By Maylands Dental Centre 
Losing a tooth is never fun. Not only can it be painful and embarrassing but it interferes with chewing and speaking.
If you have missing teeth, dental implants are worth considering. Though they involve a greater upfront cost than other tooth replacement options, such as bridges and dentures, dental implants offer durability and improved function that can’t be found elsewhere. Despite the high cost, many people still opt for dental implants because of the benefits that they offer.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about the many aspects of dental implants so you can decide if they are worth their cost. Keep reading!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are worth their weight in gold – quite literally. They are usually made out of titanium, a metal that is compatible with the human body. They are inserted into the jaw bone and eventually fuses with the bone tissue. This creates a strong and sturdy foundation for dental restoration work.
Each dental implant consists of three parts:
- The titanium post (which is inserted into the jaw bone) will serve as replacement tooth roots
- The abutment (which is attached to the post)
- The dental restoration or false teeth (which are attached to the abutment) could either be a crown, dental bridge, or dentures
There are four main types of dental implants:
- Single-Tooth Dental Implants: Single-tooth dental implants are used to replace a single missing tooth. The single implant is placed in the jawbone and left to heal for three to six months before the abutment and dental crown can be attached.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Implant-supported bridges are used to replace multiple missing teeth. Unlike traditional bridges which are anchored to natural teeth, implant-supported bridges are attached to implants embedded in bone. This way, your natural teeth are preserved since there is no need to trim them.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Implant-supported dentures are used to replace a full set of missing teeth. They provide a greater level of stability and comfort compared to traditional dentures. This is because they are fixed and completely supported by implants. They are made of teeth and need around 6-8 implants.
- All-on-Four Dental Implants: All-on-four dental implants are used to replace a full arch of teeth. The dental procedure requires four strategically placed implants in the jawbone, where they are allowed to fuse to the bone for 3-6 months following implant placement. After which, a full arch of prosthetic teeth (temporary dentures) will be attached.
You should consider dental implants if you are missing one or more teeth. They look and feel like real teeth and can help restore your smile to its former glory.
What Benefits Do Dental Implants Offer?
When considering dental implants, it’s important to weigh the benefits of dental implants against the cost. Dental implants are not cheap, but they offer several benefits that make them worth the investment. Here are six benefits of dental implants:
- Dental implants are long-lasting. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, unlike other treatment options, such as dentures, which need to be replaced every few years.
- Dental implants look and feel natural. Because they’re placed directly into your jawbone, they fuse with your natural bone and provide support for your artificial teeth just like the roots of your natural teeth.
- Dental implants don’t slip or move around as dentures can. This gives you the confidence to eat and speak without worrying about your teeth slipping out of place.
- Dental implants can help preserve your natural teeth. Unlike other tooth replacement options that rely on neighbouring or adjacent teeth for support, dental implants are placed directly into your jawbone, leaving your healthy natural teeth untouched.
- Dental implants can help prevent bone loss in your jaw. When you lose a tooth, the bone that supported that tooth starts to deteriorate. Dental implants stimulate bone growth and help prevent further bone loss in the jaw.
- Dental implants can improve your speech. Removable dentures can slip around in your mouth, causing you to mumble or slur your words. With dental implants, you’ll be able to speak clearly and without worry.
Many people are under the impression that dental implants are purely cosmetic. While it’s true that they can greatly improve the appearance of your smile, there are more benefits of dental implants that some people are unaware of.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Dental Implants?
Dental implants are not cheap. In fact, they are one of the most expensive tooth restoration options available. But while dental implants may have a higher initial cost than other tooth replacement options, their long-term benefits make them an excellent investment for many patients.
So, how much do dental implants cost? The answer depends on several factors, including the number of implants being placed and the type of implant being used.
Generally speaking, single-tooth implants can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000. Implant-supported bridges tend to fall in the $6,300 to $9,500 range, while implant-supported dentures can cost between $15,000 an