Humans have been losing teeth since the beginning of humanity and it is obvious that this was a cause of concern for them, which is why fossils from ancient times can be found with what were considered dental implants of those days.
The loss of teeth continues today and more efforts are being made to provide replacements for those lost teeth. The technology has come a long way from the metal wires fixed into ancient Egyptians’ jaw bones. Nowadays titanium screws are used to anchor replacement teeth to the jaw bone. The procedure can be carried out on anyone regardless of their age, but there are still some criteria you would have to meet to qualify for implants. These include having sufficient bone mass, being healthy (especially the gums). People with diabetes may need further examination for them to qualify for this procedure.
Tooth implants may be carried out by a regular dentist, however, most people would be advised to seek the services of a specialist in the field of implants since they know all the tactics as well as solutions to any complications. No doubt this would come at a cost, but you stand at a higher chance of receiving value for money.
The Procedure
There are usually two stages involved in carrying out dental implants surgery. The first stage involves removing the tooth with the problem and then driving a titanium anchor into the bone where the tooth root would be, this area is then left to heal. It can take as much as six months for the healing to occur and more bone structure and gum will grow around this implant.
The next stage would involve screwing another metal called an abutment into the anchor. This abutment sticks out a bit so that a tooth can be fixed onto it. The replacement tooth is fixed and then the patient is given directions on how to care for the tooth and their general oral hygiene.
There is another procedure though that is rather new and takes just one day. Many dentists believe this still needs time to be able to tell how successful it is and it requires that the person has very good bone mass for it to be successful.
Is it Worth it?
In evaluating the value of implants, it is good to note that there are a lot of difficulties a person would face with some teeth missing. It can affect their speech, self-confidence and even diet and health. Having implants will deal with all these issues.
Besides, the implants are known to last a lifetime as long as the patient follows the guidelines like flossing, not smoking and brushing regularly. In most cases the procedure is successful and a person can enjoy their life like they have real teeth.
There is however no doubt that dental implants price can go into thousands of dollars depending on the complication level and most insurance companies do not cover the cost of implants. Some people may opt for cheaper options like having dentures or bridges, but if you compare the durability and level of comfort, implants may seem like a better option.
In the end, though it is about the individual and what they would consider best for them, implants carried out by a specialist are worth the cost.