Considering Dental Implants? Here Are 3 Things You Should Know

Losing teeth can have a major impact on your life. Not only can it impact your appearance, it can also make eating a speaking more difficult as well. Tooth loss is more common than you may realize, and your chances of losing a tooth goes up with age. Around 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. There are a lot of options for replacing missing teeth, including bridges, dentures, and even dental implants. Of the options listed, dental implants are often the most natural-looking and easy-to-care-for option. If you are considering a dental implant for a missing tooth, here are three things to keep in mind.

Dental Implants Work For Most People

The first thing that you should be aware of is that dental implants can work for people of all ages. Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically attached to the jawbone. A false tooth can then be attached to this new base. The good news is that as long as you have healthy gums, enough bone in the jaw for the implants, and good oral hygiene, dental implants should work for you. If you have bone loss in the jaw, you may need a bone graft before you can proceed with a dental implant.

The Process Takes Time

It's also important to be aware that getting dental implants is not typically a quick process. First a treatment plan will be formulated. In some cases, bone grafts may be needed before you can proceed with the implants. The entire process from start to finish can take several months. It's important to keep this in mind when it comes to dental implants. You may have to wait a while to have your smile fully restored. 

Dental Implants Are Pricey

Another thing that you should know is that compared to other types of tooth replacement, dental implants can be pricey. A single dental implants costs between $2,400 to $3,000 on average. If bone grafts or other procedures are needed in order to make the implant more stable, those costs can go up to between $4,000 and $10,000. Dental insurance also rarely covers the full cost of dental implants. In most cases, less than 10 percent of the fees associated with dental implants are covered. 

Losing a tooth can affect your life in many different ways. The good news is that there are a variety of ways to replace teeth, including dental implants. While dental implants are the most natural-looking option, there are a few things you should know. These implants work well for most people, but you may need bone grafting in the jaw in order to stabilize the implant. The entire process can also take months from start to finish and tends to be rather pricey as well. 

Contact clinics like Smile City for more information on dental implants.