One or more missing teeth can impact more than just your confidence. Losing teeth can affect your jaw's function, your ability to eat, and the alignment of your bite. If you lose a tooth, you will want to look into replacement options as soon as possible. There are various options to choose from when it comes to tooth replacement, but dental implants may be the right option for you. Here's what you need to know about dental implants.

How They Work

Knowing how dental implants work is the first step toward determining whether they will meet your needs. Implants are placed into the jaw via surgery and act as replacement tooth roots. Once it heals, a connector, also known as an abutment, is attached. After the implant is in place, there are a few options. A crown is attached to the abutment to replace a single tooth. If you have numerous teeth missing, dental implants can be used to support removable dentures and bridges. Implants offer stable support for these tooth replacement options. 

They Are Highly Successful

If you are unsure of dental implants, it's essential to know that implants' success rate is high. Between 90 and 95 percent of dental implant procedures are a success, and once your implant is in place, it will most likely last for the remainder of your life. There are a few things that can increase the chances of dental implant failure. Gum disease, some medical conditions like diabetes, insufficient jaw bone, and smoking can lead to dental implant failure. Before beginning the process, make sure you discuss the chances of dental implant failure with your surgeon.

They Are Expensive

There are a few things that can impact the cost of dental implants. Tissue or bone grafts may be needed to prepare the area for the implant. This will increase your expenses. Even without these additional procedures, dental implants are expensive, and it's unlikely that your insurance will cover a significant portion of the costs. The price of just one dental implant is usually between $3,000 and $4,500. The good news is that they last much longer than other kinds of tooth replacement. Implants are cost-effective over time.

If you are looking into dental implants, there are a few things that you need to know. Implants require surgery and won't work for everyone. However, if you do decide to go with dental implants, they have a high success rate. The upfront cost of dental implants is high, but they are cost-effective since they last for a lifetime.