Dental implants represent the most modern tooth replacement technology that dentistry has to offer. A significant advance over past tooth replacement methods, the dental implant fuses with the bone, providing structural support underneath the gumline and becoming a permanent fixture in the mouth.
Dental implants are made of titanium, and after the oral surgeon inserts them into the jaw, they osseointegrate with the bone, offering stability and durability that is unmatched by alternatives like bridges and dentures. In fact, if you care for your implants as instructed, they can last for decades.
A significant shortcoming of bridges and dentures is that they do not replace the absent tooth root as dental implants do. Because no root is available to anchor the jaw, it will gradually wear away over time. This process leads to ill-fitting appliances that must be re-fitted or replaced periodically—at the patient’s expense and inconvenience.
Another important budget-friendly characteristic of dental implants is that they have no impact on surrounding teeth. Secured into the jaw, implants stand alone. A bridge, on the other hand, requires crowns to be placed on the adjacent teeth. This process necessitates that healthy enamel be removed from those teeth, which can compromise their integrity. Eventually, those teeth may need additional restorations or other treatments, increasing the cost to the patient.
Some patients may be tempted to postpone seeking dental implants for tooth loss because of the cost. This is not an advisable course of action, either. If the lost tooth is not replaced, not only will your smile’s appearance suffer, you also may risk further tooth loss as a result of jawbone atrophy.
Although bridges and dentures may appear to be less expensive than dental implants based on the initial costs, it’s important to consider the long-term expenses associated with each treatment option. You may find that the expenses are not as far apart as they seem at first.
To learn more about dental implant treatment, contact our skilled and dedicated team at Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery and schedule your informative consultation today.
