Implants have a variety of ways they are used in dental work. They are supporting devices that create a foundation for many tooth repairs.

The way a dental implant works it that there is a titanium screw thread within the base of the implant. This is what holds the other components called abutments to be attached into them. The implants are used as an anchor for an implant single crown, dentures, or fixed-implanted retained bridgework.

These dental implants are screwed into the bone surgically. This provides the same stability of a natural tooth. This process is called Osseo integration. The natural growth will occur between the bone and the implant. Therefore becoming much like a natural structure for tooth work. The implant acts as the root of your tooth. The root is what naturally in healthy teeth holds the tooth in place.

Prosthesis is an artificial tooth that is applied to the tooth area that the implants are at. The reason that titanium is used to be the support for the prosthesis is because our bodies accept the metal and rarely are a cause of any negative reaction.

The dental implants much like a regular root on a tooth encourages new bone growth to the jaw. This growth helps to hold the dental implant more firmly into place.

Here is a brief explanation of the different options a dentist would use an implant.

Single crown- this is an implant single tooth replacement. It is a relatively simple procedure that is done pretty regularly. The entire process can be done in a couple visits all within a couple of weeks. The result is a wonderful looking tooth. The installation takes roughly thirty minutes. The implant and crown are help in with dissolvable stitches.

Dentures- these are a complete or partial set of teeth that replace several teeth that have had to be removed or have fallen out. A dentist may recommend using an implant to connect the dentures to one or two teeth for a more secure fit.

Fixed implanted retained bridgework- in the case that there is more than one tooth missing, dental implants are often used to support the fixed bridgework. The bridgework is secured in one of two ways, cement retained and screw retained. A dentist can remove these implants when and if the time becomes necessary.

For several reasons there can be decay and deterioration that makes it so that in steps to repairing the tooth an implant is necessary.  If there is significant deterioration of the gums or jawbone, it may be a problem to have the dental implant attached. Therefore you may have to discuss another option for repair with your dentist. Gum and bone deterioration is a severe problem that is caused from the plaque that causes gingivitis and much worse.

Dental implants can be very expensive. However the benefit of having securely fit teeth and less embarrassing moments may be worth it. Your dental insurance will cover roughly half the cost. So you will need to talk to your dentist about prepaying or post paying the difference. Though, often times there are ways to do this.

On average the dental implants are around $1600 to $3500 dollars for pieced implants and around $500 for a single implant. If there were a full upper and lower set of implants needed, it could be around $15,000.

Most of the time the insurance has a yearly cap for the amount they will pay for any one patient. Therefore, you will need to work closely with your dentist and your insurance to work out the best payment options.

Dental implants have great benefits. Talking to your dentist will help you decide what is best for your situation. Take care to read about the costs and then enjoy the lok of your beautiful new teeth.