Do you have missing teeth and want to reconstruct your smile? If so, dental implants are an excellent option. They come in many variations, and they are the most durable way to replace missing teeth. If you still aren't sure if a dental implant is right for you, check out these three frequently asked questions:  

How Much Does an Implant Cost?

There are different types of implants. A single dental implant replaces one missing tooth. It has one implant (root) and one crown. An implant-supported bridge replaces a few missing teeth, but it uses fewer implants than crowns. Last, implant-supported dentures replace all your missing teeth. Again, they use fewer implants than crowns. The cost of a single implant is about $4,000, but insurance may pay for some of the costs. An implant-supported bridge of three to four crowns and two implants costs about $8,500. A full set of implant-supported dentures costs about $34,000.

How Does the Implant Work?

During the procedure, a titanium root is inserted into the gum, where it fits like a natural tooth. Titanium is chosen because it can fuse to the bone. This mimics the way ligaments hold your natural teeth in place, which creates a durable hold that allows implants to last a long time. Once the area heals, the crown is placed on top to look like a natural tooth. With a single dental implant, you can brush and floss like normal. With a bridge, however, you'll still need to use special floss to clean under the bridge. Dentures can be removed and snapped back into place for a durable hold.

Is Reconstructive Surgery Necessary?

Believe it or not, you may need some reconstructive surgery before you get your dental implant. It depends on how long your teeth or tooth has been missing. Overtime, without a tooth to support, the jawbone shrinks. If this happens, an implant cannot be supported. The dentist will perform a bone graft to reconstruct the jaw and make it strong enough to support the implant. The bone may be taken from another part of your body, but synthetic materials can be used too. This will increase the length and cost of the procedure.

You don't have to live with missing teeth because there are many ways to replace missing teeth, including dental implants. If you have more information regarding dental implants or other dental reconstructive procedures, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area today, like Gregory T Grubba.