Should you spend on dental implants to replace missing teeth?

If you need something that’s better than your current dentures, you may want to discuss the option of dental implants with your dentist. For the uninitiated, a dental implant is not a replacement tooth but a prosthesis that’s used to replace a missing tooth root. Made of titanium, implants are made to last a lifetime and become a part of the mouth. The replacement teeth are fixed to the implants using abutments. You can learn more about whether you can consider the option when you visit a dental clinic, and in this post, we discuss some critical aspects of dental implants.

The procedure

Your dentist will do a comprehensive oral exam. If you have already lost considerable bone mass, you may need a procedure called bone grafting. Today, it is possible to get an entire set of teeth on just four dental implants, also called the All-On-4 dental implants. The procedure is safer, less invasive, and involves a shorter recovery time. Once your dentist is done taking 3D images of your mouth, they will plan the treatment, which starts with oral surgery. The dental implants are placed inside or over the jawbone, and it can take a few months for the treated areas to heal. Once the posts become a part of the jawbone, the dentist will order replacement teeth from a dental lab.

The cost of dental implants

Compared to dentures and dental bridges, dental implants are a more expensive way of replacing missing teeth, but the results are permanent. If you decide to go for All-on-4 dental implants, the procedure can cost as less as $8,999, although a lot also depends on the clinic. You can ask the clinic for a flexible payment plan for the treatment.

Pros and cons

Unlike dentures that move around and involve using dental adhesives, dental implants are a better way to restore the full function of your teeth. The implants remain in place and ensure that replacement teeth give you the comfort you need to talk, chew, and eat. Also, most patients benefit from the procedure as dental implants have a high success rate of 95%.

On the flip side, it can take months before you can get replacement teeth with dental implants. The treatment is time-intensive, and therefore, it may not be an option for everyone. Also, because there is oral surgery involved, there are a few inherent risks.

Talk to your dentist about dental implants now!