Dental Implants: An Oral Health Overview

Even with proper care and regular visits to the dentist, things can go horribly awry with your oral health. It just happens, sometimes, due to genetics, happenstance, and other factors. Thankfully, the loss of a tooth doesn't have to mean the end of your social life. Dental implants create the opportunity to replace lost teeth with strong artificial teeth that function, look, and usually feel much the same. If you're experiencing grief over the loss of a tooth, it may be a procedure to consider. It has several benefits over a partial denture and it has grown in popularity over the years. Here are some things you should know.

Price
Dental implants are usually considered a cosmetic enhancement by insurance companies, so it is important to consider cost when looking into the procedure. Why it would be considered cosmetic enhancement to replace a missing tooth is a bit of a mystery, but there it is. Unfortunately, the cost of the procedure is one of the biggest downsides to considering it. While your location and dentist will determine exactly what you pay, it isn't uncommon to spend $1,000 to replace a single tooth. The costs can soar from there.

Rarity
While growing in popularity, dental implants are still only implemented by a relatively small number of dentists. Some estimates put it at about 10%. Therefore, you may have to look around a bit or get a reference when looking for the procedure. If you go to a dentist who doesn't perform the procedure, he may attempt to get you to consider an alternative. Stand your ground, however, if you really want to go this route. You can certainly find a good dentist in your area who will do it for you, so don't settle for less. Other than cost, there is little reason why you would ever regret getting dental implants. On the other hand, you may very well regret not getting them later on.

Inquiries
Before you make any decision about your long-term oral health, it's important to make sure you understand exactly what you're getting into. Don't hesitate to ask as many questions as you have when considering dental implants. Ask your dentist, research online, and satisfy every curiosity before you move forward. That way, no matter what your final decision is, you can feel confident that you understood all aides of the issue and made an informed choice. If you can find a dentist who performs the procedure on a regular basis, he should be able to answer any questions you may have.