Affordable Dental Implants – Know the Facts

By Susan Braden
Published Apr 28 2010

A modern procedure increasing in popularity for those in need of oral prostheses (artificial teeth), is implant restoration. Here is a brief look at this procedure, containing basic facts for patients. If you are considering implants, this information may help you navigate the terminology of these complex-sounding, often less than affordable dental procedures.

What is an Implant?

Do you know what implants are really made of? An implant is a metal tooth “root” that anchors a tooth-colored crown to your jaw. If you are in need of implant(s), note that the term “implant” may not refer to the visible, tooth-colored crown, but rather, the artificial tooth root that anchors the crown. Typically composed of titanium and mounted onto your jawbone, an implant anchors the prosthesis that is visible in your mouth. This prosthesis is also commonly referred to as an “implant supported crown.” There are a number of different types of often less than affordable dental prostheses (including crowns, bridges, and dentures) that can be mounted upon implants. The type of prostheses your dentist recommends will affect how affordable dental implants are for you. Your dentist may suggest an affordable dental plan or insurance to help cut the cost of your implant procedures.

Types of Implants

There are primarily three different types of implants. Eposteal implants are bone-mounted implants that anchor directly to your jawbone to support the prosthesis. An endosteal implant, the most common type of implant, is mounted within your actual bone. The mounting of endosteal implants requires drilling into your jawbone to install a titanium screw, which acts as a tooth root to support the prosthesis. A transosteal implant, the least common and most expensive type, runs all the way through your bone. Inserting a transosteal implant is the most invasive of all implant procedures. During this procedure, your dentist drills straight through your lower jaw to bolt a plate onto the the bottom of your jaw.

Structure of an Implant Restoration

There are three components of the implant restoration, To insert an implant in your mouth, a dentist uses an implant post (the metal tooth root), an abutment (the stump of the crown prosthesis), and the crown itself. Your dentist will mount the crown atop the abutment.

Hopefully, this description helps you as a patient gain a basic understanding of implants. The advantage to implants, though they are often a less than affordable dental option, is that they may feel and look natural. Unlike other tooth replacement procedures, implants allow you to eat, laugh and talk with confidence. If you are considering implants, hopefully this information has been a help to you!

For more affordable dental tips from Susan Braden, see this article.