The last few decades have witnessed rapid advancement in the field of medical science and technology. This has made it possible for the millions of people worldwide who were suffering from dental problems to get healthy and natural-looking teeth and retain all the natural functions of normal teeth. A big force behind this revolution is the conception of dental implants.
Let us find out more about this dental science discovery that all dentists swear by.
What are dental implants?
Invented in 1952 by Per-Ingvar Branemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon, dental implants are surgical fixtures that are placed into the jawbone of your mouth. They are allowed to fuse into the bone structure in the coming few months and be placed permanently. The dental implant acts as a clever replacement for a tooth’s missing root. These implants provide a foundation that is not only strong but also durable and permanent, closely resembling the natural teeth.
Why would you need a dental implant?
If you are considering tooth replacement, you only have three sustainable and reliable options:
- Dentures
- Dental bridge
- Dental implant
When it comes to dentures, these are cheap and economical. However, they require you to constant insert and remove them at regular intervals as they are not fixed to a place. Imagine having to deal with the inconvenience of a removable and wobbly appliance in your mouth all day long!
As for dental bridgework, its main setback is its complete dependence on the adjacent natural teeth for support. This can provide a visible amount of discomfort to your jaw, and in certain cases, even cause pain.
Dental implants are solely sustained by the bones and do not require any help or support of your natural teeth. These allow your teeth and jaw to function to their fullest capability, providing least amount of restriction, unlike the alternatives.
Types of dental implants:
Dental implants are of two types:
- Endosteal implant, referring to the dental implant that is done inside the bone.
- Subperiosteal implant is thewhere the implant rests atop the jawbone and below the gum tissue.
These days, endosteal implants are more in demand because of better and long lasting results compared to the subperiosteal implant.
Advantages of dental implants:
- Dental implants carry the look and feel of a normal tooth.
- They restore your smile and enhance the aesthetics of your pearly whites.
- They make it easier to eat and speak effortlessly without any friction or discomfort.
- Most importantly, they provide immense stability to the teeth.
- Lastly, once fixed, they blend in and fuse with the teeth permanently.
Cost of dental implants:
Costs usually vary according to the region or geographical location, and who is performing the procedure.
However, if we were to draw an estimate, it would be anywhere around $3000 to $4500 or RM6,000 to RM10,000 in Malaysia according to BeverlyWilshireDental. This includes the surgery for implant placement, different components involved and the implant crown.
Even with a success rate of over 98 percent, dental implants costs are still not covered by dental insurance in general. But, you could discuss with your dentist and insurance provider for coverage under medical insurance plans.
Conclusion:
Dental implants have become a common standard practice recommended by most dentists now for their permanent stability and effectiveness. However, before undergoing the implant procedure, get all your queries such as how painful are dental implants and how to take care of the implants, cleared from your dentist.
