Dental Implant Procedures Overview
Healthy teeth, bones, and smiles are not just important for social needs, but for overall mouth, and body health. Dental implants meet the needs of tooth loss through the insertion of artificial tooth replacements. While generally categorized as cosmetic dentistry, it is also known as prosthetic or artificial replacement dentistry.

Dental implants are one of the most common dental procedures performed not only in the United States but also around the world. Dental implants replace teeth lost due to trauma, gum disease, tooth decay, and imperfections of the root canal.

Common Dental Implant Types
Dental implants generally fall into one of two basic categories. Endosteal implants are attached directly to bone to provide an anchor for artificial teeth within jawbone structures. A Subperiosteal implant is a metal framework that fits over the jawbone to help provide anchors for artificial teeth in the event that bone support structures are damaged or inadequate.

Common types of dental implants are composed of different materials and procedures.  However, the most common type of dental implant is called a root-form titanium dental implant. This is a type of endosteal implant that is placed directly into the jawbone structure. Artificial teeth are attached to this structure with nails, screws, or cones. This type of procedure is recommended for those with minimal to moderate tooth loss.

Other types of implants, such as sub-periosteal, plate-form, and ramus-frame are also commonly used for a multitude of artificial teeth insertion procedures. Such implants are used to help correct and provide tooth placement, chewing ability, and of course, an attractive smile. A sub-periosteal implant is generally used on patients who don\'t have enough bone left in the jaw to support a root form implant. Sub-periosteal implants are placed over the jaw and not in it. 

A plate-form implant is actually a piece of metal with prongs on one side. This metal is placed on top of the jawbone, and upright prongs will provide the anchors for artificial teeth. The ramus-frame implant is used for those with thin jawbones and are placed at the back of the mouth and along the chin. Though visible, they provide superior strength and structure. 

Dental implants are strong and durable and can be made of a variety of materials. Your dentist will determine what type of implant to use for your situation.

The Dental Implant Procedure
In some cases, dental implants may be used to replace single, multiple or entire tooth structures in the upper or lower jaw.  In endosteal implant procedures, small holes are drilled into the jaw site where tooth has been lost or removed in order to insert a titanium screw that will hold the dental implant in place. This hole will be slowly and carefully enlarged to allow the implants to be inserted. The implant site is allowed to heal before the new artificial tooth is attached. This may take several weeks to several months, depending on condition of the jawbone structure, age, and general oral health of the candidate.

Dental implants are inserted by dentists licensed in implant dentistry, regardless of country of origin. General or restorative dentists may perform such procedures, but in most cases, periodontists and oral surgeons perform dental implant procedures.

Cost of Dental Implants
Dental implants can be extremely expensive when performed in the United States, the average cost of dental implants ranging from $1,000-$5,000 per tooth. Extensive reconstructive dental implants can cost anywhere from $20,000-$100,000!

The same procedures performed across borders, especially in Mexico, South America and in European countries such as Hungary, cost substantially less, with savings of up to 75%.

The Advantages of Dental Implant Procedures
Dental implant procedures are highly successful; though depending on age and mouth condition, adjustments and replacements may need to be made in the future. Dentists will often suggest that dental implant candidates cease smoking to facilitate implant success and longevity.  In addition, candidates are advised to follow good oral hygiene habits to prevent gum disease damage around implant sites. However, dental implant procedures offer permanent solutions to tooth loss caused by gum disease, cavities, aging, and trauma caused by injury or accidents.