Tooth Implant Information

Tooth implants are artificial teeth to replace teeth that you lost. Dental implants are usually preferred over bridges and partial dentures. However, they are considered cosmetic dentistry and may not be covered by dental insurance. Consult your carrier before beginning the procedure.

Advantages

• The primary advantage to tooth implants is that they are permanent. They're also more durable than dentures and bridges. Implants can be used to replaced one lost tooth, or they may be used to support a bridge to replace multiple teeth. In some instances, they may be used in conjunction with dentures in order to provide more support. Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth.

Procedure

• A small hole is drilled into your jaw bone at the location of the implant by an oral surgeon. A titanium screw is placed into the hole as the root of the implant. A protective cover is placed on this screw to allow it to heal. The implant root must fuse with the bone of your jaw in order to be successful. This process is called osseointegration. It may take from three to six months for osseointegration to be complete. The protective cover is then removed, and an abutment is attached. The dentist attaches a temporary crown to the abutment, and your gums are given time to heal and grow around the temporary crown. After this final healing process, the dentist replaces the temporary crown with a permanent one.

Success/Failure

• According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, dental implants are highly successful. Studies indicate a five-year success rate in 95 percent of implants in the lower jaw, and 90 percent for those in the upper jaw. Osseointegration is more difficult in the upper jaw because it's less dense. The most common reason for an implant to fail is that the implant root didn't osseointegrate. In addition, implants can become infected, they can break and the permanent crown may loosen. Smoking increases the risk of failure.

Cost

• Tooth implants are considerably expensive. Considering that your dental insurance may not cover them, you may face a big bill. According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, a single implant can cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on your location and oral surgeon. For implant reconstruction of your entire mouth, expect to pay between $25,000 and $100,000.

Considerations

• Tooth implants are a somewhat long process. Your dentist and oral surgeon work together to coordinate the process. After completion, follow-up care is important. In some cases, you may be expected to see your dentist for dental cleanings every three months instead of every six. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, almost anyone (except for a child who is still growing) is a candidate for dental implants--even if there are existing health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.