Dental Implants Look Great, but Are They a Smart Investment?

Tooth loss is an unfortunately common problem, and dental professionals have devised a number of ways to replace lost teeth so their patients can chew and speak normally. While traditional restorations like dentures and bridges have served many people well, dental implants offer a range of unique benefits since they look, work, and feel just like real teeth. Here’s a brief guide to how replacing your lost teeth with dental implants may save you money in the long run.

What Are the Limitations of Traditional Restorations?

While modern dental bridges and dentures are incredibly durable and lifelike, their main disadvantages largely stem from the ways they are held in the mouth. Traditional dentures are designed to hold their place using natural suction, and bridges are typically anchored in place using crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of a gap created by several missing teeth.

Since these restorations are not rooted in the jawbone, they do not provide it with the exercise it needs to stay healthy and strong. Briefly after the tooth loss, the jaw will begin to atrophy and recede, which can pull neighboring teeth out of alignment and lead to dental injuries and infections. This will eventually leave the mouth with a sunken and withered appearance and compromise the way traditional restorations like bridges and dentures fit, meaning that the patient will have to invest in costly replacement appliances.

How Can Dental Implants Save Me Money?

While dental implants involve a larger initial investment of time and money than traditional restorations, they can save a patient thousands of dollars over the decades. Dental implants are 95% successful even after ten years have passed since their placement, and they can last for as long as a lifetime if they receive excellent care and hygiene. This means that a patient with dental implants can potentially save vast sums of money by not having to pay for expensive replacement appliances.

To make things even better, being securely seated in the jaw means that there is no chance of dental implants sliding around in the mouth to cause gum irritation and dental injuries that may require restorative treatments like fillings or periodontal therapy. Consulting with your dentist can help you find out if implants are right for you.

About the Author

Dr. Jason Aptaker earned his dental degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed his General Practice Residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. His office in Manasquan offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact his office online or dial (732) 223-9199.