Did you know, according to DentalPlans.com, Americans spend approximately $2.75 billion on cosmetic dentistry procedures each year? It’s not terribly surprising that we’re so concerned with the way our teeth, and, subsequently, our smiles look. After all, as a study from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry shows, 74% of people believe an unattractive smile can hinder professional success, while 96% believe that an attractive smile is the key to finding love.
One of the most popular types of cosmetic dental work is the dental implant. As the name implies, dental implants are used to replace lost or damaged teeth. If you’re asking yourself why you should bother when dentures exist, keep reading. You’ll find that this type of cosmetic dental work is light-years ahead of anything else.
How Are They Installed?
As the Academy of Osseointegration writes, this type of cosmetic teeth surgery is a three-step process:
- First, a titanium implant is inserted into your jaw bone to serve as a replacement root. This stage is usually followed by a healing period to ensure that your jaw accepts the base.
- Next, an abutment, something like a cap, is placed into the titanium root. Once again, you will be given adequate time to heal following the procedure.
- Lastly, the prosthetic tooth is fitted and secured to the top of the abutment, and just like that, you have a natural, attractive new tooth.
Average Dental Implant Prices
As you can see, this particular type of cosmetic dental work yields a very convincing, very attractive new tooth. As such, dental implants tend to be more expensive than other cosmetic dental procedures. As the statistics from the Dental Implant Cost Guide show, dental implant costs average about $4,250 per tooth in the United States. It’s important to note that most insurance agencies don’t yet view dental implants as a necessary procedure, and as such, most will not cover the costs. Some will cover up to 10% of the bill.
Will You Have to Have Your Dental Implants Replaced?
After seeing the average cost of dental implants, it’s only natural for you to think that you’d be better off just buying dentures. However, what most don’t realize is that unlike dentures that require you to constantly take them out to clean — even then you’ll have to replace them — dental implants are a far more permanent solution. According to OsseoNews.com, dental implant procedures have a 95% success rate, and once they’re successfully installed, they last a lifetime, assuming you maintain your dental hygiene.
Dental implants are undoubtedly among the most expensive types of dental work out there. That being said, implants are also some of the most durable, attractive replacement options on the market. If you’ve lost or are losing your teeth, this option is well worth your consideration. Find more on this here.
