A tooth implant, also known as dental implant, involves putting an artificial root in the place of the missing tooth to hold a replacement crown. Dental implants can replace a tooth that has been lost to an accident or disease. The cost of an implant varies, but it is generally more expensive than traditional bridgework.
Benefits
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, dental implants are long-term replacements and are the best alternative for replacing missing teeth because they don't rely on the neighboring teeth for support and they don't sit on the gum line. The American Academy of Periodontology claims that dental implants are more "tooth-saving" than bridgework because neighboring teeth are generally left untouched. Because the artificial root fuses with the jawbone, patients with dental implants may feel that those teeth are more natural than dentures.
Composition
A dental implant includes the artificial root, the abutment and the crown. The artificial root is generally composed of titanium. The abutment serves as a support for the crown; it covers the artificial root and protrudes from the gum line. The crown, the structure that functions in tearing or chewing of food, id composed of gold, resin, porcelain or porcelain-fused metal.
Procedure
The Journal of American Dental Association describes the dental implant procedure as a long process that typically takes several months to complete. In the first phase, the dentist surgically places the artificial root in the jaw underneath the gum. The root will fuse to the jaw bone in three to six months. In the second phase, the dentist attaches an abutment onto the artificial root. Sometimes the abutment and the artificial root are a single unit. In the final phase, the dentist attaches the crown to the abutment.
Considerations
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, dental implant candidates should have good health, including no periodontal diseases, and have enough bone in the jaw for support of the implant. However, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons states that dental implants have been successful in patients with gum disease, bone loss and poor health, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Cost
According to About Cosmetic Dentistry, the basic dental implant costs about $1,250 to 3,000, as of 2009. The cost can rise to $30,000 per tooth if the patient needs an additional procedure, such as bone grafting.
References
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: Dental Implants
- American Academy of Periodontology: Dental Implants: Replacement Teeth That Look and Feel Like Your Own
- About Cosmetic Dentistry: Types of Tooth Crowns
- The Journal of American Dental Association: Dental Implants
- About Cosmetic Dentistry: Dental Implant Costs
