommended.

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