If you are one of the more than 120 million Americans who are missing at least one tooth, there are a variety of tooth replacement options available that could work for your needs. Losing a tooth or multiple teeth can have an impact on more than just your appearance: it can also impact the way you speak and eat. Tooth replacement options such as dental implants can restore your smile. Dental implants are considered to be the most natural tooth replacement option. If you are considering implants, here are three things that you should know.

They Require Surgery

The first thing that you should aware of is that, unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants require oral surgery. Dental implants are composed of three separate parts: the implant itself, which is made out of titanium and is surgically inserted into the jaw; the connector, which is often called an abutment; and the crown that acts as the replacement tooth. Before a dental implant can be put into place, additional procedures may be required in order to ensure that the jaw bone and surrounding tissue are strong enough to support the implant. Bone and tissue grafting may be needed.

They Are Expensive

Another thing to be aware of when it comes to tooth implants is that compared to other forms of tooth replacement, they are quite pricey. The average dental implant costs between $2,400 and $3,000 per tooth. If other procedures are required, such as bone or tissue grafting, before the implant is put into place, your costs will likely be closer to $4,000 to $10,000 per tooth. It's important to consider the cost of implants when determining whether or not they are the right tooth replacement option for your needs.

The Process Takes Time

There are many benefits to getting a dental implant. Not only do they look and feel like natural teeth, caring for them is very easy. You can simply brush and floss as usual. However, before deciding on this tooth replacement option, it's important to know that the entire process from start to finish can take several months. Once the implant is put into place, the bone and tissue surrounding it need to heal before the abutment and crown is put into place. If bone or tissue grafts are required, the entire process will take longer.

If you are looking for a natural-looking and -feeling tooth replacement option, dental implants are a great choice. However, before you decide on this option, there are some things to know. First, implants do require oral surgery, and sometimes multiple procedures are required. They can also be pricey with the average implant costing at least a few thousand dollars. The process of having a dental implant put into place can also be lengthy, taking anywhere from a few months to upwards of a year.