Tips to Save a Tooth That is Knocked Out

It was not that long ago that the best way to fix missing teeth was with dental bridges. The procedure involved grinding down the teeth next to the missing tooth, and using them as anchors for a fake tooth. A dental bridge is not a very secure way to replace a missing tooth, as there is a chance the fake tooth could come loose and fall out once again. A single tooth implant is a much better alternative, with a 95% success rate for those that receive one. Before having a dental implant installed, it is important to know the cost, construction, and risks of dental implants.

Cost

The main reason that many people decide against getting dental implants are the costs. On average, a single dental implant can cost $7,500. Since it is considered a cosmetic procedure, it will be challenging to find an insurance policy that will cover the cost. Dental insurance will often cover bridges, as they cost a fraction of the price of an implant, averaging around $1,000 per tooth. This often leads to having to pay for your dental implant completely out of pocket.

Another expensive part of the dental implant procedure will be having a crown installed. A crown will cost the same for a natural tooth or an implant, averaging around $950.

Construction

Dental implants are made up of 3 parts. It starts with installing the titanium post into your jawbone. It will take several months for the jawbone to bond to the post, making it a secure fixture of your mouth. In the meantime, you can wear a temporary fake tooth to hide the post.

Once the jawbone has finished healing, an extender is placed onto the titanium post for the crown to attach to. Then the crown is created and installed onto the extender. It will create a completely natural looking tooth that will be difficult for others to notice.

Risks

Having a dental implant installed is an invasive surgical procedure. Some of the complications include nerve damage, damage to healthy teeth, and infection. If you are having an implant installed in your upper jaw, it can trigger sinus problems. In cases where jawbone does not accept the dental implant, it would involve removing the post, waiting for the jawbone to heal, and performing the procedure again.

By understanding the cost, construction, and risks of having a dental implant installed, it should give you enough information to make an informed decision about if it is right for you. Contact a company like Nashville Periodontal Group for more information.