What are implants?
Implants are devices that replace the roots of lost teeth, and are used to support crowns, bridges or dentures.
There are many reasons why it's important t replace lost teeth:
Having all of your teeth can make you more self-confident. You don't worry that people notice your missing teeth.
When teeth are lost, the area of the jawbone that held those teeth starts to erode. Over time, you can lose so much bone that your jaw will need a bone graft before your dentist can place implants or make a denture that fits properly.
Tooth loss affects how well you chew and what foods you are able to eat. Many people who have lost teeth have poor nutrition, which can affect overall health.
The loss of teeth can change the way your existing teeth come together, called your bite. Changes in your bite can lead to problems with your jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint.
Losing teeth can lead to changes in your speech, which also can affect your self-confidence.
Root-form implants are the most common type used today. A root-form implant looks like a small cylinder or screw and is made of titanium. After the implant is placed in the jawbone, it eventually is connected to a metal collar called an abutment, which serves as a base for a crown, denture or bridge.
The key to the success of implants is a process called osseointegration, in which the bone in the jaw bonds with the implant. Because titanium is biocompatible, the jawbone accepts a titanium implant as part of the body.
Success
Available studies indicate that surgical placement of root-form implants is successful more than 90 percent of the time. When these implants fail, the problems usually occur within the first year after surgery. After that, only about one percent of all implants fail each year.
Implants have become increasingly popular since the American Dental Association endorsed them in 1986. Between 1986 and 1997, the number of implant procedures nearly tripled.
It is now estimated that between 300,000 and 400,000 implants are placed every year in the United States.
Implants Versus Alternatives
Depending on your particular problem, implants can be more expensive than the alternatives (denture or bridge). An implant plus a crown costs between $2,100 and $3,000. The fees will depend on many factors. Insurance companies generally do not cover this cost, although you should always check with your insurer.
White the upfront cost for implants can be more than for other types of restorations, the investment can pay off in the long run. You do not necessarily need an implant for every missing tooth. Dr. Tolle can discuss how many implants you will need.
Other benefits to implants include:
Feel Because implants are imbedded in your bone, they simulate your natural teeth better than bridges or dentures.
Convenience You will not need to worry about denture adhesives or having your dentures slip, click or fall out when you speak.
Nutrition Chewing is more efficient with implants. Chewing can be difficult with regular dentures, especially ones with a less-than-perfect fit. A regular upper denture also covers your palate, which can reduce your sense of taste.
Self-esteem Because implants are so much like your natural teeth, you will think about them less. Your self-esteem and confidence will be improved because you will not have to worry about denture problems or people noticing that you have missing teeth. Regular dentures may also affect your speech, which can make you less self-confident when talking with others.
Implants are devices that replace the roots of lost teeth, and are used to support crowns, bridges or dentures.
There are many reasons why it's important t replace lost teeth:
Having all of your teeth can make you more self-confident. You don't worry that people notice your missing teeth.
When teeth are lost, the area of the jawbone that held those teeth starts to erode. Over time, you can lose so much bone that your jaw will need a bone graft before your dentist can place implants or make a denture that fits properly.
Tooth loss affects how well you chew and what foods you are able to eat. Many people who have lost teeth have poor nutrition, which can affect overall health.
The loss of teeth can change the way your existing teeth come together, called your bite. Changes in your bite can lead to problems with your jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint.
Losing teeth can lead to changes in your speech, which also can affect your self-confidence.
Root-form implants are the most common type used today. A root-form implant looks like a small cylinder or screw and is made of titanium. After the implant is placed in the jawbone, it eventually is connected to a metal collar called an abutment, which serves as a base for a crown, denture or bridge.
The key to the success of implants is a process called osseointegration, in which the bone in the jaw bonds with the implant. Because titanium is biocompatible, the jawbone accepts a titanium implant as part of the body.
Success
Available studies indicate that surgical placement of root-form implants is successful more than 90 percent of the time. When these implants fail, the problems usually occur within the first year after surgery. After that, only about one percent of all implants fail each year.
Implants have become increasingly popular since the American Dental Association endorsed them in 1986. Between 1986 and 1997, the number of implant procedures nearly tripled.
It is now estimated that between 300,000 and 400,000 implants are placed every year in the United States.
Implants Versus Alternatives
Depending on your particular problem, implants can be more expensive than the alternatives (denture or bridge). An implant plus a crown costs between $2,100 and $3,000. The fees will depend on many factors. Insurance companies generally do not cover this cost, although you should always check with your insurer.
White the upfront cost for implants can be more than for other types of restorations, the investment can pay off in the long run. You do not necessarily need an implant for every missing tooth. Dr. Tolle can discuss how many implants you will need.
Other benefits to implants include:
Feel Because implants are imbedded in your bone, they simulate your natural teeth better than bridges or dentures.
Convenience You will not need to worry about denture adhesives or having your dentures slip, click or fall out when you speak.
Nutrition Chewing is more efficient with implants. Chewing can be difficult with regular dentures, especially ones with a less-than-perfect fit. A regular upper denture also covers your palate, which can reduce your sense of taste.
Self-esteem Because implants are so much like your natural teeth, you will think about them less. Your self-esteem and confidence will be improved because you will not have to worry about denture problems or people noticing that you have missing teeth. Regular dentures may also affect your speech, which can make you less self-confident when talking with others.
Questions?
Our Dental Education Center can help you with most common questions concerning oral health.
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Our Dental Education Center can help you with most common questions concerning oral health.
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