The Real Benefits and Costs of Dental Implants

Curious to know more about dental implants’ benefits and cost? Check out our guide to find out if they are right for you.

If you’re missing teeth, and you’ve found that dentures and bridgework are not working out as well as you’d like, then it may be time to consider dental implants. Chances are you’ve heard of this kind of procedure before, but you may be wondering what kind of investment it requires, and if you can afford it with your budget. It’s time to get all your questions answered when it comes to the true investment of dental implants. 

Don’t put it off any longer, dental implants could be more affordable than you think. If you’d like to know more about if this procedure is right for you, you’ve come to the right place, because in this article we’re going to discuss:

  • The benefits of dental implants
  • What kind of investment is needed for dental implants
  • Whether or not dental implants are right for you

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Let’s review the benefits of getting dental implants

dentist and patient shaking hands

 

Dental implants are a surgical way to get you that smile that you’ve always wanted — and that you deserve. If you’ve been dealing with missing teeth, it’s time to do something about them, and dental implants may be just the solution for you. This type of procedure seeks to replace your teeth roots with screw-like posts, and puts an artificial tooth in place of missing teeth. Because they are bonded to your jaw bone, dental implants are designed to look and function just like your real teeth, and your dentist can seamlessly blend them into your remaining teeth — matching it so no one but you will be all the wiser. 

The first step to getting to know more about dental implants is to speak with your dentist. They can evaluate your particular situation and decide whether or not dental implants are right for you. If your dentist feels that you may be the right candidate for this type of procedure, it’s helpful to know some of the benefits you’ll experience from getting dental implants:

They are like natural teeth

If you have missing teeth, you know how hard it can be to chew properly, causing you to struggle to enjoy your favorite foods. When you decide to get dental implants, they are designed to look and act just like normal teeth, restoring full chewing function and allowing you to brush like normal. 

Can last a lifetime

One of the major benefits of getting dental implants is that they are considered a more permanent solution than dentures or bridgework. When you decide to go with implants, the screw-like “root” is drilled into the jaw bone, making them a permanent fixture in your mouth that does not need to be replaced. 

Prevent bone loss

If you have missing teeth, you run the chance of dealing with eventual bone loss. Without a tooth occupying the space, your jaw bone can start to deteriorate, causing you to lose more bone each year the tooth is missing. By filling the gaps of missing teeth with dental implants, you’re preventing this bone loss by bringing back full functionality to your teeth and jaw. 

Keep teeth stable

Missing teeth can also cause the teeth around them to start to shift, creating misaligned or crooked teeth. By permanently filling in the gap with a dental implant, you’ll ensure the teeth that surround it stay where they’re supposed to, keeping your bite and chewing ability intact. 

Can prevent facial sagging

When teeth are missing, it can not only affect the inside of your mouth, but also your surrounding facial skin as well. Bone loss due to missing teeth can cause the facial skin to start to sag, creating excess wrinkles and causing the person to look older than they actually are.

Dental implants are an investment

What can they charge for dental implants?

dentist speaking w patient

 

Now that you’re aware of some of the benefits of dental implants, the next big question is how much do dental implants actually cost? When discussing with your dentist whether or not this option is right for you, it’s important to weigh all the benefits of dental implants we mentioned above, with your unique situation. 

It helps to think of dental implants as an investment, one that will help you lead a better, healthier life. If you’re dealing with the pain and embarrassment of missing teeth, there is no time like now to do something about it. A permanent solution like dental implants can help you get your smile back, allow you to chew food normally, not to mention avoid potential bone loss—which is a scenario that no one wants to deal with.

By making an investment in your teeth, you’re investing in your overall health as well. We think it’s impossible to put a price tag on being able to enjoy food, smile, and improve your oral health, which is exactly what dental implants can do for you.

Having a discussion with your dentist is the first step in deciding if dental implants can help your situation. Each person is different, and so are their dental needs. If together you and your dentist believe that dental implants will have a positive effect on your well being, then you should schedule a time to speak with them about specifics. 

In addition to the actual dental implant cost, you and your dentist can discuss additional charges that most implant patients will incur, such as:

  • Custom teeth
  • Any root or tooth extraction
  • Pre-op and post-op care
  • Additional office visits

Then, you’ll have a more accurate picture of the type of investment dental implants are. Every patient’s circumstances are unique, which is why it can be difficult to pin down an exact price for dental implants. Where you live can also have an impact on the cost, as the cost of dental procedures can vary from one part of the country to another. 

If you have dental insurance, you will need to check to see if it covers (fully or partially) dental implants. This could also help you offset the cost.

Are dental implants right for you?

Is it time to discuss dental implants with your dentist?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re deciding whether or not dental implants are right for you. You and your dentist can discuss your unique situation, and determine if they are, and exactly how much they’ll cost. Remember, dental implants are an investment in your health, and can provide you with a permanent solution to your missing teeth. This procedure could be the way to go if you:

  • Have one or a few missing teeth
  • Have adequate bone to secure the grafts
  • Have good oral health
  • Don’t have any other conditions that could prevent bone healing
  • Are willing to commit the time needed to complete the process

The investment in of dental implants is reflective of the fact they’re intended as a permanent solution, and are the closest thing you can get to your real teeth. When you invest in dental implants, you invest in your health, so consider discussing this procedure with your dentist today. 

*General industry pricing only. See your local Aspen Dental for specific pricing.