If you need to replace teeth that you’re missing, you probably know that you have a few different options. Full dentures, partial dentures, and bridges are some common tooth replacement options. But dental implants are by far the superior option for many patients. Dental implants are a good choice because they’re a permanent solution that looks and functions just like natural teeth do. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions that patients have about dental implants. Following are a few things that you probably don’t know about dental implants. When you have all the information, you’ll be better able to decide whether implants are the right choice for you.
One Implant Can Replace Several Teeth
If you have several teeth that need to be replaced, you may worry that implants will be too expensive or that having multiple teeth implanted may be too painful for you to handle. What you may not realize is that you don’t necessarily need a new implant for each missing tooth. One implant can be used to place several teeth. As a matter of fact, you may only need as few as four implants to replace a full upper or lower set of teeth.
Implants Don’t Cost As Much As You Think
Cost is a common concern for many patients considering dental implants. And it’s true that dental implants cost more up-front than other types of tooth replacement options. However, dental implants are a more cost-effective solution than dentures or bridges in the long run. Neither dentures nor a bridge is likely to last forever. Both experiences wear and tear over time and can also crack or chip and need to be replaced. However, a properly cared-for implant should last for the rest of your life, and taking care of the implants is as easy as brushing and flossing your teeth and going to regular dental checkups. There’s no need to invest in extra tools, cleansers, or containers. Your usual toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss will do.
Even the initial costs of implants may not be as high as you think. One reason is that several teeth can be replaced with one implant. If your jawbone and gums are in good shape, you won’t need to pay the additional costs associated with bone or gum tissue grafts. And while insurance doesn’t usually cover dental implants, you may be able to save money with dental discount programs or arrange financing with your dentist so that you can pay in affordable installments.
Dental Implants Have Health Benefits
Dental implants even have some appreciable benefits to your health. When you choose implants, you retain all of the bite power that you would have with your original set of teeth. This allows you to continue to eat a healthy, varied diet. Hard foods like apples and carrots, and other difficult-to-chew foods like steak, are not o limits once your implants are in place. Other tooth replacement options do not give you the same bite power and may limit your diet, which can impact your health.
Another benet of implants is that they can actually help stimulate bone growth in the jaw. The jaw bone is one area where patients with osteoporosis often begin losing bone mass. Dental implants are fused together with the bone, and their placement, along with your ability to chew normally, helps keep the bone strong. This can slow, stop, or even reverse the effects of osteoporosis in your jaw.
Your dentist can help you decide whether implants are the right tooth replacement option for you. If you’re interested in dental implants, contact us to request information.
