Albertville, AL
Have you lost a permanent tooth? If so, you are not alone. Hundreds of millions of Americans have lost at least one tooth in their life. Whether you experienced tooth loss as the result of an injury, damage from severe tooth decay, or an extraction, you probably know the importance of finding a replacement for your lost teeth. Currently, a dental implant represents the finest available method of tooth replacement. Many patients want dental implants but are hesitant to pursue them as a treatment option because of the cost. Today on the blog, our implant dentist in Albertville explores the factors that go into the cost of a dental implant.
The facts on dental implants
An implant consists of three parts: the implant screw, which is made of a durable metal; a crown, which replaces the exterior of the lost tooth and is matched in shape and color to your other natural teeth; and an abutment, which connects the implant to the crown. Part of the cost of an implant is from the quality of the materials used. In most cases, the implant screw is made of titanium, a highly durable but somewhat costly substance.
The implant procedure
First, you will meet with your implant dentist for a consultation to ensure you are a good candidate for this procedure. Once the work begins, the first step is the placement of the implant screw, which is inserted surgically into the jawbone. Not all dentists possess the requisite qualifications to install an implant. Make sure you choose one with significant experience in the specialization of implant dentistry, and/or oral surgery.
The benefits of dental implants
Virtually permanent: A well-maintained dental bridge will begin to fail and need to be replaced after about a decade. Dentures need to be cleaned, adjusted, and eventually replaced. A dental implant, by contrast, can last the rest of your life, especially if you maintain a good regimen of oral hygiene that includes daily brushing and flossing, in combination with routine dental cleanings and oral examinations.
Prevents bone loss: No other method of tooth replacement provides the stimulation to the jawbone that once was provided by the tooth root. Without replacing this stimulation., the deterioration of the supporting bone structure is an inevitable long-term consequence of tooth loss. When this deterioration occurs, the jawbone begins to resorb into the body, which can threaten the structural integrity of other teeth, cause crooked teeth, and even lead to the development of a case of TMJ disorder.
Effectiveness: The general success rate of dental implants is about 97 percent after 10 years and still a strong 75 percent after 20 years, according to one recently completed study. Implants also look and function more like natural teeth than any other alternative method of replacing lost teeth.
Implant dentistry in Albertville, Boaz and Guntersville in Alabama
We recognize that implants have a higher cost than other methods of tooth replacement but, when you consider the durability and function of an implant, the long-term benefits outweigh the financial cost. High-quality dental care is more affordable than you might think. Wall Street Dentistry accepts a variety of different payment options, including financing and a membership plan. To learn more about dental implants, schedule a consultation at Wall Street Dentistry today. Just call (256) 878-0525 or complete our contact form online.