Dental implants are equipment for prosthetic care. Dental implants are a standard procedure that dentists suggest to replace damaged or missing teeth with metal screw-like posts and artificial teeth. It is scary enough to visit a doctor armed with a whirring drill without worrying about choosing the correct procedure for you and managing the costs. However, dental implants are a whole other nightmare. But there is more to dental implants than just this.

What are dental implants?
Since their invention in 1952, dental implants have replaced bad teeth and fixed smiles. This surgical procedure involves fusing the implant with the jawbone to mimic natural teeth. These implants have several advantages – they are stable, reduce sensitivity in the teeth, and are more durable and convenient than dentures, especially if only one or two teeth are missing in one’s mouth. In addition, dental implantation allows maintenance of the aesthetics of one’s teeth while also not compromising functionality. 

What are the alternatives?
When teeth are missing, dentists recommend three options: dentures, dental bridges, and implants. Dentures are the most affordable option but are generally inconvenient to use and come with side effects like loss of taste and sensory experience with food. And these can be complete or partial. Dental bridgework is also common, but the problem is their integrity relies on existing teeth. Dental implants, however, do not have any of these disadvantages. They are supported only by the jaw bone and adequately restore function and form. 

A few factors influence a dentist’s decision to perform a dental implant. These include the location of the tooth or teeth, the quality of the jaw bone, its strength and density, the general health status of the patient, and preference and cost. 

Types of dental implants
There were two types of dental implants – endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are in the bone, while Subperiosteal is positioned over the jawbone and under the gum tissue. The latter type of implant is not in use today. 

The dental implants available today are of 4 main types – Single tooth implants, implant-supported bridge, all-on-4 dental implants, and 3-on-6 dental implants. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages. Apart from requirement and function, the costs also vary. These four types of implants are briefly discussed below. 

Single tooth implant
It is the best option for dental replacement procedures when a single tooth is missing. It offers an ideal solution when one tooth or teeth not positioned side by side need replacing. A dental crown is placed over the titanium post fused to the jaw bone. The crown is designed to match the shape of the remaining teeth, thus giving comfort and maintaining aesthetics. The average cost ranges from $3,000 to $4,000. 

Implant-supported bridge
When several teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge is ideal. These implants act as an anchor for the bridge instead of the natural tooth. It not only restores function but also prevents movement in other teeth. It works by being supported by natural teeth and is adjusted to fill the gaps in your teeth. It improves the eating experience as well as speaking function. Such implant-supported bridges cost anywhere between $5,000 to $16,000. The disadvantage of this type of implant is that, though natural teeth are not altered, there is typically some bone loss in that area since there is no osseointegration and stimulated bone growth. 

All-on-4 dental implants
A more secure solution when you are missing several teeth is an all-on-4 dental implant. It is one of the most recommended procedures for permanently restoring multiple missing teeth. The entire upper or lower jaw, or in some cases, both arches, are restored by this method. Typically the overdenture is removed for cleaning and dental exams. On average, this procedure costs between $15,000 to $20,000 for each arch. This procedure is also helpful for patients who have decay or gum disease and have thus lost all their teeth. The implants are placed strategically in locations in the jaw that are strong. It is stable, non-removable, feels more natural than removable dentures, and is simpler than installing multiple dental implants. This method of dental implant is also more durable and improves oral health. 

3-on-6 dental implants
Another alternative to implant retained dentures is the 3-on-6 implant. As the name suggests, three dental bridges are attached to six dental implants. It is ideal for full-mouth reconstruction as it not only restores function but also improves the bite by evenly distributing the bite force. There is no need for synthetic gums, and it is also aesthetically pleasing. The process costs between $10,000 to $15,000 per arch. 

What is the cost of dental implants?
As discussed before, the cost of a dental implant procedure depends mainly on the type you choose, with all-on-4 costing the highest and single-tooth implants being the most ineffective. However, be mindful that the costs discussed are for entire mouth reconstruction in the case of all-on-4, i.e., an entire arch, but only a single tooth for the single implant. These single implants also vary in price from $500 to $8000 based on the material used, the region of tooth loss, the complexity of the case, and, of course, the experience of the dentist. 

What about insurance?
Unfortunately, the expense of dental procedures is not always covered by health insurance. Further, dental insurance typically does not pay for dental implant placement. Some insurances pay for the crown portion of the implant alone. Unfortunately, this procedure is often seen as an elective procedure, even though implants are the standard in dental care for replacing missing teeth. It is a conservative, practical and successful option that will restore both your functionality and aims to preserve aesthetics.