The number of Americans with dental implants grows by 500,000 every year, with almost 3 million Americans currently wearing them. If you are considering getting implants yourself, here’s everything you need to know from who is eligible for implants to the orthodontist cost.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is an artificial anchor inserted into the jaw that is used to hold a replacement tooth. It’s typically made of titanium and a mixture of other materials.
Who gets dental implants?
Dental implants are for people who have lost a tooth because of decay, injury, age or any other reason. You need to be healthy with strong gums to be a candidate for the procedure.
What is the procedure for getting implants?
Getting implants is a surgical procedure that takes place in three primary steps. First, the root is placed into the gum during surgery. Second, there is a period where the bone and gums grow around the root. This process is known as osseointegration and can take as long as a couple of months for the implant to attach to the bone. Lastly, the actual replacement tooth is inserted into the implant.
What is the orthodontist cost for implants?
The cost of implants is completely dependent on your health plan. Some insurance providers will cover the bulk of the cost while others unfortunately do not. This is an issue that varies widely between insurance companies and something you should look into with the help of your dentist.
Should I get implants or dentures?
Dentures are another common solution to missing teeth. However, they tend to be uncomfortable for many patients and a hassle to care for, not to mention how difficult they can make eating. Implants are a one-time procedure that you won’t even notice a year later and blend seamlessly into your smile.
Dental implants are an excellent option they have a reported success rate of 98% and, with the increasing popularity, offer more value for the orthodontist cost. If you are one of the 178 million Americans who are missing at least one tooth, speak to your local dentist to discuss whether dental implants are right for you and how you can start the process.