Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique advantages. Unlike dentures or dental bridges, these restorations include a titanium rod surgically placed into your jawbone for added strength and stability.
However, many patients opt for other solutions because dental implants tend to cost more initially. If you’re concerned about your budget, keep reading to learn 3 ways that these prosthetics can save you money in the long run!
Perk #1: High Success Rate
Although any invasive procedure has a certain risk of infection, dental implant failure is rare. These teeth have an incredibly high success rate of more than 90% even up to 10 years after their initial placement. That means that as long as you care for them properly and follow your dentist’s post-op instructions, you’re not likely to experience any adverse effects requiring expensive treatments.
Perk #2: Prevents Potential Problems
Dentures and dental bridges rely on your gum tissues and healthy teeth in your mouth for support. The added pressure on your gum tissues or neighboring teeth can contribute to oral issues like gum disease or wear down your enamel prematurely, increasing the likelihood of sustaining chips, cracks, or other damage.
Meanwhile, your jawbone fuses with the titanium rod of your implant so that it becomes a permanent part of your smile. It functions as a sturdy stand-alone structure that doesn’t negatively affect your oral condition. Plus, it’s easy to keep it clean to prevent many common concerns like cavities or periodontal problems. Brush and floss twice daily and visit your dentist every six months for a routine checkup to keep it in excellent shape.
Perk #3: Rarely Requires Replacement
Did you know that your jawbone thins after teeth fall out? Your roots stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down to keep it active and strong. When they go missing, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone mass within a single year. Unfortunately, that means patients with dentures may find that their restoration no longer fits correctly after a few years.
Dental implants prevent this because the metal pole inserted in your jaw functions like a root to stimulate it, so it continues to serve as a firm foundation for your teeth. Not only that, but there’s no need to purchase adhesives or other accessories to keep them from sliding out of place if they become ill-fitting, like dentures.
While dental implants may cost more initially than other replacement teeth, their many benefits help them pay for themselves over the years!
Meet the Author
Dr. Gary Chaffee has 50 years of experience helping patients of all ages build happy, healthy smiles. He graduated from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, so you can trust that your grin is in good hands. He offers a comprehensive array of services conveniently under one roof to meet all of your and your family’s dental needs, including implants. He partners with the best local surgeons and uses resilient, lifelike materials to replace missing teeth. You can request an appointment on the website or call (805) 576-8157.