As we age, there is the possibility that we may experience tooth loss. When this happens, a common solution is dental implants. Dental implants play a very important role, not just in confidence-building, but also as placeholders for your natural teeth. Keeping this in mind, there are some things you might want to consider before looking into dental implants.
So, what are they?
Dental implants replace any teeth that you have lost. If maintained properly, they can last forever without any issues. These implants act and feel as if they were your original teeth, so there is no discomfort or altered feeling after getting one placed. The implant process includes a surgical procedure. They are typically made of titanium and act as a replacement for the root of your tooth, inserted through the socket of the missing tooth. Over time, the titanium and your jawbone fuse together, solidifying its foundation.
The History Of Dental Implants
Surprisingly enough, implants have a long history going back thousands and thousands of years. The first dental implant on record was in 600 AD in Mexico at a Mayan burial site. Originally dental implants were made from various materials like ivory, gold, and silver. Of course, these are no longer used today, and thankfully, implants are safer than ever.
The Benefits
The benefits of implants are numerous. They restore your confidence because they look – and feel – just like natural teeth. With proper maintenance implants can be permanent as well as sturdy. Often times, they act as an alternatives to dentures, which are uncomfortable for many people. As a result, you do not have to worry about slurred speech, as dentures can slip or fall out. Dentures sometimes cause irritation also, but dental implants do not.
The Drawbacks
With benefits, come drawbacks. As the implant procedure includes surgery, there is a recovery period afterwards, which may cause pain as well as risk of infection for some. Dental implants tend to be expensive and are not always covered by insurance. They are also high maintenance, and require attention everyday in order to ensure that they are kept healthy. This process can be tedious for some, as it takes time.
The Cost Of Dental Implants
When it comes to pricing, implants are one of the most expensive tooth replacement options. Although worth the price, their price tag often scares people away and causes them to resort to another option. Implants can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth. So, if there are multiple teeth that you need to replace, you can understand how high the price can go. However, people often prefer implants regardless of their cost as they are a more appealing option than dentures or bridges.
Learn More!
In conclusion, dental implants, while expensive, are well worth the price. Implants offer a comfortable and natural alternative to tooth replacement, and will last forever with proper maintenance. Dental implants are becoming more accessible and affordable as implant technology advances. If you are looking to get an implant, make sure you talk it over with your dentist. If you need additional guidance, contact Eastern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for assistance! We feature state-of-the-art implant technology; and are conveniently located in Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Recent Comments