What are Dental Implants?
Frequently used when adults lose permanent teeth as they age, dental implants in eden prairie mn are artificial teeth that are implanted into the mouth and jaw that are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Besides helping to restore the appearance of the mouth, dental implants help preserve overall oral structure by preventing other teeth from moving in unnatural or painful ways. To better understand what dental implants are, we will investigate the implant procedure and discuss the various forms of implants available to patients today.
Dental implants involve surgically placing metal posts or frames into the jawbone beneath the gum line and mounting replacement teeth onto the frame. Since the implants are fused directly to the jawbone, they provide a stable support system for dentures and bridges to be mounted while avoiding any slipping or shifting in the mouth. This is especially important when eating or speaking as the implants provide a more natural feel than conventional bridges or dentures.
For some patients, conventional bridges or dentures are not comfortable or possible due to poor ridges, sore spots, or gagging. Additionally problematic, is that ordinary bridges have to be attached to teeth on either side of the space created by the missing tooth. Dental implants avoid this issue because they do not require preparing or grinding down the adjacent teeth in order to hold the replacement teeth in place. In order to be a candidate for dental implants, patients must therefore have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant and ensure they keep these structures healthy. Practicing sound oral hygiene and continuing regular dental visits is vital to the long-term success of the implants.
According to the American Dental Association, there are two types of dental implants that are considered to be safe. The first type is known as endosteal implants which are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue is allowed to heal, a second surgery is performed to connect a post to the original implant after which, an artificial tooth (or teeth) is attached to the post. The artificial tooth can be attached individually or grouped on a bridge or denture.
The second type of dental implant is a subperiosteal implant which consist of a metal frame being fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum line. While the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts, attached to the frame, protrude through the gums which allows artificial teeth to be mounted similar to endosteal implants.
While a sturdier alternative to conventional bridges or dentures, dental implants are generally more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement. One dental implant can cost between $3,000 to $4,500 or more and insurance carriers frequently cover less than 10 percent of the fees. The number of implants needed, the experience of the dentist, geographical location, and type of implant used all affect the costs patients can expect to incur. Patients are therefore encouraged to discuss the type of implant their dentist uses to determine if it is a feasible solution for their needs and budget.
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