Dental Implants: Cost, Concerns, and Why They’re Better than Other Options

For many people, part of their dental health journeys involve having dental implants. Having bad teeth get replaced is part of what keeps mouths and bones healthy and stable after decay or damage sets in. Dentists have been able to determine a very effective and efficient way of maintaining good oral health through utilizing dental implants. Dental implants cost, as well as changes in your mouth because of dental implants, and changes in your oral health will be major factors to consider when making important oral health decisions like this. These factors will help you see all the ways dental implants can benefit you.

What is a Dental Implant?

The procedure is done by putting a screw into the jaw where a healthy tooth would have grown its root. On top of the screw, a piece called an “abutment” sits sticking up where your tooth would be. 

The dental implant abutment isn’t shaped like a tooth, so it is then covered or capped by a “crown.” While some teeth need the protection of just a crown by itself, missing teeth, either from falling out or having been damaged enough to be removed, will have to be fully replaced with a dental implant.

What are Dental Implants Made of? 

The screw and abutment are usually made of the same material, while the crown is made of a different material. The screw and abutment in dental implants are pretty much made of either Titanium or Zirconia.

Titanium is used frequently for medical procedures as it actually fits with the body naturally, so the body almost never rejects the material. When the screw is put in your jaw, the bone will actually grow around it instead of wearing away. Your bone re-growing only takes between 6 to 12 weeks!

Zirconia is a more recent development. It is used when you want to have the screw and abutment all in one piece. This keeps the abutment one steady height and shape and can’t be changed like an attached abutment, which can screw on and off.