Are Dental Implants the Right Choice for You?

More than 90% of Americans in the United States consider self-confidence a significant factor in their professional success. As a result, many people think their smiles are vital to their confidence.

Having dental problems can significantly affect your mental health and self-esteem. For this reason, health experts recommend visiting the dentist regularly to keep your teeth in good health.

When someone is missing teeth, they will go to extremes like avoiding smiling in photographs. They may even think nothing can be done to fix their smile. However, dental implants may be the answer.

Keep reading if you’re missing a tooth or want to learn more about tooth implants. Here’s how to know if it’s the right option for you.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a dental procedure you can undergo to replace missing teeth. These implants are tiny posts fixed to the bone in your jaw by your dentist. This post replaces the root of the missing tooth.

Once these posts have been implanted in your jaw, they connect to the replacement tooth via a connector. Typically dental implants are made from titanium and sometimes zirconium oxide. Dental implant systems can also be made from other materials, such as:

• Gold alloys
• Titanium alloys
• Cobalt-based alloys
• Ceramic

As part of their dental implants services, your dentist may use 3D imaging technology to see a 3D model of your jaw. This allows them to study the image more accurately and helps them decide which implant procedure will solve your dental problem.

Dental Implant Procedure Options

When visiting your dentist about your missing tooth, they will advise the dental options you may have available. They are single-tooth, multiple-tooth, and full-mouth implants.

Single-Tooth Implant

Your dentist may offer a single-tooth implant if you only have one tooth missing. This implant will be capped with a crown or a complete replacement tooth.

Multiple-Tooth Implant

If you’re missing more than one tooth, your dentist may offer a multiple-tooth implant procedure. This procedure will create several custom replacement teeth to fill the missing gaps.

Full-Mouth Implant

A full-mouth implant is only done if you’re missing all or most of your teeth. Your dentist may pull your remaining teeth and do a full-mouth implant procedure giving you a brand-new smile.

Types of Dental Implants

Now that you know the dental implant options available, let’s look at what types of dental implants you can get. Generally, there are three types: subperiosteal, endosteal, and zygomatic implants.

Subperiosteal Implants

If you have problems with your jawbone or cannot wear dentures, your dentist may use subperiosteal implants. Unlike endosteal implants, these are attached and held under the gum and stick through so your dentist can attach the replacement tooth.

Endosteal Implants

Dentists most commonly use an endosteal implant implanted directly into the jawbone. This implant can be used to replace one or multiple teeth. Additionally, if you already have other dental work, such as bridges or dentures, your dentist may suggest this type of implant.

Zygomatic Implants

Finally, your dentist may choose a zygomatic implant if there is insufficient jawbone to use an endosteal implant. Instead, your dentist embeds this type of dental implant into the cheekbone.

Dental Implant Options

Once your dentist decides which implant procedure they will perform, they’ll discuss your specific implant options. These options can include:

Mini Dental Implants (MDIs)

If you have tiny gaps in your teeth that you’d like filled in, then MDIs may be your option. As such, these implants are extremely narrow.

Immediate-Load Dental Implants

Immediate-load dental implants are also called same-day implants because, during this procedure, your dentist can place your implant and the temporary tooth simultaneously. This is typically only done if your jaw is healthy enough.

All On 4 Dental Implants

If you need a complete set of bottom or top teeth that need replacing, your dentist may suggest All On 4 implants. This procedure involves your dentist embedding four dental implants into your jaw and, if possible, attaching the temporary teeth at the same appointment.

This option takes the longest to heal and requires a special diet while the implants fuse to your jawbone. Your dentist will attach your permanent teeth after around six months of healing.

Other Procedures

If there are complications that interfere with your dental implant procedure, your dentist may recommend other procedures. These can include:

• Bone Augmentation
• Ridge Expansion
• Sinus Lift

Dental Implant Cost

If you’ve read this far and think you may need dental implants, you may wonder how much they cost.  Unfortunately, dental implants are not cheap. The price will also depend on several factors, such as:

• Your dentist’s consultation fees
• Dental appointment extras like X-rays and anesthesia
• The replacement tooth material (i.e., porcelain crown)
• The number of teeth needing replacement
• The type of dental implant chosen (i.e., titanium, zirconia, etc.)
• Whether you need additional dental work like bone augmentation

However, looking at a ballpark figure, you can expect to pay between $3,500 and $6,700 for a porcelain crown. You can expect to spend as much as $56,000 if you have a full-mouth implant.

Ensuring the Best Smile for the Most Confidence

Having a winning smile can make a significant impact on our self-esteem and confidence. That’s why understanding your options regarding dental implants is wise. Your dentist appointment will go smoother if you know the procedure options, such as endosteal or zygomatic implants.

If you need clarification on which is best for you, your dentist will discuss the suitable procedure and whether you need MDIs, immediate-load implants, or full-mouth implants.

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