People do not usually take responsibility for their teeth until it is too late. Having missing teeth is something we do not think affects us until old age. However, as a generation addicted to sugar, coffee and chronic smoking, coupled with ineffective cleaning rituals, it is no wonder we are losing teeth at a rapidly accelerated rate.
While prevention is better than cure, for those desperately needing a tooth or set of teeth replaced, you have options available to you. If you are looking for a solution that is long-term and low maintenance, dental implants might be suitable for your needs.
There are certain conditions attached to getting implants, however, especially regarding health. You need enough bone for the implants to be embedded and possess healthy gums. In which case, your dentists will recommend bone grafts, before you can even consider the treatment. Those suffering from the gum disease Gingivitis might consider a deep clean to get rid of calcified plaque before the next steps of obtaining implants are taken.
How much will everything cost?
A common complaint you might hear is that implants are pricey, and to an extent, that is true.
But consider what you are paying for: convenience and peace of mind knowing you can trust that your implant will remain firmly in place and that you can eat, sleep and perform daily tasks without worrying about damaging the replacement tooth.
It is difficult to give a ballpark figure as this varies between dental clinics, the experience of your dentist, the quality of the product and whether you are replacing one tooth or a set.
Yes but what exactly am I paying for?
There are four steps to getting implants; they are:
An initial consultation with your dentist who examines and takes x-rays of your teeth, mouth, and gums. The results of the assessment determine whether or not you are a viable candidate for a replacement tooth of this kind. If you are not, do not feel you have thrown money down the toilet – there are other treatment options that the dental practitioner will recommend and explain to you.
Inserting the implant occurs a couple of weeks later. This entails drilling a hole into your jaw and inserting the implant. If you are nervous at the thought, ask your dentist to apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area. It might be necessary to have a temporary tooth fitted, especially if you have nothing protecting your gums from infection.
Placing the abutment – what connects the implant to the crown or replacement tooth.
Placing the crown – your temporary tooth is removed and replaced by the crown, which looks and feels like a natural tooth.
Sounds good but how can I get this procedure done without breaking the bank?
With the right insurance at your side, a major treatment like this will be covered or at least partially covered from day one.
Boast natural teeth and smile again without forking out thousands!
Missing teeth, while inconvenient, is easily fixable in this day and age. Consult with your dentist today if you are desperately needing a tooth replaced.
