Dental implants are a great option if you are missing a large number of teeth. While false teeth or dentures can resolve the cosmetic issue, there is nothing that can really replace your own teeth when it comes to chewing and biting unless you get dental implants. However, dental implants have their pros and cons, so be very sure that you understand the ramifications of getting a full or partial set before you commit to getting dental implants.
Function
Dental implants are false teeth that are set in the jaw with metal screws. They cannot be removed and work just like your real teeth, with the screws taking the place of the teeth roots. Dental implants are generally porcelain, and should be customized so that the difference between the implants and your natural teeth is not obvious.
Significance
Dental implants last for a very long time, assuming that the surgery goes according to plan. As a result, many cosmetic and medical dentists think that implants are the best way to deal with a large number of missing teeth because they require little maintenance once the healing process is over. However, you need to understand that there are risks to getting dental implants, and the costs can skyrocket if there are complications.
Considerations
When considering dental implants, cost will be a major factor. Dental implants can cost from $1,200 to $3,000 a piece if things go well. If your gums or jaw do not heal, then you may end up paying far more in extra surgical costs to repair the damage, and it is possible that you still will not have replacement teeth at the end of the ordeal.
Time Frame
The entire dental implant process takes 3 to 6 months, depending on how fast you heal from the initial surgery. In the beginning, you will have a set of titanium screws implanted in your jaw. Each of these screws will be capped with a dental implant. After the area heals completely, the implants will be capped. It is possible that the caps will have to be replaced in the future, but it is fairly unlikely. During the healing process, your mouth will be extremely sensitive, and pain could be quite severe.
Benefits
Dental implants provide the best possible replacement for your natural teeth when it comes to biting and chewing. They also feel natural once they finally heal, so the costs to your eating and speaking abilities are negligible in the long run. In fact, the only major cost outside of the fiscal expenses related to dental implants is in time for healing.
Warning
When preparing to get dental implants, be sure to evaluate your oral health and financial situation very carefully. Because dental implant surgery is so invasive, if you have other dental health problems, you should get them repaired before attempting this procedure in order to minimize potential costs of more extensive surgery later. If you cannot afford for anything to go wrong with your healing process, then you probably should wait until you have a few more resources before getting dental implants, or you may end up with serious oral health problems that will never go away.
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