3 Things You Should Know About Dental Implants

If you have a missing or damaged tooth, one way to replace it is with a dental implant. Some people think of a dental implant as an artificial tooth root. A major benefit dental implants provide is that the natural bone of the jaw gets preserved. Made from titanium or titanium alloys, dental implants are also strong and durable.

If you are thinking about getting dental implants, there are some things you should know about them first.

1. Know the Cost of Dental Implants

Unfortunately, like many types of dental work, dental implants can be expensive. For just one dental implant, the cost ranges anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. This cost is just for the dental implant. Other things you will have to pay for include:

• A dental consultation
• The procedure to insert the dental implant
• The placement of the abutment
• Temporary and permanent crowns

Also, the price will go up if you need to have more than one dental implant. Even though it is expensive, many people feel dental implants are worth it. To help ease the cost, some dental insurance plans can help with coverage.

2. Know the Risks Associated With Dental Implants

As with any type of dental procedure, there are some possible risks associated with dental implants. Some of these risks include:

• The implant site can become infected
• The surrounding teeth or blood vessels can become damaged
• There may be nerve damage
• There can be sinus problems if the implant is placed in the upper jaw
• There is an allergic reaction to the titanium

Complications are more likely if the patient has gum disease, smokes, or has certain medical conditions, such as diabetes. Despite the risks, dental implants have a high success rate with only about 5 to 10 percent of them failing.

3. Know the Benefits of Dental Implants

If you need dental implants, you will be glad to know that besides making your smile more beautiful, there are many other benefits.

Some of these benefits include:

• They look, feel, and work just like natural teeth
• Unlike dentures, there is no danger of them slipping out of place
• They help preserve the jawbone and reduce bone resorption
• They help restore the structure of the jawbone

One of the best benefits of dental implants is that you can still eat your favorite foods. If you take good care of them, dental implants have the potential to last for over 25 years.

To learn more about dental implants, contact a dentist in your area like Bradley Piotrowski, DDS, MSD, LLC.