Dental implants function much like a tooth root naturally would. These small titanium screws are strategically placed within the upper or lower jaw bone to provide a stable foundation for a dental crown and partial or full dentures.
While they’re a great alternative to removable dentures and much more attractive than the lonely gap of a missing tooth, many people wonder if they’re indeed worth it. In this article, we’ll explain why we’re certain that they are.
6 Reasons why dental implants are worth it
- Improved appearance: With dental implants, you can anticipate an outcome that is the closest to your natural teeth. A dental implant is rooted within your jaw, therefore making the artificial tooth appear as if it were coming out of your gums. A dental bridge, on the other hand, is unable to replicate this because the new tooth is held up by the adjacent teeth so it rests over the gum line. If maintaining a natural look is important to you, then you’ll want to consider this, especially if the tooth that needs to be replaced is closer to the front of your mouth and visible when you smile.
- Improved quality of life and boost of self-confidence: With implants, you can rest assured that the false teeth will remain secured to your gums and won’t ever come off while speaking or eating. Also, they look and feel just like real teeth. This alone makes implants a worthy choice.
- Ability to eat anything: Implants restore full jaw and tooth function so that you’re able to continue enjoying your favorite foods without pain while chewing. With a full set of teeth, you also reduce the risk of choking on your food and digestive problems that are common in people with missing teeth.
- Supports oral health: A dental bridge will require the adjacent teeth to be reshaped and crowned in order to secure the replacement tooth. Implants don’t depend on the surrounding teeth for stability but instead help maintain the jaw structure to protect them.
- Preserves the bones in your jaw: As you chew food, the pressure released from your teeth works its way down to the roots and stimulates the maxilla (upper jaw bone) and mandible (lower jaw bone). This stimulation is what maintains the strength and health of the bone. As a result of tooth loss, the underlying bone begins to decay and resorb. Overtime, this shrinkage can cause many other problems, including the disruption of the alignment of the surrounding teeth, weakened facial muscles, and changes in the facial structure such as sunken-in cheeks, thinning lips, and wrinkles around the mouth. Implants are the only treatment available that help save the jawbone and gums from rapid deterioration and prevent bone loss in the long run.
- Permanent solution for missing teeth: Some tooth replacement options, like traditional dentures, require consistent visits to the dentist as well as replacements every 5 to 10 years. Dental implants don’t require nearly as many dentist visits, thereby saving you money, and with proper care and oral hygiene, they can last a lifetime.
Are tooth implants worth the money?
The average cost of dental implants ranges from $3,500 to 4,000 for individual implants and $28,000 to 34,000 for full mouth implants. The total cost varies due to the patient’s specific needs.
While the price of implants can seem high, the long-term value far outweighs the cost. Consider every dollar spent on dental treatments a personal investment towards the healthy smile that you may be able to enjoy for the rest of your life.
In this article, we break down the cost of implants and explain why it might actually be one of the most cost-effective tooth replacement options for you. (Working on this article and will have you link it once it’s completed and published.)
Beware of promotions that offer significant discounts on implants. If it sounds too good to be true, it might be. Opting for a low-cost procedure comes with the risk of getting implants made of inferior quality and the sloppy work of an implant dentist.
An experienced dentist, on the other hand, will take their time to ensure the implant placement is successful and the patient’s gum tissue heals properly. At Kootenai Dental Group, we ensure that our patients receive the best quality treatment.
Are dental implants worth the risk?
The long-term success rate for dental implants is 95% and higher, but much like any other dental procedure, there are some risks to consider. The primary risks include a longer recovery time due to a patient’s pre-existing medical conditions and the incorrect placement of an implant due to an inexperienced dental practitioner.
Some medical issues include periodontal disease (gum disease), osteoporosis, other bone health conditions or therapies (radiation or chemo), diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Heavy smokers should be aware that nicotine may cause inflammation to the gums which can hinder the healing process and lower the implant success rate.
During the initial consultation, it’s important that you discuss your complete health history and current medications with your dentist in order to determine whether you are a good candidate for this permanent tooth replacement solution.
With their extensive training and over 25 years of experience, you can trust our dental experts Dr. Delwyn Dick DDS, and Dr. Lamont Murdoch DDS to help you make an educated decision about the best restorative options available to you.
Call us today at 208-762-8750 to schedule your consultation with Kootenai Dental Group in Coeur d’Alene, ID.
