If you’re missing teeth, you certainly aren’t alone. Approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth with around 40 million of them missing all of their teeth. It can be frustrating and even embarrassing when you are trying to eat or speak. When looking for a tooth replacement option, you want to make the wisest choice for your smile. While dental implants are quite the investment, there are many different factors to consider when it comes to the cost. Continue reading to learn if dental implants in Springfield are worth the cost.
What Benefits Do Dental Implants Have Over Other Options?
To determine if they are worth the cost, you should know about the benefits that dental implants have over other tooth replacement options like dentures and dental bridges. Here are just a few:
- Bite Force: With dental implants, you won’t need to deal with any eating restrictions once you complete the healing process. They restore up to 90% of your chewing power. Dentures only restore up to 30% of your bite force, so you may need to refrain from eating some of your favorite foods.
- Prevents Bone Loss: Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that replaces the missing root of the tooth, therefore maintaining the integrity of the jawbone.
- Long Lasting: This is a permanent tooth replacement option. In fact, implants can last upward of 25 years and even a lifetime if you’re taking proper care of them. Dentures need to be repaired and replaced periodically, and dental bridges only last between 5 and 15 years on average before they need to be replaced.
Can Dental Implants Save You Money?
When looking at the initial costs for different tooth replacement options, you may feel like there is no chance that you will be able to save money. However, this “initial cost” is different from the total cost. This does not include the fact that you will need to be replacing your dentures and bridges many times in the future. It also doesn’t include the costs of maintenance. For instance, you will need to purchase cleaning tablets, special floss, and sometimes even adhesives when you have dentures.
There are other non-money related costs as well. You will need to spend more time maintaining dentures by taking them out, soaking, and brushing them before placing them back in. This is another step that you will need to take every day. Because dentures and bridges do not prevent jawbone deterioration, you are likely to be looking at a change in your facial appearance over time.
Even though dental implants don’t appear to be the most cost-effective treatment when you first consider the price, they can actually save you quite a bit of money over time. With your skilled dentist in Springfield and proper maintenance, you’re looking at a strong, healthy smile for many years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Aliana Henkin is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for 13 years. She earned her DMD from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and has attended advanced post-graduate courses in implantology. She is proud to be a Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association. For more information on dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call (973) 963-8181.