You’ve lost some teeth, and now you have to decide how to replace them. A fixed bridge or a partial denture are certainly good options. But the best choice today that dentistry has to offer is dental implants.
Implants have exploded in popularity among both dentists and patients, offering exceptional quality in life-likeness and durability. But they do have one drawback that might cause you to hesitate in choosing them: They’re usually more expensive than other common tooth-replacement systems, even more so if you’re replacing each individual missing tooth with an implant.
But before you pass on them for something more affordable, take another look at dental implants. Here are 4 reasons why implants could be the wiser option for tooth replacement.
Life-like and functional. Other restorations can effectively mimic the appearance of real teeth, and they’re reasonably functional. But implants score at the top in both categories because they replace more of the tooth—not just the crown, but the tooth root as well.
Bone friendly. Other restorations can’t stop the gradual bone loss often caused by missing teeth, and dentures, in particular, can accelerate it. But implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible metal that’s also bone-friendly—bone cells readily grow and adhere to its surface. This accumulated growth around the implant site helps slow or stop bone loss.
Long-term savings. The integration of bone and implant creates a durable hold that can last for several years, possibly outlasting other restorations in the same situation. Taking into account all the costs—installation, maintenance, and possible replacement—that can occur over the life of a restoration, implants could actually cost less in the long run.
Versatile. Implants can be used for more than single tooth replacements—they can be incorporated with other restorations like bridges or dentures to provide better support. Marrying implants with traditional tooth replacement systems can be less costly than implants individually while enhancing benefits like durability and bone strength.
Dental implants may not be right for everyone, particularly those who’ve experienced advanced bone loss. But if a thorough dental exam shows you’re a good candidate, dental implants could be well worth the investment in your health and appearance.
If you would like more information on dental implant restorations, please contact us at (860) 889-6445.