Many people have missing teeth, but that doesn't mean you have to live without them. There are many ways to replace missing teeth, including dental implants. If you would like to know more about dental implants, keep reading.

What Is a Dental Implant?

Technically, a dental implant is a titanium artificial tooth root. It's inserted into the gums and jawbone like a real tooth. Over time, the area heals, and the bone fuses with the titanium implant. Once healed, the dentist places a crown on top of the implant to replace the missing tooth.

If you have multiple missing teeth, the dentist can use dental implants to support dental bridges and dentures. This is a great way to save money because you need fewer implants to replace the correct number of teeth.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

There are a handful of benefits to dental implants, but the leading benefit is that titanium fuses to bone. This creates a powerful and stable hold, making implants strong and durable. In fact, with good care, the implant could last the rest of your life. However, you may need to replace the dental crown.

This also means dental implants don't put stress and strain on other teeth. Dental bridges rely on healthy teeth to support the bridge, which can cause excess wear and tear on those healthy teeth. Plus, tooth enamel is removed to fit the bridge. Since the enamel can't regrow, and enamel protects the tooth from decay, the process permanently alters these healthy anchor teeth.

Finally, dental implants promote a healthy jawbone. The titanium root stimulates the jawbone, giving it a job, which prevents it from atrophying. Dental bridges and dentures don't correct this issue because they don't use the jawbone.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Dental implants are an investment in your smile, and they aren't cheap. The price increases if you choose an implant-supported bridge or implant-supported dentures, but they replace multiple teeth.

The price also increases if you need additional services, which is common. Many people with tooth loss have gum disease, and you'll need to manage your gum disease and treat the symptoms (gum recession and bone loss) with a gum graft or bone graft. Even if you don't have gum disease, you may need a bone graft because missing teeth cause bone loss.

Dental implants are a durable way to replace missing teeth. They are strong and can last a long time. If you want to know more about dental implants, contact a dentist in your area today.