All too often dental implants are seen by patients as a “luxury” procedure, something that would be nice to have if only they weren’t so expensive.

It’s an unfortunate misconception.

Dental implants are often the most cost-effective treatment option over the long haul for patients with missing teeth. It’s all a matter of shifting your point of view.

An Impeccable Resume

Out of all tooth replacement procedures, including bridges and dentures, dental implants enjoy by far and away the highest success rate. Best of all, the new tooth is permanent.

While implants may carry a higher expenditure up front, initial costs are easily made up over time compared to something that must be replaced every ten years. Depending on your current age, opting for a lasting solution will pay for itself again and again.

Dental implants are more predictable, allowing the oral surgeon to more accurately forecast how the treatment will affect your overall dental health over time.

Eliminate the Risk of Associated Dental Concerns

One popular solution, ignoring a missing tooth, can bring about consequences far beyond losing confidence in your smile. Missing teeth can cause other teeth in your mouth to crowd or go crooked, leading to difficulties speaking or chewing.

The empty space also increases the likelihood of suffering from progressive gum disease.

Tooth loss is not simply an aesthetic concern. Addressing the issue sooner rather than later saves you money by eliminating the need for future treatments.

Bridges & Dentures Can Damage Adjacent Teeth

Removing tooth structure to attach bridges is detrimental to the long-term health of the teeth engaged in supporting the bridge. Placing a bridge requires that part of the neighboring teeth be ground away to adhere the appliance.

Bridge replacement and adjustment can lead to further strain on adjacent teeth as well as additional treatments such as root canal therapy.

Non-permanent prostheses can rub against neighboring teeth and cause damage over time.

An added benefit of dental implants is that they work to preserve the jawbone where it may deteriorate with alternate treatments over the years. In fact, implants have even been proven to stimulate bone growth.

No Associated Costs

One of the greatest benefits of dental implants is post-op care. Unlike bridges and dentures that require cleaning, sanitizing, inspection and special adhesive gels or pastes to hold them in place, caring for your implant is almost identical to caring for your natural teeth.

Most patients are able to brush and floss like normal!

An Investment in the Future of Your Mouth

When weighing the different options for dealing with tooth loss, always discuss the long-term ramifications of your choice with your dentist and oral surgeon.

Opting for the cheapest treatment today may not pay off in the long-term. Dental implants are an investment that will pay dividends year after year as you enjoy life without worrying about your teeth.