What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are posts surgically inserted into the jawbone. Artificial teeth are then attached to the posts. These teeth function just like natural teeth but aren't prone to cavities. Unlike dentures, dental implants are never removed for cleaning and won't accidentally come out when you bite into something hard.  

Dental implantation has, surprisingly, been around for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Mayans pushed primitive objects such as shells, animal teeth, and even precious stones into the gums to replace lost teeth. Thankfully, materials and techniques have improved in the last few centuries and most doctors now use either ceramic or titanium posts to fasten the new permanent teeth into their location. X-rays and 3D scans make it possible for dentists to create a personalized dental implantation plan for each patient to ensure the new teeth are a perfect fit for one's jaw and mouth. 

Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants?

Anyone who has lost a permanent tooth could potentially benefit from dental implants. Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for implants. During your initial consultation, the dental surgeon will perform a full dental exam and review your medical history. As the implant posts need to be screwed into the jaws, dental implant candidates either need to have sufficient bone in the jaw to hold the screws or be a good candidate for bone graft surgery. Additionally, certain health conditions, such as heart problems, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes, could make you ineligible for implants. In other instances, those who take certain medications may need to take antibiotics before surgery to prevent bacterial infections.

Age is also a factor in determining who could benefit from dental implants. Implant surgery cannot be performed on anyone under the age of 18. While there is no upper age limit for receiving implants, oral surgeons don't recommend the procedure for those over the age of 85.

It's also worth noting that some people who are good candidates for dental implants prefer to use dentures. Cost can be a prohibitive factor for many considering oral surgery. In other cases, the pain, long post-surgery time, and potential surgical complications lead some to opt for dentures over implants. Even so, dental implants have become increasingly popular since 1999 and experts expect them to keep growing in popularity for the foreseeable future. 

How to Find a Provider

If you have dental insurance or your dental implants are covered by auto insurance as a result of a car accident, contact your insurance agency to find out which providers are covered under their policies. As the cost of an implant ranges from $3,000 to $4,500, it's a good idea to make sure your insurance covers as much of the bill as possible. If you plan on getting implants in the future, you may want to look into dental insurance plans to pick one that would pick up at least part of the bill.

For those who don't have insurance, it can be tempting to choose the oral surgeon offering the best price. That's why many people travel overseas to get implants done. While this move can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, it's also risky. Potential side effects of dental implant surgery include infection, injury to other teeth and/or blood vessels, nerve damage, and sinus problems. If these problems develop after you've returned home from an overseas surgery, you'll likely have a hard time getting the follow-up care you need as the dentist who performed your surgery doesn't live anywhere near your home. It's best to pick a surgeon close by to ensure you get the post-operative care and treatment you need for a successful dental implantation. Thankfully, many oral surgeons offer financing and payment plan options that enable patients to get dental implants without having to pay the full cost of the procedure up front.

If you know friends or relatives who've received successful dental implants and are happy with their care and treatment, ask for a referral to the healthcare professional who performed the surgery. Alternatively, you can do an online search for oral surgeons in your local area to find one who is experienced and has a track record of providing great care. Most experienced oral surgeons won't have only 5-star reviews, but good ones will have a far higher percentage of positive reviews than negative ones. 

Dental implantation isn't a procedure to choose lightly. You'll need to find and consult an experienced surgeon to ensure you're a good candidate for implants. You'll likely need more than one surgery, especially if a bone graft is in order to replace bone loss in the jaw. What's more, you'll need to set aside time to recover after surgery and receive follow-up care. Financial planning is in order to ensure that you have proper insurance coverage or enough financial resources to cover the cost of dental implants. Even so, there are many people who have found that dental implant surgery is well worth both the cost and the hassle. Replacing lost teeth isn't just about improving self-esteem by making your smile look complete. Having permanent teeth in place in the jaw can prevent health problems such as bone loss in the jaw and temporomandibular joint disorders. Dental implants also enable individuals to eat hard or chewy foods that they would be unable to consume with dentures. Furthermore, implants improve communication and self-esteem as, unlike dentures, implants won't fall out due to a worn-out lining or improper adjustment. If you've lost one or more teeth or expect that you may lose teeth in the future, consider the pros and cons of dental implants and consult a surgeon regarding your personal situation to make an informed decision.