Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Published Dec 17 2009
Whether required due to a car accident, gum disease, or any other tooth-damaging injury, implants are more than just a cosmetic addition. Often they are a necessity to ensure a happy patient with a completely workable set of teeth. Tooth implants are helpful also because they will probably begin to feel like normal teeth not long after their insertion. Removable dentures and removable individual false teeth are simply not the best solution.
Tooth implants are not, as often supposed, actual replacement teeth. Rather, implants are the false tooth roots screwed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Perio.org says that with the right conditions, implants can last a lifetime! They are made to look and feel natural, replacing both the root and the original tooth.
The World Center for Dental Implantology says most implants are made of titanium because it fuses so well with bone. Crowns, however, are generally formed from porcelain or acrylic resin.
To insert a tooth implant, a small hole is usually drilled in the jawbone first. According to The Consumer Guide to Dentistry, this hole allows easier insertion and guidance for the actual screw. The hole is gently widened and the implant screw is inserted. Then it is covered by another protective screw so that the implant may fuse properly with the jawbone.
Once the screw is inserted into the jawbone, it is allowed to bond with the jaw for 2-6 months. The jawbone begins to grow and fill in the small gaps made by the screw, better supporting the implant and holding it more tightly. This time period also allows the gums to heal. Some people wear temporary tooth replacements during this time. Sometimes, an additional step is required to connect an extension to the tooth implant so that a replacement tooth can more easily be attached.
After several months, the protective implant screw is removed, and a temporary crown, or false tooth, is created for the space. The false tooth is then attached to the screw so the gums can develop and grow around the tooth to look natural, according to The Consumer Guide to Dentistry. Once this happens, the temporary crown is replaced by a permanent one, and the implant process is complete!
The Consumer Guide to Dentistry says that tooth implants for single teeth can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. A person considering implants should weigh several factors, including the amount of dental insurance he has and if his insurance will cover the procedure, the location of the procedure, and the type of implantation.
Tooth implants can be the solution to a real uncomfortable problem. When your teeth start to fail and you have to find some sort of replacement, implants will be the best option if you can afford them or if your insurance will cover them. Although most dental plans and insurances will consider tooth implants cosmetic and not cover them, the best plan discounts implants at a generous 20% off. To save money, find a way to have your implants discounted and create a payment plan with your dentist for the procedure. As you continue to research, wisely consider your options for tooth implants.
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