Dental Implants
In 1952 a scientist/orthopedic surgeon by the name of Dr. per-Ingvar Branemark had been doing some experiments in regards to titanium and bone. What he found is that titanium will bond with bone, and that is how tooth implants were discovered. When you lose one or several teeth your facial structure can become compromised, and your jawbone can deteriorate. Dental implants can help not only prevent this, but they will also function exactly like your natural teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
Tooth implants are small titanium posts that fuse into the jawbone. They are an effective way to replace missing natural teeth. After the doctor surgically places the implant posts into the jawbone, the doctor will then place crowns on top of the posts so they will act like natural teeth. There are two types of dental implants. Endosteal, being the first and most common, is in the bone post, which is generally for one crown, a bridge, or implant supported dentures. The second type is Superiosteal, which is on the bone(jaw) with metal framework posts. These are for those who can not wear normal dentures and have a minimal bone height.
Tooth implants can also range from a single tooth where there is an implant of one post and one crown to several teeth where there are ‘bridges’ that have two posts with a bridge of multiple missing teeth. Lastly, there are replacements for all teeth which are known as a full bridge or implant supported dentures.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Implants offer firm support to natural teeth and have may benefits.
- Implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth. This is very important for eating and speaking normally.
- Implants feel more natural than removable partial or conventional complete dentures because of their secure fit.
- A single tooth implant is a stand-alone unit and doesn’t involve treating the teeth next to it.
- Implants help to preserve the bone after teeth are lost or removed.
- Implants are good value. They may seem like a more expensive option at first, but they can last a lifetime if you take good care of them.
Dental Implant Cost
The cost of a dental implant is not a set number and will be discussed with you during your consultation. Your insurance may cover part of the dental implant cost, while we have other flexible payment plans available from American Dental Solutions to help you with the final total. Our dental team has your best interest at heart to find the most affordable plan available to you.
Talk to your dentist to see if implants are right for you. Start the conversation at your next dental check-up, or schedule a consultation directly with an oral surgeon specialist.