Dental implants refer to artificial tooth roots. They are used to help prevent jaw bone loss and restore missing teeth, among other functions. This form of surgery belongs to the domain of prosthetic dentistry, and can even be of a cosmetic nature.

When should you opt for dental implants?
You can opt for dental implants if you experience tooth loss resulting from congenital defects, excessive wear-and-tear, trauma to the mouth in the form of injury to the tooth or teeth, gum diseases, failure of a root canal, or tooth decay.

You can also opt for dental implants if you have lost teeth and are too conscious to talk or smile. People with bite problems can also consider this solution if the condition hampers their eating habits. By replacing missing tooth roots, this solution gives people the stability and strength required to chew foods properly and stimulate the jaw bone, thereby preventing facial bone complications.

Types of dental implants
The various types of dental implants are:

• Subperiosteal implants
  These go on the jaw bone inside the gum tissue. They are mainly used to hold dentures in places for patients who show inadequate bone height.
• Single-stage dental implants
  This is a one-step procedure that surgically places the implant into the jaw. This ensures that the implant is on the jaw bone.
• Endosteal implants
  These are alternatives to dental bridges. They are placed on the jaw bone in a two-stage procedure.
• Two-stage implants
  As the name suggests, these require implantation in two stages: being implanted into the jaw, followed by stitching the gum tissue.

Dental plants are primarily coated with titanium. These offer longevity and stability. Other coatings include grit-based or acid-etched surfaces, plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings, and non-metal coatings. The type you choose also affects the price of the procedure.

Costing
The prices for a dental implant can vary based on the region and the expert performing the procedure. An average conservative estimate is $3,000 to $4,500 for a single implant. Usually, insurance does not pay for dental implantation. However, some providers may be able to help you with partial coverage of the implant.

Is dental implantation painful?
This is a type of surgery that is usually performed under a local anesthetic. Hence, there should be virtually no pain during the procedure. However, once the numbing effects of the anesthetic wear off, you may feel some discomfort. The level of pain will vary based on how invasive the procedure was, and the area of the mouth where the implant was made. An ice pack can help reduce swelling, and pain can be managed with over-the-counter medicines, such as Tylenol and Advil. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics and oral rinses for a few weeks to help support the healing of the surgical area.

Risks and complications
Like any surgery, there are certain risks and complications associated with dental implantation. The patient must be healthy enough to undergo the surgery in the first place. You must inform your doctor about infections, allergies, bleeding disorders, and existing medical conditions to determine the suitability of the treatment. Some risks include implant overload and fracture, and damage to the nerves or blood vessels. Always ensure that you choose a certified medical surgeon to conduct the implantation.