If you have lost one or more teeth, then you are probably looking for a replacement. You might be thinking about dentures, but you could also get bridges or even implants. Depending on your needs and your cirumstances, each of these options could offer you the perfect solution. To help you determine what is best for you, here is an introduction to dental implants:

What are dental implants?

Although a dental implant could be described as a replacement tooth, the specifics are a little more complicated. A dental implant actually consists of three main parts.

The first is the implant itself, which looks somewhat like a screw. This part is the anchor and is attached to your jaw or your gums, depending on the type of implant. This is also the most intensive part of the surgery and will require quite a bit of time to heal before the next part is added.

The abutment is installed next, and will rest on top of the implant. The abutment is quite simple in purpose, connecting the crown and the implant.

The crown is the final component and is the part that actually looks like a tooth. The installation of the crown doesn't take long, but you need to make sure that you notify your dentist about any problems with the crown as quickly as possible. If it feels wrong or uncomfortable, then the implant might have shifted. This can potentially result in damage to your surrounding teeth, gums, or even your jawbone, so you want to get the problem corrected as quickly as possible.

How much do dental implants cost?

Unfortunately, implants do cost quite a bit, ranging from $2400 to $10000, with an average somewhere around $2500. This means that implants are a poor choice if you need to replace a large number of teeth, but they are still perfectly viable if you only have one or two teeth missing. If an implant is too expensive, then dentures or a dental bridge could be more suitable.

How long do dental implants last?

Fortunately, dental implants will usually last for life. Barring any structural problems, the implant should remain sturdy and stable for decades, with minimal maintenance required. If you want to replace a tooth and not have to worry about any further dental work in the future, then a dental implant might be a much better option than dentures or bridges.

Talk to a dentist, like those at Quality Dental Care, to learn more about dental implants.

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