
Dental Implants are often seen as a luxury. But, the investment can be more beneficial than you think. The results look and feel like natural teeth, and they have plenty of long-term benefits worth their cost.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the advantages of dental implant technology, why they’re worth considering as a long-term solution, and how they can help you enjoy optimal oral health and a natural-looking smile. Read on to learn more!
Contents Navigation
- 1 Summary of the Article:
- 2 What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants for Patients With Missing Teeth?
- 3 What Is the Difference Between a Dental Implant and a Traditional Bridge or Denture?
- 4 How Do Dental Implants Improve Oral Health Compared to Traditional Bridges or Dentures?
- 5 How Do Dental Implants Improve the Patient’s Ability to Bite and Chew Food?
- 6 How Do Dental Implants Help Maintain the Health of the Surrounding Teeth and Jawbone?
- 7 How Long Do Dental Implants Last Compared to Other Tooth Replacement Options?
- 8 What Is the Success Rate of Dental Implants Compared to Other Tooth Replacement Options?
- 9 Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
- 10 Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment Compared to Other Tooth Replacement Options?
- 11 Final Thoughts
Summary of the Article:
- The dental implant process has the highest success rates compared to other tooth loss treatments. They appear and function like your natural teeth.
- Dental implants may cost more upfront. But expense is compensated for by its comfort, low maintenance, and lifespan.
- Compared to dentures and bridges, dental implants offer more oral health benefits. These include promoting bone growth and preventing dental diseases like gum disease.
- One of the primary benefits of dental implants is their longevity. They can last up to 25 years, twice as long as dental bridges and dentures.
- Dental implants are the most successful tooth replacement option, with a success rate of 90-95%.
- Your health fund may or may not cover the cost of dental implants, depending on the provider and level of cover. It’s important to check with your insurance provider and dentist for details on coverage and costs.
- Alternatives for dental implants include crowns, bridges, and dentures.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants for Patients With Missing Teeth?
- Dental Implants Have a 95% Success Rate
There are very few restorative treatments that offer such high success rates. Dental implant treatment is one of the safest investments in replacing missing teeth. - Dental Implants Offer a Long-Term Solution for Tooth Loss
Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials that integrate with the jaw bone to create a foundation for the implant. This makes them durable and long-lasting, ensuring that they will remain in place for up to 25 years or more with proper oral care. - Dental Implants Look and Feel Like Real Teeth
Because dental implants are designed to blend in with your remaining teeth, they look as natural as the real thing. Dental implants allow you to have a replacement tooth embedded in the jawbone, just like natural teeth. The implant post act as artificial tooth roots and the prosthesis attached to them are fabricated to mimic the size, shape, and colour of natural teeth. The procedure is so seamless that it will be as though it has belonged in your mouth since day one. - Dental Implants Provide Patients With Enhanced Oral Health
Dental implant procedures maintain the jawbone structure that would otherwise be lost when teeth are lost. This prevents future problems such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and facial sagging due to bone loss after tooth extraction. - Dental Implants Restore Your Smile And Self-Confidence
Dental implants may be for you if you’ve been struggling with an incomplete smile. Missing teeth can cause anxiety, but dental implants can help you eat, smile, and talk confidently.
What Is the Difference Between a Dental Implant and a Traditional Bridge or Denture?
- Cost
The average cost of dental implants, bridges, and dentures varies widely depending on factors like the type of material used and the number of teeth to be replaced. However, dental implants are the most expensive option as they require surgery and are made from more durable materials than traditional bridges or dentures.Traditional dental bridges or dentures are common tooth replacement options, and they cost less upfront but may need to be replaced sooner due to wear and tear. Depending on the type of bridge or denture, they may also require adjustments over time which can add to the overall cost.
In terms of long-term costs, dental implants are a better investment as they can last up to more than 25 years with proper care and maintenance. This makes them a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
- Lifespan
Dental implants are designed to last for 25 years or more, while traditional bridges and dentures last between 5-15 years. This is because dental implants are made of titanium, which is a strong and durable material that can withstand the forces of chewing and grinding. Traditional bridges and dentures are made from porcelain or acrylic materials which are not as durable. - Procedure
The dental procedure for dental implants is more complex than traditional bridges. Dental surgery is needed to place the implant into your jawbone. It also takes several visits over several months to complete the treatment. Traditional bridges and dentures require a minimum of two visits to complete. - Comfort
Dental implants tend to be more comfortable. The false teeth are implanted into the jawbone and function similarly to natural teeth. This provides a comfortable fit when eating, speaking, or drinking. However, the process of getting implant teeth isn’t as comfortable. They require an oral surgical procedure, which can be minimally invasive.Traditional bridges or dentures need adhesive and can cause discomfort due to loose fit or irritation from the materials. In addition, dental bridges use other teeth as anchorage. If not maintained well, this can lead to further discomfort.
- Maintenance
The maintenance required for dental implants is much less than for traditional bridges and dentures. They can be maintained by brushing and flossing as you would your natural teeth.Traditional bridges and dentures need regular cleaning and maintenance to stay in good condition. This includes removing the dentures from your mouth at night to soak in a denture cleaning solution and replacing them when worn out. Dental bridges must also be brushed and flossed like natural teeth. In addition, an oral irrigator is also needed to clean the area under the bridge. This prevents plaque accumulation, tooth decay and gum disease.
How Do Dental Implants Improve Oral Health Compared to Traditional Bridges or Dentures?
Dental implants can significantly improve dental health compared to traditional bridges or dentures. The false tooth is placed directly into the jawbone, supporting and preserving healthy bone structure. Also, dental implants help prevent other teeth from shifting and forming gaps between them. These gaps can make it difficult to properly brush teeth and lead to plaque buildup if left unchecked. This increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as well as potential bone loss, is eliminated with dental implants.
Traditional bridges or dentures usually rely on neighbouring teeth for support. Dental bridges require trimming of adjacent natural teeth to be used for support, while dentures use clasps to anchor themselves over remaining teeth. If not properly administered, traditional bridges or dentures may lead to pain, tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Overall, you can expect more healthy teeth with dental implants.
How Do Dental Implants Improve the Patient’s Ability to Bite and Chew Food?
Dental implants are designed to mimic the function of natural teeth, allowing for normal chewing and biting. The implant creates a stable and secure base for the crown, allowing patients to eat their favourite foods without discomfort or slipping. Dental implants make eating easier and more enjoyable.
How Do Dental Implants Help Maintain the Health of the Surrounding Teeth and Jawbone?
Dental implants stimulate natural bone growth in the area they are placed. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to shrink, leading to a less secure fit for traditional dentures. The presence of an implant encourages new bone cells to form, promoting natural growth and regeneration of the surrounding jawbone structure. This helps provide a more secure fit and feel for the dental implant itself, and preserve the existing healthy bone in that area. With this process, dental implant results in strong and healthy adjacent teeth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last Compared to Other Tooth Replacement Options?
- Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement option. They can last more than 25 years if maintained properly. Unlike other tooth loss solutions, dental implants are fixed to your jaw. They don’t need adjustments to maintain their efficacy.
- Dental Bridges
On average, dental bridges can last 5 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of dental bridges varies based on different factors. As time passes, bridges can loosen and need adjustments. Bridges are also more prone to decay because flossing underneath them is difficult. For these reasons, dental bridges usually need replacing sooner than implants.
- Dentures
Conventional dentures can last anywhere from 5 to 7 years. With proper care and regular visits to the dentist, they can last up to ten years. However, changes in the jawbone’s shape occur over time, leading to loose dentures. Because of this, they need to be adjusted and refitted often. In addition, dentures need to be kept clean and sanitary by brushing them regularly and soaking them in a cleaning solution. Proper maintenance is key for extending the life of your dentures.
If you’re interested in a hybrid product, you can ask your dentist about implant-supported dentures. These dentures are more stable and secure than traditional dentures, as they are anchored directly into the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures provide better chewing ability and a more natural feeling than conventional dentures.
What Is the Success Rate of Dental Implants Compared to Other Tooth Replacement Options?
Dental implants have the highest associated success rate compared to other tooth replacements. They have a success rate of 90% for the upper jaw and 95% for the lower jaw.
Dental bridges are associated with a 94.3% success rate. However, they have a survival rate of 72% over ten years.
Dentures have the lowest success rate at 60.4%. They must also be replaced more often than the other two treatment plans.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
Health funds may cover the cost of dental implants depending on the provider, policy, and level of cover. Basic health funds will not cover the full cost of dental implants. However, some health funds offer higher-level extras cover that provides a rebate for certain dental treatments, including implants.
It is important to check with your specific health fund what treatment they cover and at what percentage. Some funds may also require you to pay an additional fee for major services such as dentures or implants.
It’s also a good idea to speak to your dentist about the costs before commencing any treatment.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment Compared to Other Tooth Replacement Options?
Dental implants are often considered the ideal long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. While they may initially seem like a costly investment, the benefits of dental implants far outweigh those of other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges.
Unlike dentures, dental implants provide a long-term solution and do not need to be replaced every few years. They also offer greater stability when eating and speaking, while dentures can become loose over time due to changes in the shape of your bone. In addition, dental implants help preserve bone structure by stimulating bone growth around the implant site, whereas dentures do not provide this benefit.
When considering cost versus value, most people find that an investment in dental implants is well worth it for its longevity and superior performance compared to other tooth replacement options. If you are looking for a long-term solution that will improve your oral health and quality of life, dental implants may be the right choice.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants offer many benefits for patients who are missing teeth, including improved oral health, the ability to bite and chew food, and maintenance of the surrounding teeth and jawbone. They also have a high success rate compared to other tooth replacement options and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Although dental implants are not usually covered by insurance, they may be worth the investment for some patients. For more information on dental implant surgery, book an appointment with Royal Dental Spa today!