Dental science has progressed rapidly. Patients with missing teeth need no longer worry about getting tooth replacements that are as good as the original. Indeed, the interest in dental implants is increasing rapidly but you, like many consumers, may wonder if they are worth the investment.
We believe dental implants offer many advantages over traditional tooth replacement procedures but the ultimate decision is, of course, yours. We hope this overview of dental implants and their comparative costs will help you make an informed decision.
What Are Dental Implants?
A Brief History of Restorative Dentistry
The earliest record of lab-made dental implants goes back to 1952. A Swedish researcher used rabbit bones, and later titanium, to form an irreversible bond with jawbones. By 1965, a man who had lost all of his teeth received the first titanium dental implants. However, it was only in 1982 that the FDA approved titanium dental implants for use in humans.
Dental implants for missing teeth consist of metal posts inserted into the jawbones to serve as a replacement for lost teeth. Implant specialists then attach replacement teeth over these metal posts so they look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
What Is The Difference Between Dental Implants and Dentures? Which One is Right For You?
Dentures
Until recently, most people with missing teeth—especially those who have lost all of their upper and lower teeth—used dentures or false teeth made of acrylic.
Before the dentures can be used, the dental surgeon has to remove all the broken, rotten teeth. They can only place the conventional dentures after the patient’s gums have healed—a process that can take about four to eight weeks. One may have to revisit the denture specialist several times to adjust their false teeth until the fit feels comfortable.
Advantages of Dentures
- Durable. They usually last for 3-5 years
- Make chewing easier for individuals who have lost some or all of their teeth
- Improve appearance
- Aid speech
- They are more affordable than implants
Disadvantages of Dentures
- Dentures affect speech and appearance. This can affect the individual’s self-confidence
- They could result in gum sores, which can prevent the patient from using them
- It takes several adjustments to the dentures to ensure proper fit
- Some individuals may take months before they can eat properly with dentures.
- Dentures have 25% of the chewing efficiency of natural/non-removable teeth.
- They significantly impact taste; the plastic roof of dentures reduces food’s taste.
- Even if you use dentures regularly, the underlying bone loss may continue. Worse, it could exacerbate due to the dentures bouncing over the gums hundreds of times a day. In the long term, this can result in shrinkage, which can cause structural damage to the lower thirds of the face.
Advantages of Dental Implants Over Dentures and Bridges
Around the world, dental implants are gaining favor as replacement teeth. Thanks to the advances in dental science, dental implants for missing teeth are made using materials that are very similar to human tissues. They also offer greater strength and comfort compared to traditional tooth replacements like dentures and bridges.
Here are some other benefits of dental implants for missing teeth:
Improved Appearance and Increased Confidence
Studies show that implants considerably slow down bone shrinkage (up to 50%). They do not affect the facial structure as dentures do. In fact, they may even improve or stimulate bone growth strength. The teeth also appear more natural. This results in an improved appearance, which can improve self-esteem and what we call your smile confidence.
Greater Comfort
One of the major benefits of dental implants is that they help you completely avoid injuries and irritation caused to the gums by dentures and bridges.
Improved Speech
Since dental implants offer a better fit than dentures, they do not make any clicking sounds or impede speech like dentures and bridges.
Improved Chewing Efficiency and Better Health
Dental implants have the same chewing efficiency as natural teeth. This means that taste is not impacted. Furthermore, the improved eating ability results in better nutrient absorption and digestion, which leads to better health.
Convenient and Reliable
Implants are secure and permanent. They offer you peace of mind since you do not have to worry about cleaning or losing them like dentures. This convenience and reliability make them an excellent long-term solution for dental restoration.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that archeological records show Egyptian and South American civilizations created crude dental replacements for broken/missing teeth using seashells, ivory, and—a little later—gold and platinum?
Are You the Right Candidate for Dental Implants?
The criteria for dental implants will vary based on whether you are replacing a single tooth, several teeth, or all teeth. In addition to good health, your jawbone and gums should also be healthy. Problems may arise if your jawbone is injured or diseased or if you have been without teeth or have worn dentures for a long time. Some individuals with health issues like cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, etc. may not be suitable for dental implants.
Dental Implants Cost
One of the main considerations for patients considering implants is dental implants vs. dentures cost. Dental implants typically cost more than traditional dentures and bridges for several reasons.
- A team of highly skilled restorative dentistry professionals is involved in the process. These experts run several diagnostic tests to ensure a comprehensive diagnosis. Based on the results, you are given a highly customized plan taking into account your overall health as well as your aesthetics and functional needs.
- Some patients may need additional procedures like bone grafting to ensure longer-lasting implants. Some may even need general anesthesia or sedation.
- In some cases, the dental implant bridges may be fused with porcelain or other precious/semi-precious materials. These need an artistic and experienced technician
Do not fall for misleading advertisements on the radio promising dental implants for lower prices. A single tooth implant cost does not include the cost of abutments and crowns, which are needed to complete the implant procedure. We can help you understand these costs as they apply during your consultation.
Schedule a Consultation With Us Today!
If you are ready to learn more about dental implants and whether they are right for you, contact our cosmetic dentists who are highly experienced dental implant specialists. Our consultation is straightforward and we can give you all the information you need for your case.
Book an appointment today to find out how we can improve your smile and quality of life.
Dental Implant FAQ’s
1. What are dental implants?
Dental implants are metal posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They act as anchors for replacement teeth, which look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Implants are a durable and permanent solution for tooth loss.
2. How do dental implants differ from dentures?
Dental implants are permanent fixtures placed in the jaw, while dentures are removable artificial teeth. Implants offer more stability, comfort, and chewing efficiency, while dentures are more affordable but may cause discomfort and require frequent adjustments.
3. Are dental implants better than dentures?
For many, dental implants are a better investment than dentures because they are more durable, comfortable, and natural-looking. Implants help preserve jawbone strength and avoid the gum irritation commonly associated with dentures.
4. What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants provide improved appearance, increased confidence, better speech, enhanced chewing efficiency, and long-term durability. They are more comfortable and secure than dentures and can prevent bone shrinkage over time.
5. Are dental implants worth the cost?
While dental implants are more expensive than dentures or bridges, their long-term benefits—such as improved quality of life, increased comfort, and the prevention of bone loss—make them a valuable investment for many patients.
6. How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last 20 years or more with proper care. They are designed to be a permanent solution for tooth loss, offering greater longevity than dentures or bridges, which may need to be replaced every 5-10 years.
7. What is the cost of dental implants vs. dentures?
Dental implants are generally more expensive than dentures. However, dental implants offer more long-term value due to their durability and minimal maintenance needs.
8. Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
A good candidate for dental implants should have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant. Those with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or osteoporosis, or individuals with significant bone loss, may not be suitable for implants.
9. Do dental implants look and feel like natural teeth?
Yes, dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Because they are securely anchored in the jawbone, they provide better stability, comfort, and chewing ability than removable dentures.
10. How do dental implants improve oral health?
Dental implants help maintain jawbone density, prevent further tooth loss, and support facial structure. Unlike dentures, they do not affect adjacent teeth, and they improve overall chewing and speech functions, leading to better oral and overall health.
