What Are Dental Implants?
Missing teeth, especially in the front row of your mouth, can be embarrassing. Thankfully, you don’t have to live the gaps; you can opt for dental implants. Made of titanium, these surgically implanted posts act as the root of your missing tooth. They take the place of teeth that are missing. One dental implant can be a costly but permanent replacement for a missing tooth. You can also use dental implants as the base for overdentures, a kind of denture that’s more stable than traditional dentures.
Overdentures and Dental Implants
Dentures are false sets of teeth that rest on the gums. Typically, a thick paste is all that holds them in place. Dentures are a great thing for many people who have lost their teeth through decay or injury. However, traditional dentures often slide around inside the mouth. Unfortunately, the result is difficulty chewing, muffled speech, and discomfort.
Alternatively, overdentures are dentures that sit above the gum line. They attach to dental implants in your jaw. Since the dental implant has the stability of your jaw bone behind it, overdentures are more stable. They move less and can be more comfortable to wear for longer periods. You only need a few dental implants to attach overdentures, so they’re a great option for people unsatisfied with their regular dentures.
Average Costs of Dental Implants
The average cost of dental implants is about $4,250. The actual cost will depend on your dentist and your needs as a patient, so talk to your dentist while you’re deciding if dental implants are right for you. Though this cost is high, there are advantages to dental implants that make them worthwhile. Once implanted, you can expect your dental implant to last the rest of your life. They provide better bite and support than other options. If you’re looking for just one implant, it provides a more realistic appearance and function than other tooth-replacement options on the market. If you have dental insurance, you may be able to lower your out of pocket costs for a dental implant.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
A good candidate for dental implants is someone with good gum health and good bone density. If your gums are not healthy, jaw surgery becomes risky. More bacteria means a slower healing time and higher odds of infections that could be serious. If you have minor gum disease like gingivitis, work on bringing that under control. When your gums are healthy, you might be a candidate for dental implants. If you have advanced or permanent gum disease, this may not be right for you.
You also need good bone density. You need a solid jaw to place the dental implant. If you don’t have that, the stress can further damage or fracture your jaw. People with bone diseases will not be a good candidate. Bone density and gum health are not the only concerns. Things like smoking, other oral concerns, and diseases that slow the healing process could all play a factor. Your dentist can best assess whether dental implants make sense for you.
Dental implants are a great solution for missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures. They allow you to place overdentures, and they also make for realistic tooth replacements. If you can cover the upfront cost, dental implants are worth the price over time. Ask your dentist if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.