Dental implants involve the placement of tiny titanium screws directly into the jawbone that then serve as a support for artificial replacement teeth (crowns) via an abutment. While the upfront cost of dental implants and any associated procedures may seem high, they are one of the most durable, cost-effective, and successful restoration procedures available today. And, thanks to advanced technology and greater acceptance from insurance plans, they are an investment in your overall health.
If you’re an adult with one or more missing teeth, you aren’t alone. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, nearly 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and roughly 40 million are missing all of their teeth. Replacing these missing teeth is absolutely vital to your oral and overall health. Without tooth roots to stimulate the jaw bone, the jaw will begin to atrophy and deteriorate, compromising the stability of the jaw and placing uneven stress and strain on your remaining teeth. Moreover, tooth loss has been linked to serious conditions such as heart disease and dementia. Replacing missing teeth preserves jaw health, function, and integrity while preventing the development of other problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, TMJ disorders, and additional tooth loss.
One of the most effective tooth restoration solutions is dental implants. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, over 3 million people in the U.S. get dental implants every year. However, the upfront cost–a single dental implant typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on factors like the location of the tooth, the type of implant used, and the need for additional procedures like bone grafting–can seem daunting to many, and may have you wondering if they are worth the investment.
At Dental Depot of Arizona, we understand how closely oral health is linked to overall health, and we believe everyone deserves a healthy smile. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality, comprehensive dental care services at an affordable price and with a commonsense approach, and that includes tooth replacement solutions that fit your lifestyle and budget. Through patient education and honest dialogue, we help people decide which tooth replacement options are the right investment for them.
Dental implants have a 90%-95% success rate and are often the preferred choice for replacing missing teeth, but it can be helpful to understand the other options available.
Fixed bonded bridges are a common option for filling in gaps caused by missing teeth.
Fixed bonded bridges attach to the natural teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth, to hold the replacement tooth (or teeth) in place. Unlike traditional bridges, which use crowns on the surrounding teeth, fixed bonded bridges use a resin or metal framework to stay in position, making them less invasive.
However, this type of bridge can only be used when you have healthy, natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth.
Traditional dentures–either full or partial–have long been used to replace missing teeth. While they are easy to clean and often one of the more affordable options for replacing multiple teeth, they come with some drawbacks and limitations. Because they sit on top of the gums and do not stimulate the jawbone, people with dentures can still experience tissue deterioration and bone shrinkage over time. Dentures can also loosen, making it tricky to talk or eat comfortably and requiring regular adjustments, and you may have to watch what you eat, since certain foods can be difficult to manage.
Dental implants offer an added degree of versatility, durability, and stability to tooth replacement options. They consist of two primary components–a tiny titanium post that is permanently inserted into the jawbone and an abutment, which is connected to the post but protrudes above the gumline and provides an attachment point for the dental prosthesis. The posts act like new tooth roots and, with the attached abutment, provide the necessary support for both the jaw and the new artificial teeth.
A dental crown is one artificial tooth. They are customized to blend in seamlessly with your remaining natural teeth and attach to the abutment portion of the dental implant.
Implant-supported dentures offer a sturdier alternative to traditional dentures because they’re anchored directly to dental implants, giving them a more secure fit. Unlike traditional dentures, which rest on the gums, implant-supported dentures feature a design that reduces bulkiness and opens up the palate, making them more comfortable and allowing for better taste and speech, and they provide the jaw stimulation necessary for preventing bone atrophy.
Other benefits of implant-supported dentures include:
Also known as implant bridges, full-arch dental implants are a long-lasting solution for those looking to replace an entire row of teeth. Unlike removable crowns or bridges, these implants are securely fixed, meaning they won’t shift or loosen over time.
With a success rate of over 95% and an average lifespan of more than 30 years, dental implants are a long-term solution for tooth replacement and a worthy investment in your overall health.
Replacing a tooth in general is an investment that will deliver returns on better oral and overall health, in everything from better gum and teeth health to a healthier diet, reduced risk for chronic illnesses, and improved emotional health.
While the upfront cost of dental implants may seem higher than other options, they’re actually more cost-effective in the long run. Dentures and traditional bridges often need to be replaced every few years, which can add up quickly. In contrast, dental implants are permanent and designed to last a lifetime, meaning no necessary replacements or ongoing expenses down the road.
You can lose up to 25% of your jawbone’s density within the first year of losing a tooth, and without replacing that tooth, the bone will continue to atrophy and deteriorate, causing your remaining teeth to shift out of place. This movement can ultimately lead to more serious issues like gum disease, cavities, and even further tooth loss.
Moreover, as the bone deteriorates, it can alter the structure of your face. This often leads to sagging skin and sunken cheeks, which can make you look older than you are. Unfortunately, traditional tooth replacements like dentures and bridges only address the area above the gumline, so they don’t stop this bone loss from happening.
Dental implants provide jaw stimulation and tooth root-like support for both a healthy jaw and secure replacement teeth, as well as support for any remaining natural teeth.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that mimics both the root and the crown of a natural tooth. This is what makes them so unique, and why they feel so natural.
The process starts with a titanium post that’s surgically placed into your jawbone. Over time, your bone fuses with the post in a process called osseointegration. This fusion creates a strong, stable foundation, just like the root of a real tooth. Once the post is fully integrated, an abutment is attached to the top, acting as a connector between the implant and the crown.
The result is a tooth that not only looks real but feels real too, and will never need to be adjusted or replaced.
New advancements in technology have improved the predictability, reliability, and accessibility of dental implant procedures. Tools and resources like digital x-rays, intraoral 3D imaging and CBCT scanning, soft tissue laser treatment, All-on-4 dental implants, the Prettau Bridge, and zygomatic implants have made dental implants a viable tooth replacement option for people who may not have been candidates for them in the past. Additionally, these advancements and innovations allow for better precision and less invasive methods for better, more reliable, and more effective results.
At Dental Depot of Arizona, we combine the latest in dental implant options with a personal, commonsense approach to care that allows our patients to make informed decisions about the treatment plan that’s right for them. We leverage leading-edge diagnostic tools to help patients see what we see, provide an array of solutions to address any situation, and offer the financial flexibility to help make sure your dental implant investment fits within your budgetary means.
For people who are good candidates for the procedure, dental implants are absolutely worth the investment, delivering returns on everything from better oral health to a better quality of life. Find out if dental implants are right for you, and schedule a consultation today at Dental Depot of Arizona.
