Teeth are an important part of the human body. Tooth loss not only affects people's physical health, but also affects people's appearance. Then dental implants can help you regain your beauty and health, and restore your confidence and smile. Below I will introduce the process, advantages and costs of dental implants.

• The whole process of dental implants

Dental implants take about six months from start to finish, including the following processes:

1. Dental examination: Before the implant process begins, the dentist needs to conduct a thorough examination of the patient's mouth. At this time, the dentist will use 3D imaging from CT scans to assess the patient's dental health and physical condition, especially the understanding of the bones supporting the implants. When it is found that there are diseases that affect the long-term stability of the implant, they need to be controlled before the implant is placed. At the first visit, the dentist will design a dedicated dental implant treatment and clearly quote.

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2. Removal of teeth: Although there are dentists specializing in implantology who complete the entire process of dental implants from start to finish, the removal of the teeth to be replaced is usually done by oral surgeons.

3. Bone graft: If the initial examination shows that the patient does not have enough bone to support the implant, the dentist will need to perform a bone graft, harvesting bone from other parts of the patient's body and adding it where needed. There are also synthetic and natural donor bone options.

4. Implant: After healing, the dentist will surgically place the implant into the jawbone, which also requires a period of healing. If the bone graft is small, the bone graft and implant can be performed at the same time. The implant is essentially an artificial tooth root, so it needs to be deeply anchored in the bone like a natural tooth. The process of the implant naturally integrating with the alveolar bone and the bone growing around the new implant is called osseointegration. At this time, the patient needs to wear a temporary removable denture to cover the gap where the patient's original tooth was removed.

5. Add abutment: After two to three months, when enough bone has grown in to stabilize, the dental abutment (the component that connects the implant to the final outer crown) is attached to the implant, and the gum area closes around its edges. It takes about four to six weeks for the gums to heal. However, some dental implant procedures do not require a dental abutment, but rather prefabricate the abutment onto the implant, which will make the entire process shorter.

6. Crown Insertion: As a final step, the crown is placed in place. The patient's crown is custom-made and will be based on the color, shape, and size of the patient's other teeth. This is done by making a mold or digital impression of the patient's existing teeth and jawbone after the abutment is placed.

• Advantages of Dental Implants

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 5 million dental implants are placed each year. The agency also emphasizes that there are many benefits to using this surgical procedure. Advantages of dental implants include:

☀ Implants are very easy to clean. There is no need to remove them every night to clean or soak them. They can be cleaned just like natural teeth.

☀ Just like natural teeth, implants are the most stable replacement and will not slide or shift out of place.

☀ No tooth structure is lost when implants are used, and they do not rely on adjacent teeth for support.

☀ Unlike partials and dentures, dental implants can last a lifetime. Once you get them, you won't have to visit the dentist or get orthodontics every year.

• Dental Implant Costs

In the United States, the cost of a single dental implant ranges from $1,500 to $6,000. This price varies depending on the material used, the type of implant, and where you go to get your implant.

The cost also depends on whether it's a front or back tooth that needs to be replaced. Typically, front dental implants cost slightly more than back implants.

If multiple single implants are needed, the cost per tooth should be slightly lower, since some costs, such as X-rays and scans, only apply once.

In addition, the overall condition of your gums and jawbone will affect the cost of dental implants, as well as the condition of any remaining teeth.

A three- or four-tooth bridge secured by two implants can cost around $5,000.

Full tooth replacement costs are much higher. If all teeth are missing, full dental implants using traditional methods can cost $40,000 or more.

In the United States, All-on-4 dental implants cost about $15,000 per dental arch, but if you’re willing to travel internationally, prices are much lower, which can be a safe and effective way to reduce the cost of full tooth replacement.

Keep in mind that these costs are just the price of getting an implant; if you need extractions and other preparations, and if you choose more expensive materials, the actual cost can be much higher.

However, many dental insurance plans now cover part of the cost of dental implants, and the best dental insurance plans that provide coverage for dental implants can help you save up to 50% on your implant treatment after a waiting period of about 12 months.

You can find plans for individuals and families, and there are even various dental plans for seniors.

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• Dental implants are highly cost-effective

While partial or full dentures are a good option for many people who want to replace missing teeth, they can be costly if worn for years or decades. Dentures can get stained, chipped, or broken, and users must also consider the cost of adhesives and cleaning solutions.

Dental implants, while having a higher upfront cost, may actually be cheaper in the long run because they are permanent. Once they are in place, patients can treat them just like their natural teeth. This means the only maintenance they require is regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding sugary foods that can cause cavities.