Implant dentistry is a field of dentistry that deals with implantation of dental implants. Implant dentistry also deals with other procedures such as dental veneers and Lumineers. General dentists cannot perform implant dental procedures because these are complicated and require additional skills, accuracy and precision. Surgeons who perform implants have advanced degrees and years of training. Implantation procedures are very costly when compared to other dental procedures.

Dental implants came about as a result of advances in material sciences. In the recent decades, better materials became available which are not only durable but also biologically compatible. Dental implants are made from titanium or composite materials. These are very similar to natural teeth. Titanium is the material of choice because it is biologically compatible, and can sustain high stress and strain. Additionally, it also integrates well with bony tissues - a phenomenon known as Osseo integration. Dental implants came into widespread use since the 1960s after the phenomena of osseo integration was discovered in Sweden. Ever since, millions of people across the globe have had implants.

Apart from osseo integrated implants, there are also other types of dental implants. These implants are called fibro integrated implants. However, these are no longer in use because they do not have the same advantages as titanium implants. They do not integrate well with bone and so are not stable enough. Fibro integrated implants are very rarely used these days. In other words, they have become obsolete.

One of the major disadvantages with implants is that they are very costly. A single dental implant can cost up to $8000 depending on the quality of the material and the fee charged by the dental surgeon. Other costs such as diagnostic and screening costs can also add up significantly to the total amount. Insurance companies do not provide cover for implantation procedures because these are considered cosmetic procedures. For this reason, you'll have to pay the entire amount on your own.

One of the best ways to save on dental implant surgery is to get the procedure done in a foreign country such as Mexico, Thailand and India. Health-care is significantly cheaper in these countries and so you can save plenty of money. However before going to these countries, it is better to do a little groundwork. You can take the help of dental tourism agencies for better results.