Dental Implant Basics | This site provides you with resources and links to basic information on dental implants.

Sometimes there are cases wherein a patient loses several teeth due to severe deterioration of the health of the teeth or due to a major accident which could have caused injury in his teeth. In cases like these, patients can opt for implant-supported bridges in order to replace several missing teeth. This works by allowing the dental implants to replace the missing tooth roots. Patients will find that implant-supported bridge method will give them more natural-looking and more natural-feeling teeth. In addition to this, implant-supported bridges will preserve the bone by integrating the implants with the jawbone, hence, making it more intact and healthy.

When a patient is missing only one tooth, the single tooth replacement method may be used to replace the missing tooth using one implant and one crown. As the implant replaces the root and as the attached crown replaces the visible tooth, the patient will notice that dental implant looks and feels more natural. Also, in the single tooth replacement method, the neighboring teeth are untouched, therefore, minimizing future complications. Other treatments typically used in replacing a missing single tooth include a tooth-supported fixed bridge which lets the adjacent teeth support the cemented bridge. All in all, dental implants will help your jawbone become stronger as they keep the bone more intact.

Dental implant surgery has always been one of the most widely performed dental surgeries in the world. The price of dental implants differs from one country to another. For example, in the United States, dental implants normally cost around $2,500, and around $12,000 per arch for full mouth reconstructions. As a matter of fact, dental implants can even cost you a whopping $50,000 depending on the gravity or complexity of the patient’s case. Dental implants cost between £2000-£2800 in the United Kingdom and around 5,000 NIS in Israel for single implants. Single implants cost around 250-350$ in Iraq and around 700-800$ in Turkey and Egypt.

In preparing yourself for that dental implant surgery you have always wanted, it would also be good if you can familiarize yourself with the financial burden that you are expected to encounter in having the treatment. To get a clearer picture of how much you should prepare for your dental implant budget, here is a run-down of the fee structure of the three basic components of the tooth that will be restored using implants:

1. The cost of the dental implant surgery
2. The cost of the post or abutment placed on the healed implant.
3. The cost of the crown placed on the top of the post.

Also, bear in mind that there is a possibility that you might need multiple implants and crowns so be sure you’re really ready for all the expenses.

The history of dental implants traces back to the Mayan people who had shells inserted in the sockets of their missing teeth and the Egyptian mummies which were discovered to have gold wire implants in their jawbones. Dating for almost thousands of years, these mummies testify to the fact that the concept of dental implants were already in existence even before its popularity in the 80’s. There is an exhibit which showcases pre-Columbian skeletal remains with dental implants made of semi-precious stones. Also, ivory implants were found in skeletons from the Middle Ages unearthed in the Middle East and an iron dental implant was found in the jawbone of a Roman soldier discovered in Europe. However, modern implantology was said to have begun in the 1980’s along with the increased popularity of the titanium cylinder. Since then, modern implantology has started building a strong foundation in the field of dentistry.

In a simple dental procedure like dental implant treatment, almost anyone who has enough bone to hold the dental implant is considered as a good candidate. Dentists also list the common characteristics of a potential candidate for the treatment in order to inform patients on what they need to do prepare themselves in getting their dental implants. Overall, a good candidate for dental implants has:

1. Good health
2. Healthy gums
3. Sufficient bone to hold the implants in the jaw.
4. The capacity to commit himself in regularly maintaining proper oral hygiene which includes daily brushing and flossing, and scheduling regular visits to the dentist.

Almost anyone can get dental implants if they want to since this dental treatment only requires from the patient good oral health and sufficient bone available in the areas in which the implants will be placed. However, there are some people who cannot undergo dental implant treatment due to factors which could affect the condition of the implants and due to existing medical conditions which can have medical contradictions with the procedure. These people are:

1. Pregnant women
2. Heavy smokers
3. Patients with chronic diseases or systemic problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, hemophilia.
4. Alcohol or substance abusers.
5. Patients who habitually grind or clench their teeth.
6. Patients who have undergone treatment with high-dose irradiation of the head or neck.
7. Patients using steroids or drugs which restrain the immune system.

So you’ve finally decided to get dental implants and you just can’t wait to see how the new “you” will look. Surely, you have done enough research about the procedure, the perfect dentist, the expenses, etc. You know you shouldn’t take any chances, especially since you will be shedding a significant amount of money, effort and time on this dental procedure. However, you might be forgetting about doing some researching on dental implant manufacturers. Remember, every bit of information counts and knowing where your implants are coming from will help you decide on the perfect treatment for you. Some of these dental implant manufacturers are:

1. Branemark
2. Paragon
3. ITI
4. Calcitek
5. Astratech
6. Bicon Dental Implants
7. Imtec Dental Implants
8. Steri-oss
9. Zest Anchors
10. Implant Innovations Inc.
11. Biohorizons
12. Lifecore Biomedical