No matter where you turn, it’s inevitable that you will see an ad for dental implants. But is it the right option for your mouth? Here’s what you need to know about this advanced service and how to see if our dental implants in Bristol VA are the best choice for you.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants act as the ultimate tooth replacement currently available in the dental field. The tooth or teeth will be surgically implanted into the jawbone for maximum stability.
This fusion acts much like a pillar of concrete. The stress from biting will be transmitted directly through to the bone, instead of putting pressure on the tooth. These teeth will function just like real teeth and offer a permanent solution for your current tooth loss.
The Effect of Tooth Loss on the Bone
The alveolar bone encases teeth and is an extension of the jawbone. This special bone develops with the teeth and can also be lost when teeth get removed or break.
This bone literally melts away. This happens most frequently in the upper front teeth. You may notice that the gum or lips appear to collapse or cave in. Unfortunately, the smile doesn’t hide issues in this area well and it will cause you to become self-conscious of your looks.
Candidates for Implants
If you want to pursue using dental implants, there are certain guidelines that must be met:
• The tooth must be able to be placed in the correct positioning within the mouth for function.
• There needs to be enough bone for the implant to take hold.
• If there isn’t enough bone density, there would need to be other measures taken like grafting to increase that before implants are performed.
Cost of Implants
Up until recently, the most common way to replace lost teeth was a bridge. A typical bridge will last about 10 years and cost $3,000 – $4,000. If you spend this over the course of 30 years, you could easily spend $10,000.
An implant tends to last for up to 30 years. The total cost normally is somewhere between $3,500 – $5,000. While the initial investment might be more than a bridge, overall you are actually saving money.
To determine if you are able to replace your lost teeth with dental implants in Bristol, be sure to set up a consultation with us today. We think you’ll be amazed at the difference a quality implant can make for your smile and self-esteem. Call our Bristol location at (276) 466-2028 or our Blountville, TN location at (423) 217-1338 to learn more about dental implants and their benefits for you.