Dental Implants
Table of Contents
Losing teeth can change how your bite feels and even make your face look different. It might also make you feel shy about your smile. Dental implants are a reliable and popular choice for replacing missing teeth. They are like artificial tooth roots, made of titanium or ceramics, that are surgically implanted into your jawbone. Over a few months, your bone grows around the implant, making it stable. Then, replacement teeth are attached to the implant with a small metal piece, filling in the empty spaces.
Dental implants have three parts: the implant itself, which goes into your bone, the abutment, which fits over the implant, and the crown, which looks like a natural tooth.
Dental implants are strong and steady, providing a lasting way to fill the spaces from lost teeth. They offer several advantages over other options like dentures or bridges because they improve the appearance and enhance the mouth function. Furthermore, dental implants act like natural teeth and last a long time.
This guide will explain all you need to know about dental implants, whether you’re considering getting them for the first time or just want to learn more.
Types of dental implants
There are four main types of dental implants, each suitable for different replacement needs depending on jawbone density.
- Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implants and are ideal for patients with healthy jawbone density. Dentists place endosteal implants directly into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once the implant fuses with the jawbone, they attach a replacement tooth or bridge.
- Subperiosteal implants: These implants sit on the jawbone under the gum tissue. They are a good choice for patients who lack enough healthy jawbone and cannot undergo a bone augmentation procedure. They consist of a metal framework that supports the replacement tooth or bridge.
- All-on-4 implants: This type of implant is suitable for patients who need to replace an entire arch of teeth. Dentists strategically place four implants to support a complete set of replacement teeth with All-on-4 implants. This technique provides a stable and cost-effective solution for patients with multiple missing teeth.
- Zygomatic implants: Zygomatic implants are suitable for cases with severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Dentists anchor the implant to the cheekbone (zygoma) instead of placing it in the jawbone to stabilize the replacement teeth. This approach eliminates the need for bone grafting procedures.
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Comparing Dental Implants with Other Tooth Replacement Options
Several options are available for replacing missing teeth, including dentures and dental bridges. While each option has advantages, dental implants offer unique benefits.
Dental Implants Compared to Dentures
Dental implants offer a more stable and durable solution compared to dentures. They are securely anchored into the jawbone, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worrying about teeth shifting or coming loose. Unlike dentures, which require removal for cleaning and can sometimes feel uncomfortable, dental implants are maintained just like natural teeth. In addition, implants help preserve the structure of the jawbone and facial integrity, which dentures cannot provide, as they do not stimulate the jawbone.
Dental Implants Compared to Dental Bridges
Dental implants provide several advantages over dental bridges regarding aesthetics, functionality, and oral health preservation. Implants are individually placed without affecting adjacent teeth, preserving more of your natural tooth structure than bridges, often requiring the alteration of neighboring teeth to anchor the bridge. Additionally, implants stimulate and preserve the jawbone, preventing the bone deterioration that can occur with bridges, which do not provide direct stimulation to the underlying bone. As a result, it helps maintain the integrity of your facial structure and overall oral health.
Other Benefits of implants
Here are some other advantages of dental implants:
Aesthetic and Functional Benefits—implants improve your teeth look and function.
Long-lasting Solution—implants can last a lifetime with proper care. They are a cost-effective, long-term solution that eliminates the need for frequent replacements or repairs.
Jawbone Preservation—Implants help maintain and preserve the jawbone, preventing bone deterioration that occurs with missing teeth over time.
Supports Facial Structure—Implants provide necessary structural support for your facial features, helping to maintain your natural face shape.
Protects Adjacent Teeth—Dental implants protect surrounding natural teeth by filling gaps and preventing teeth from shifting into empty spaces.
Eating Comfort—Implants allow you to eat any food without discomfort or digestion issues. They provide a stable bite, so you can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about your teeth shifting or coming loose.
Convenience and ease of maintenance—implants are designed to look like natural teeth. Dental implants can be cared for just like natural teeth. There is no need for messy adhesives or unique cleaning solutions.
Longevity and Maintenance of Implants
Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution, often enduring for decades with proper care. Oral hygiene, lifestyle choices, and regular dental visits can influence the durability of implants. To ensure the longevity of your implants, practice diligent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash according to your dentist’s recommendation. Additionally, attending regular dental check-ups is crucial for professional cleanings and monitoring the condition of your implants. (Internal Links)
Cost Considerations and Insurance
On average, the cost for a single dental implant in Iran ranges from $250 to $400, typically including the implant, the abutment, and the crown. Prices can vary based on the brand of materials used; for example, implants using Korean brand materials may cost about $285 to $430, while premium brands like Straumann from Germany range between $500 and $860.
Insurance coverage for dental implants varies by plan, with many insurers offering partial coverage or specific conditions that must be met. Many dental offices provide financing options for those without full insurance support to help manage the cost. Discussing these possibilities with your dentist and reviewing your insurance plan is essential to understanding what kind of financial assistance you can expect.
For more detailed information about these prices and to compare them with costs in other countries, please refer to our blog titled “Most Affordable Dental Implants: A Comparison of Costs in Iran and Other Countries.”
There are roughly 60 different companies that make dental implants and related materials, offering a variety of types. So, dentists have multiple options to choose the best treatment based on a patient’s needs. However, remember that if you switch dentists after starting treatment, the new dentist might not be familiar with or have access to the implants used by the previous one. Therefore, it’s best to have the same dentist complete your treatment.
Common concerns and misconceptions about dental implants
- Are dental implants painful?
Local anesthesia numbs the area during implant surgery, so you won’t feel pain. However, you may experience discomfort and swelling afterward. Your dentist will manage these symptoms effectively with pain medication.
- Are dental implants expensive?
While implants may cost more upfront than other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges, they are a cost-effective choice in the long run. Moreover, implants are durable and prevent the need for frequent replacements or repairs, saving money over time.
- Can anyone get implants?
Most people are good candidates for dental implants, but factors like overall health, jawbone density, and oral hygiene play a role. In the end, your dentist will assess your situation to decide if implants are right for you.
- How long do dental implants last?
Implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. So, maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular check-ups, and following your dentist’s advice to ensure their longevity is crucial.
If you are considering implants, take the time to find a qualified specialist who understands your needs. This article provides more about selecting the most qualified dentist for implants.
Conclusion: Is a dental implant the right choice for you?
Implants are an incredible solution for replacing missing teeth, improving oral health, and restoring your smile.
Dental implants improve appearance, enhance oral health, and improve speech and eating capabilities. They provide a long-lasting solution.
Dental implants also have several advantages over other tooth replacement options, such as stability, preservation of jawbone, a natural look and feel, and convenience.
At Dr. Noorbakhsh Dentistry in Tehran, on Fereshteh Street, we use the latest techniques in implants. You can reach out to our office for more information. You can also visit our Instagram page to learn more about how Dr. Noorbakhsh performs her surgeries on patients and to read the testimonials of different kinds of patients, which will allow you to have peace of mind knowing that you can trust us and that we will be able to give you the results that you are looking for.
If you are considering dental implants and want to know more about the implant procedure, refer to this article.
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