Dental Implants As Alternatives To Dentures

If you are not excited about getting dentures to replace missing teeth, you should consider another option that is available. Dental implants can help you replace one or several teeth, whether you are young or older. Find out the basics of this option before asking your dentist whether this method is the best one for you. 

During the process of putting in dental implants, a titanium implant is placed in the jawbone. Over time, this will fuse with the bone, which is called osseointegration. This occurs when the bone grows around the implant without allowing any scar tissue or cartilage to get between the two surfaces. An abutment is then placed over the part of the implant that sticks up from the gum. The next step is for your dentist to create a replacement tooth that is then placed on the abutment. The result is a tooth that looks natural and feels durable enough to be real, which means that you do not have to avoid using it to chew. The same process can be repeated as often as necessary to create several replacement teeth. 

Most people who are considering dentures as tooth replacements are older. However, if you only need to replace a few teeth, such as after trauma that knocked the original ones out, you can consider this procedure, as well. Most dentists will only perform this treatment on people whose jaw has stopped growing, which means that children and most teenagers are not eligible. They can use other tooth replacement procedures, or wait until their jaw has stopped growing in order to get dental implants. In general, as long as your mouth is somewhat healthy, you are probably eligible for this procedure. Therefore, you should ask your dentist about it, whether you need only one implant or several. 

Many dental insurance plans cover implants of this sort, so check your policy before making an appointment. If your plan does not cover the treatment, or you do not have insurance, there are other options. For example, some dentists offer payment plans so that you can pay a little bit each month with little or no interest. You can also tell the front office staff that you do not have insurance, as some offices work with patients by offering a lower price than what they require the insurance companies to pay. In most cases, as long as you pay upfront with cash, you qualify for this option. Therefore, this procedure is often obtainable by nearly anyone. 

This is just option for those looking to replace teeth, but it is increasingly popular, especially among older patients who want to avoid dentures. If this is your wish, ask your dentist about whether you qualify, and also whether this is the best choice for you. If so, you can start planning on how to pay for it. Your practitioner should let you know how else to plan for the procedure, either over the phone or at a separate consultation solely about this treatment.