Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost of Treatment?
Tooth loss is a risk, especially as a person ages. The teeth weaken when exposed to the wear and tear of biting and chewing. As the layer of enamel thins, teeth are vulnerable to decay and infection, which increases the risk of tooth loss.
Dental implants are one of the most effective tooth loss treatments. Dental implants fuse with the jaw to provide a stable anchor for dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. Many wonder if dental implants are worth the cost of treatment. Dr. Louis J. Buono of Garden City Smiles, which serves Long Island, NY, and Garden City, NY, discusses the benefits of dental implants and why these dental restorations are worth their cost.
Cost of Dental Implant Treatment
Dental implant treatment is a multi-stage procedure that involves oral surgery. Due to the extensiveness of treatment, dental implants are more costly than other tooth loss treatments. The specific cost of dental implant treatment varies from one patient to another. The cost is affected by several factors, including:
- Number of dental implants
- Dental implant materials
- Type of restoration
- Choice of provider
- Additional procedures (bone graft, sinus lift, etc.)
Is the Cost Worth It?
It is natural for people to wonder if dental implants are worth the cost of treatment when alternative tooth loss treatments are available at a lower price. Although dental implants can be costly, they are a worthy investment. Dental implants offer several benefits that make them superior to other missing tooth treatments.
Maximum Stability
Dental implants offer more stability than any other tooth loss treatment. Implants are small titanium screws that are surgically placed in the jawbone. As our Long Island patients recover from the first stage of dental implant treatment, bone tissues fuse with the implants, becoming a part of the jaw.
Dental implants act as stable anchors for dental restorations. Implant-supported restorations do not shift, slip, or fall out of place. They are stable and secure enough to withstand the wear and tear of normal oral functions.
Superior Comfort
Dental implants are the closest replica to the natural teeth. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth, providing superior comfort. After recovering from dental implant treatment, most patients do not feel any difference between implants and remaining natural teeth.
Improved Oral Functions
Tooth loss weakens the bite and compromises oral functions. Dental implants provide a stable replacement for missing teeth. Implants strengthen the bite and enhance a full range of oral functions, including biting, chewing, and speaking.
Jawbone Support
When a person bites or chews, tooth roots stimulate the tissues of the jawbone to promote growth and regeneration. After tooth loss, areas beneath the missing teeth lack the stimulation necessary to promote growth. Over time, the jaw weakens as tissues are lost. Dental implants offer the unique benefit of supporting the jawbone. Implants are the only tooth loss treatment that acts as artificial tooth roots to stimulate the jaw and prevent bone loss.
Long-lasting Results
Another benefit that makes dental implants worth the cost of treatment is their durability. Because dental implants fuse with bone tissues, they essentially become part of the jaw. Even if dental restorations wear down or become damaged, the implants that support them should remain stable. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Contact Garden City Smiles
Dental implants are an investment, but the numerous benefits they provide make them well worth the cost of treatment. If you require tooth loss treatment and would like to learn more about dental implants and whether you are an ideal candidate for these restorations, contact our dental practice online and request an appointment at your earliest convenience.