Why Dental Implants Are a Practical Tooth Replacement Solution
Statistics show that millions of people have one or more missing teeth, and many people in Clarksville, Tennessee, are living with tooth loss. If you’re in that position, dental implants are the most effective solution. In terms of looks, fit and function, tooth implants are nearly identical to the natural teeth – plus, they’re both permanent and easy to maintain. What’s not to like?
Well, for some, dental implant placement seems like an expensive convenience. But while the initial cost may be on the higher side compared to other tooth replacement options, implants are worth the investment. Here’s why.
Dental Implants Don’t Affect the Natural Teeth
In order to anchor a dental bridge or removable partial denture, a dentist has to shave down the adjacent teeth, removing the protective enamel surface. This leaves the teeth at a greater risk of infection and decay.
Dental implant placement has no impact on the natural teeth. Tooth implants are comprised of three parts – titanium posts, abutments or connector pieces and a restoration, which may be a crown, bridge or denture. The post is placed in the jawbone, filling the void the tooth roots once occupied. Over time, the bone fuses around the post, firmly securing it in position. Thanks to the fusion process, called osseointegration, implants have the support they need to restore full bite function.
Dental Implants Help Preserve Jawbone Health
After tooth loss, jawbone atrophy is to be expected. The roots of the natural teeth act to stimulate the growth of new bone, and with missing teeth, the stimulation is gone and the jaw begins to shrink.
Dental implants actually help prevent jawbone atrophy. The titanium post functions as a replacement tooth root, giving the jaw the necessary stimulation to remain strong and healthy. Since atrophy can lead to wrinkles and premature aging – and significant jawbone degeneration can lead to further tooth loss – this is quite beneficial. And if the jaw has already atrophied, dental implant placement is still possible, but bone grafting, a simple and routine procedure, will be the first step.
Dental Implants Improve the Quality of Life
Flippers, bridges and dentures are far from ideal. At any point, they can loosen, and slippage can be an incredibly embarrassing experience. What’s more, going with these methods of tooth replacement means giving up certain foods.
Dental implants never slip, and they don’t come with dietary restrictions. Also, while flippers, bridges and dentures often look obviously artificial, this isn’t the case at all with tooth implants. Skilled dentists are able to fabricate single-crown restorations and implant-supported bridges that closely mimic the natural teeth, and patients who opt for implant-supported dentures can look forward to having naturally beautiful smiles. Given these benefits, it’s easy to see how implants offer a better quality of life.
Dental Implants Last a Lifetime with Proper Care
Flippers and bridges typically only last for five years or so, and dentures usually need to be adjusted or replaced about that often. These tooth replacements also need extra care and attention, leading to more dental bills.
In contrast, when placed by an experienced dentist, tooth implants are almost always a permanent success and they never need to be adjusted. Furthermore, caring for dental implants is incredibly easy. Brushing and flossing as usual along with regular dentist visits is all it takes to keep them in top shape. Clarksville patients who opt for single-crown implants, implant-supported bridges and implant-supported dentures are permanent tooth replacement solutions with minimal future dental expenses.
Factors that Affect the Costs of Dental Implant Placement
General prices for tooth implants can be found online, but the sources aren’t all trustworthy – at best, the quoted costs are imprecise. For an accurate estimate, you’ll need to see a local dentist. Every patient has unique needs, and tooth replacement isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. The cost can vary, but the following are likely to influence the total you’ll pay:
· The number of teeth you need to replace, as a single-crown dental restoration unsurprisingly comes at a lower cost than an implant-supported bridge or denture
· The location of your missing teeth, with replacement of the front teeth costing more due to the restoration being easily visible and, therefore, has greater aesthetic concerns
· The status of your oral health, since periodontal treatment to restore gum health and bone grafting to restore jawbone density both increase the overall cost of tooth implants
While many people think tooth implants are too expensive, the truth of the matter is that tooth replacement can be affordable. Some insurance carriers cover a portion of the cost, and health care credit companies offer loans for dental procedures. In addition, some local dentists offer financing options, working with patients to make the investment more affordable.
If you’re concerned about the cost of tooth replacement and you live in Clarksville, elsewhere in Montgomery County or anywhere in northern Tennessee, talk to the professional team at Clarksville Smiles. We want you to enjoy the benefits of dental implants, and we can help arrange for a budget-friendly payment plan. Contact us today!