There are a variety of reasons why you may end up losing a tooth. Injury, illness, and dental decay can mean losing one or more teeth. Losing a tooth or multiple teeth can have a negative impact on your daily life. Not only do missing teeth impact your appearance, but they can also have an impact on how you speak and eat. The good news is that if you are one of the 120 million Americans who are missing at least one tooth, there are a variety of tooth replacement options available. One option that you may want to consider is dental implants. Here's what you should know.

How They Work

Dental implants are considered to be the most natural looking and feeling tooth replacement option available. Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots that are surgically inserted into your jaw. They are made of titanium and are typically either a screw or a bracket. An abutment is then attached to the implant followed by a crown. Implants can be cared for just like normal teeth with just brushing and flossing. They also make eating and speaking naturally easier.

The Cost

If you are considering dental implant services for your missing teeth, it's important to consider the cost. Costs can vary depending on your situation. In some cases, bone grafting or tissue grafting is necessary before the implants are put into place. This can increase your total costs. On average a single dental implant ranges in price between $2,400 and $3,000. With bone grafts and other procedures, the cost of a single dental implant may be closer to $4,000 to $10,000. While dental implants can be very pricey, they are one of the longest lasting tooth replacement options available. 

The Process

If you are looking for quick tooth replacement, dental implant services may not be the right option for you. The process involves multiple procedures and can require months of healing time. How long it takes will depend on your needs and whether or not bone or tissue grafting is required. If you require bone grafting before the implant is put into place, you'll need around four months of healing time in between the graft and the implant surgery. The entire process can take anywhere from a few months to upwards of a year depending on your needs.

If you are considering dental implants, contact local dental implant services and determine if implants are right for you.

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