Dental Implants
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
Did you know that approximately 105 million Americans have missing teeth? That's according to the Institute for Dental Implant Awareness (IDIA), and that's a lot of Americans who have a little less reason to smile.
Luckily, dental implants are an alternative to traditional and costly bridgework in a lot of patients. While they are definitely high-tech, dental implants actually save more teeth and are more effective than traditional bridgework because they don't rely on adjacent teeth for support.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants have been in use for at least 20 years, but they are becoming much more popular as more people recognize how much better they are than traditional bridgework that attaches to existing teeth. Implants are permanently attached to the jawbone, so they function as a real tooth would, and they don't have to be taken out and cleaned like bridgework does, and if the false tooth is damaged, it can be replaced.
The implant itself is actually a metal "root" that is attached directly to the jaw. This base is made out of titanium, which is well-tolerated by the human body. Then, after the jaw heals, a false or prosthetic tooth is permanently attached to the metal base.
Who is a Good Candidate for Implants?
You need adequate bone in your jaw to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues free of periodontal disease or gingivitis. If you've lost bone after the tooth or teeth were removed, or from the pressure of bridges, then you may not be a candidate for a dental implant. Your dentist can examine the jaw and bone and let you know if you are a good candidate.
How Much do Implants Cost?
An average implant will probably cost anywhere between $1200 and $2000. Some implants can be much costlier, however, if there are several teeth involved or there is a lot of surgery involved. Be sure to discuss all the costs associated with the implant with your dentist, which will include implanting the base, attaching the tooth, and doing surgery on existing teeth, if necessary.
Who Can Do Dental Implants?
Just about any dentist should be able to do a dental implant. Some dentists may send the patient to an oral surgeon to implant the base, and then they will attach the tooth. There are also specialists called "prosthodontists" who specialize in the replacement and restoration of teeth. You can find out more by visiting the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) web site below. You can also find prosthodontists in your area on the site.
So, you may have something to really smile about after you consider dental implants to enhance your happy face!
