David
Everyone wants their teeth to look good, but sometimes keeping them that way can be expensive. Good dental hygiene will go a long way to maintaining that glowing smile, but inevitably age, decay and sometimes accidents will mean that some treatment will be necessary. In some instances, having one or more dental implants is the best option, but that before proceeding research needs to be done into dental implants cost and how they can be paid for.
In this article we will look at why people need dental implants, how they work, what the aftercare is and how to find out the cost and payment options.
When are implants needed?
Many people get dental implants to replace teeth which have been removed and instead of wearing removal dentures, they have permanent implants fitted. Usually made of titanium a dental implant is an artificial replacement for a tooth root. The aim of its placement is to get immediate close contact with the surrounding bone, and over time the bone will grow onto the implant surface to make it more stable. They normally have a form of internal screw thread or post space that lets components be fitted in and these provide the foundation for the long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures.
It is important to consult with dentists to ensure that patients get the best dental implants for their needs and find out how long treatment will take. For routine cases it can vary between six weeks and six months and sometimes longer. Patients should be given a written summary of treatment planning discussions before commencing which highlights the current dental situation and any alternatives to implants, as well as an overview of anticipated stages of treatment, how many are required and the dental implant price.
How long do they last?
It is possible for implants to last as long as natural teeth, but there are a number of factors that could affect this. Once the implants and surrounding soft tissues are healthy and everything is correctly adjusted, the quality of oral hygiene and willingness to attend regular maintenance reviews will influence on how long they will last. Like normal teeth, if they are not looked after properly they will develop plaque and calculus which can lead to gum infection, bleeding and discomfort. Also, just as conventional crowns, bridges and fillings require occasional replacements or repairs, implant supported teeth may need maintenance too as the years go by.
On a daily basis, for most implant supported teeth it will be possible to clean around each supporting implant by flossing and brushing in the same way as around natural teeth and tooth-supported bridges. Some areas, however, may need interdental toothbrushes, special floss and other cleaning aids.
Summary
So, what is the price of dental implants? Implants are usually more expensive than bridges, but they also more closely simulate the function and appearance of natural teeth. Before proceeding, ask the dentist to obtain a pre-treatment estimate, so all up-front costs are known, and then patients need to consult their insurers in order to find out how much, if any will be paid by them.
There is a lot of research to be done by people who are considering having dental implants, and the cost of local dental implants is a key factor as well as the length of time the procedure will take and what the aftercare is like.
