Article written by Written by Zawn Villines on CareDash.com Time, gum disease, low access to dental care, and lifestyle habits can destroy teeth and gums. About 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and 40 million are missing all of their teeth. Missing teeth can make chewing difficult, and they can affect a person’s appearance and self-esteem. They can also change the structure of the jaw. For centuries, people with missing teeth had to resort to dentures. The advent of bridges offered a more permanent solution. Both strategies left people missing teeth with holes in their gums where the roots of teeth might otherwise be. Dental implants fill these holes with permanent fake teeth that do not decay like real teeth. They boast a 98% success rate, making them a good option for many people who are missing teeth or struggling with jaw issues related to lost teeth. What Are Dental Implants?Dental implants replace missing teeth with permanent fake teeth that look just like real teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are anchored into the gums by a titanium screw. This screw acts like the natural tooth root. By replacing the missing tooth with a synthetic tooth and root, it may be possible to prevent surrounding bone structures from changing with time. Doing so can preserve the structure of the face, prevent jaw pain, and even help with issues such as grinding teeth. For most people, however, the primary benefit of dental implants is that they replace missing teeth, restoring their appearance and making it easier to chew. “Dental implants are not susceptible to decay but are susceptible to periodontal disease,” said Dr. Ayad. “They need the same home care as natural teeth, and also professionally maintained at regular dental visits, and checked with x-rays annually.” The Process of Getting Dental ImplantsThe process of getting dental implants begins with a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan with your specialized dentist, such as an oral surgeon, periodontist, or prosthodontist. “Preparation has several steps,” said M. George Ayad, DDS, a Diplomate for the American Board of Periodontology and periodontist in Hackensack, NJ. “First a review of medical history to insure the patients' medical conditions or medications don't create a contraindication to routine dental implant placement.” Your medical history may also affect the type of anesthesia the doctor uses, so it’s important to disclose everything. “Next, a CT scan of the jaw bone to determine if there's adequate bone volume or need for augmentation prior to placement,” said Dr. Ayad. “Finally and probably most importantly, a consultation with the restoring dentist to determine the position to place the implant(s) to receive the crown(s) that works best with the patients' bite.” Your dentist will discuss with you whether any teeth need to be removed and which procedures must be done before the implant surgery. For instance, some people may need to remove old dental crowns, while others may need treatment for chronic gum disease. If you need a bone graft, this procedure will be done before surgery. It can take several months for the bone graft to heal. On the day of surgery, you’ll need to avoid food and drink. Depending on the method of anesthesia you choose, you’ll either be awake but unaware and in no pain, or totally unconscious. Your surgeon will make a cut into your gums to place the dental implant. When you wake up, there will still be a gap where the tooth was. The doctor can place a temporary denture. You’ll get a permanent implant when bone grows around the screw, which can take several weeks or months. After the bone grows in and the permanent implant is put in place, you’ll have new, permanent teeth. “Immediate post-op care includes the use of anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, and an antimicrobial rinse as outlined by most accepted protocols,” said Dr. Ayad. After the screw is placed, you may have pain and sensitivity for several days. Some people experience jaw pain or get headaches radiating from the jaw. Medicine provided by your dentist can help control these symptoms. Benefits of Dental ImplantsDental implants make it easier to chew, and they can boost self-esteem by replacing missing teeth. “Success rates are high,” said Dr. Ayad. “Depending on the area of the mouth they're placed, the long term success rates are 92-98% at 35 years. [They are] slightly lower for smokers and some uncontrolled medical conditions.” In addition to the benefits of replacing lost teeth, many people prefer dental implants to bridges and dentures because:
Drawbacks of Dental ImplantsDental implants are implanted directly into the bone underneath the gums. The procedure is more invasive than other options for treating tooth loss, which presents several drawbacks, including:
To be eligible for dental implants, a person must have healthy gums. For people with gingivitis, it may be necessary to undergo many months of treatment first, which can mean spending more time with missing teeth. A patient must also have enough bone to support the dental implant. Those without enough bone must either choose another option or have a bone graft. For many consumers, the most significant drawback of dental implants is the cost. Costs typically range from $3,000 to $6,000 per implant. Insurance plans rarely cover dental care, especially implant dentistry, which is typically classified as a cosmetic procedure. Even people with dental insurance may not have coverage for implants, since most dental insurance programs operate as discount cards, not actual insurance. Affordable Dental ImplantsAffording dental implants can be difficult since most insurance plans won’t cover the implants as this is typically considered an elective procedure. Some providers will, however, cover removal of damaged teeth, x-rays, and other procedures to assess oral health.
“Cost can be a limiting factor especially if dental insurance carriers don't cover some of the cost,” said Dr. Ayad. “That is something that patients may influence by asking their employers to include implants as a covered expense in their dental plans.” Many dental implant providers offer payment plans, which allows you to pay off the implants over time. For people who can’t afford to make upfront payments, this option may be a good one. Some dental implant providers offer discounts for multiple dental implants at once. So if you have several missing or damaged teeth, it’s often best to get them replaced at the same time. You may also be eligible to receive dental implants at a lower cost at a dentistry school, where dental specialists in training can perform the procedure under the supervision of professionals in an oral surgery clinic. However, not everyone is eligible to receive lower-cost dental implants from a dentistry school, and there may be a long wait list. Inquire at a dental school near you to find out if you are eligible and how long the wait might be. If the cost of dental implants is out of reach for you, you may consider cheaper alternatives. Partial dentures and bridges are more affordable and more likely to be covered by dental insurance. It is important to remember that these options are impermanent and tend to require replacement and maintenance. Over time, implants may be the cheaper tooth replacement method depending on what your insurance covers. Dental implants offer a chance to replace missing or broken teeth, often with a single surgery. They can protect bone health, and they may last a lifetime. But they’re not for everyone. Talk to a dentist, prosthodontist, or oral surgeon about whether this option may be right for you.
33 Comments
1/14/2020 03:55:56 pm
I found it interesting when you explained that one of the benefits of dental implants is that they don't decay over time. My wife had to have a couple of teeth pulled when she was a kid, and now she doesn't feel comfortable when has to smile around other people. It seems she would benefit from getting implants placed where she used to have teeth.
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6/29/2020 05:28:55 pm
Hello Henry,
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2/13/2020 06:09:10 pm
I lost my tooth a year ago due to a car accident, and because of this, I lost my self-confidence. Wow, I never knew that an implant will be anchored into my gums by a titanium screw, this seems scary, but I know there'll be anesthesia for it. I just hope to find a great dentist who'll be able to perform a dental implant on me successfully.
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6/19/2020 12:59:07 pm
It's great that you point out that dental implants last for a very long time. I lost a tooth while playing rugby recently, so I'm considering having it replaced with a dental implant. I'm going to look for a good dental clinic in my area that does dental implant procedures.
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7/28/2020 11:35:35 am
Hello Fred,
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6/24/2020 06:12:11 pm
I have always been insecure about my missing tooth; that's why I'm considering having dental implants instead. I'm glad you shared this by the way because it's great to know that since it will restore my missing tooth's appearance, chewing the food will be easy as well. Although, I never knew that my medical history will affect the type of anesthesia that my doctor will provide me.
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7/28/2020 11:38:10 am
Hello Rachel,
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7/9/2020 08:43:02 am
I was not aware that dental implants will provide you with a more natural appearance. My husband and I are thinking about replacing a broken tooth, and we are looking for advice. I will let him know about the benefits of dental implants to help him decide.
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7/28/2020 11:40:19 am
Hello Ellie,
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7/16/2020 01:47:41 pm
It's cool that you elaborate on how dental implants are an effective replacement for missing teeth. I lost a tooth when I fell off of a horse last month, so I'm considering getting a dental implant. I'm going to search in my area for a good dental clinic that does implants.
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7/28/2020 11:42:58 am
Hello Alec,
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7/28/2020 09:36:11 am
It's cool that this article mentions that dental implants are a comfortable replacement option for missing teeth. My cousin lost a tooth while playing basketball two weeks ago, so I'm considering recommending that he get a dental implant. I'm going to look for a good dentist that does dental implants in the area to recommend.
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7/28/2020 11:44:57 am
Hello Nelson,
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8/10/2020 09:22:36 pm
I appreciate that this post stressed that dental implants are better than dentures as they do not break easily and lowers the risk of infection. My brother has his tooth knocked out from a hockey game. I will advice him to get implants.
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8/11/2020 12:36:24 pm
It's awesome that you mention that dental implants last for a very long time as a replacement for missing teeth. One of my front teeth got knocked out while I was playing football last weekend, so I'm considering getting a dental implant. I'm going to search in my area for a reputable dental clinic that does implants.
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8/13/2020 01:39:16 pm
I like how dental implants look and feel like real teeth. My wife lost one of her two front teeth. I'll talk to her about getting a dental implant so she can have confidence in her smile again.
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8/25/2020 10:34:17 am
I loved how you mentioned that it isn't likely for dental implants to break off! My mom was telling me a couple of weeks ago while at my home for dinner about how she recently lost a tooth of hers, and she was wondering what would be the best way to get it replaced. I'll make sure to pass this information along to her so that she can look into getting a dental implant to replace her tooth!
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10/29/2020 05:10:03 pm
Hello Kate,
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9/15/2020 08:25:55 am
It's good to know that dental implants are anchored into your gums with screws. I am always afraid that if I get fake teeth they will fall out easily. If I decide to get some to replace my back bottom right tooth then I'll make sure it is an implant so it feels like normal.
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10/29/2020 05:12:34 pm
Hello Chris,
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9/30/2020 11:14:25 am
I like that this post underlined dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. The other day my friend wondered what would be a good option to replace his missing teeth. I will suggest dental implants since it is permanent and a quick procedure.
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10/29/2020 05:14:20 pm
Hello Kristofer,
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10/4/2020 07:52:41 am
I find it interesting that this post shared with us that dental implants have many benefits, such as it is more long-lasting than dentures. My dad has some missing teeth and is bothered by it. I will recommend him to look into dental implants.
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10/27/2020 11:04:27 am
Thank you for elaborating on how dental implants are a great replacement for missing teeth. I got one of my teeth knocked out while playing basketball a few weeks ago, so I'm contemplating getting a dental implant. I'm going to see if there's a good dental clinic in my area that does implants.
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10/29/2020 05:21:28 pm
Hello Conrad,
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10/29/2020 09:14:26 am
Thank you for elaborating on how dental implants are an ideal replacement for missing teeth. I lost two teeth in a skateboarding accident last month, so I'm thinking about getting dental implants. I'm going to look for a good oral surgery center in my area that offers dental implant procedures.
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10/29/2020 05:24:35 pm
Hello Jonathan,
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11/4/2020 07:40:08 am
My friend is probably part of the 178 million Americans you mentioned who are missing at least one tooth. She lost hers two years ago and have never tried replacing it since. Maybe she can have herself checked by a dentist to see if dental implants are right for her.
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11/10/2020 09:44:02 pm
Thank you for sharing views on how dental implants are a great replacement for missing teeth. Keep posting such astonishing blogs.
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11/18/2020 05:54:52 am
A friend of mine lost a couple of his front tooth due to an accident. I like what you said about how a dental implant is a lifetime tooth replacement option. We should look for a dentist that can give him a diagnosis regarding his oral health and what could be done about it.
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12/30/2020 10:07:23 am
Dear Zachary,
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11/20/2020 01:30:02 pm
My dad has been thinking about getting some dental implants to replace the two front teeth that he lost while playing football. He would really like to get some help from a professional in order to make sure that they work safer. It was interesting to learn about how they won't decay with time, break off, be removed, and can reduce costs over time.
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12/30/2020 10:08:35 am
Dear Adam,
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