A nice smile is something you can’t put a price on, but unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to go through our entire lives with a set of pearly whites.

In some instances, where it is due to poor dental hygiene, an unfortunate accident or perhaps even an illness, some individuals need to make due with a less-than-perfect smile and this could not only impact their self esteem, but also their overall quality of life.

The good news is that you don’t need to go your whole life covering your mouth with your hand for fear of exposing your teethe (or lack thereof) to the world – there are affordable dental implants plans that can help you looking your best in no time at all. Simply read our handy guide of questions and answers to make the best decision.

Why Should I Consider Dental Implants?

A dental implant is basically something that replaces one or many teeth in your mouth that had to be removed due to various reasons. An implant is not a temporary fix – it is something that could last your entire life.

What is more, they don’t shift in the mouth like dentures do, so they are more comfortable to eat and speak with. Furthermore, there’s no danger of them slipping out of your mouth while you speak, as dentures sometimes do.

When Should I Consider Implants?

When a tooth is removed from your mouth, you can often end up with bone loss (which occurs very quickly) and so it’s usually best to get an implant fairly soon after losing the tooth or teeth. If you’ve just had a tooth extracted, you’ll need to wait until the site has healed completely before your dentist goes ahead with the procedure.

In instances where you’ve waited years before considering dental implants, you might have to have bone grafts done in order for the jaw to be strengthened enough to have the implants done.

Am I Eligible For Dental Implants?

Only a dentist will be able to tell you whether you are eligible for dental implants but it is worth noting that most people who are in good health could be suitable candidates for this type of procedure.

If you have diabetes or an autoimmune condition, you might want to consult with your dentist to see whether you are a suitable candidate for implants.

What are Single Implants?

A single implant is done in instances where you have only lost one tooth. In instances where you’ve lost multiple teeth, but they aren’t situated next to each other, you might need multiple single implants.

When Would I Need Implant Bridges?

Implant bridges are only done when you’ve lost multiple teeth next to each other. When this happens, multiple implants are inserted into your jaw before a bridge is created with false teeth attached.

How Are Implant Dentures Different to Conventional Dentures?

With implant dentures, four or more screws are inserted into the jaw and a denture is then attached to them.

Is The Procedure Done All At Once?

No, dental implants are inserted in stages. Firstly, you will consult with your dentist, who will discuss your eligibility and the costs involved. You will then need to attend an appointment during which you’ll have screws inserted into your jaw.

You will then need to return between 3 and 6 months during which time your jaw will have fused to the implant. They will then continue with the implant process. The final stage involves attaching the denture, crown or bridge.

How Do I Care for Dental Implants?

You’ll need to make sure that you pay extra attention to your implants during the healing phase, when everything is still new. Your dentist should help guide you in terms of what you can and can’t do, as well as how you should be cleaning your mouth during this time to avoid injury and infection.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of dental implants will depend on the needs of the patient, but a single tooth will cost, on average, between $3,000 and $4,500 to replace. While this might seem costly, there are ways that you can look at reducing these prices.

One option for getting cheaper dental implants, for example, is to have them done at a dentistry school. At these establishments, you could end up getting the procedure done at a 50% discount. While students are used to perform these procedures, they are always supervised and so you are in safe hands.