Did you know that approximately 178 million Americans have lost one or more teeth, and an estimated 5% of adults are missing all of their teeth? This may be surprising to some people, but tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children and adults in the U.S. If you lose a tooth due to a dental disease or other reasons, you still have a chance of restoring your smile. How so? Ask a dentist about dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is about as close to an original tooth as you can get. A titanium screw, which biochemically joins to bone, is used to act as the root of your tooth. This new “root” not only provides strength and stability for your new, artificial tooth, but also prevents bone loss in the jaw bone. After the implant is set and fuses with the jaw bone, a prosthetic tooth is attached that looks nearly identical to your original tooth.
Should I Get Dental Implants?
As with any type of surgery, the best candidates for dental implants are people who are in good health. It is also important that you have good dental health, including healthy gums, teeth and jaw bone. Candidates should also be fully committed to taking care of maintaining their dental hygiene after the procedure. If you are considering dental implants, it is imperative to consult your local dentist to see if you are an acceptable candidate. In the U.S., about 10% of dentists perform this procedure, so if your dentist is unable to, find a dentist who can.
What’s the Price of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are not necessarily cheap. The price of dental implants can range from $1,500 to $7,000 dollars. While dental implants cost quite a bit, it is important to keep in mind that they act as a medical device in your body. Dental implants prevent bone loss and give you the opportunity to restore your broken smile. They also have a success rate of about 98% and can last a lifetime when taken care of properly. Find out more at this site.
