Dental fear is a common reason many people hesitate or avoid looking into replacing teeth. Unfortunately, it is this same fear that is often the reason people lose teeth in the first place. When adults are too afraid to have regular dental care, the eventual results can be gum disease and tooth loss.
With the addition of I.V. or oral sedation, many fearful adults are able to have much-needed dentistry and tooth repairs or replacement. Sedation, along with our other comfort options, provide a way for high fear patients to relax before and throughout their care. Yet, the larger obstacle that remains for many individuals is cost.
Dental implant treatment seems more costly than crown-&-bridge combinations, dentures or partial dentures. However, it’s really not. Because the expenses for dental implants are all ‘up front,’ many people perceive them as much expensive. Broken out, they are actually a far wiser investment.
For example, once a dental implant is placed and the final teeth are attached, the investment made is intended to last your lifetime. Dental implants are constructed from a NASA developed material known as titanium. Titanium has proven to be highly compatible with living bone. This means that the body accepts it, grows around it and embeds it to serve successfully as a replacement tooth root.
The attached teeth will not experience cavities, never need a root canal and not cause problems for neighboring teeth. While this seems to be a larger investment, dental implants are actually a savings down the road.
Crown-&-bridges are a popular way to replace one or several missing teeth in one area. We highly recommend this option for a number of patients. However, a crown-&-bridge requires the crowning of neighboring teeth on both sides of the bridge. The potential for future costs includes root canals, crown repair, bridge replacement, etc.
The most problematic issue, however, lies beneath the gums. Without the presence of natural tooth roots, the bone that once held them begins to shrink. This process, known as resorption, creates a number of problems. Resorption impacts the health of existing teeth and weakens the strength of the jaw bone. As bone loss continues, it also creates changes in facial appearance. These include deep wrinkles around the mouth, jowls, and a mouth that appears to sink inward.
Because dental implants are held by the jaw bone, they halt the potential for bone loss. They do not reply on neighboring teeth to serve as supports for replacement teeth since they have the same, sturdy foundation that your natural teeth have.
When you make a purchase based on quality – how long it will last and how well it will hold up over time – the additional expense is well worth it considering how much you actually receive for the investment made. This is the same situation when it comes to replacing teeth. Your decision to get the most for your hard-earned dollars begins with opting for the best outcome long-term.
If you are contemplating dental implants or any tooth replacement option, begin with a no cost, no obligation consultation. Call toll free 1-866-9-Smiles and we will discuss your individual needs and goals. From there, I’ll explain options best for you and answer your questions so you can determine how you wish to proceed.
