Dentists consider dental implants to be the ideal way to replace lost teeth because they look, work, and feel just like the real thing, but many people may be intimidated by the price tag attached to them. While getting implants involves a significant investment of time and finances, they can provide a range of significant benefits that may save you money in the long run. Here’s a brief guide to how dental implants work and why they may be an excellent investment for your pocketbook and your oral health.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically inserted into a patient’s jawbone so they can support tooth replacement appliances such as dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. The process of placing them is completely painless thanks to modern anesthetic methods, and, once placed, they naturally fuse with their surrounding jaw structure through the natural process of osseointegration. Fusing with the jawbone allows implants to provide a sturdy, durable, and long-lasting hold so patients can enjoy optimal stability and chewing power.
How Much Can Dental Implants Cost?
The overall cost of a dental implant can typically range between $1,000 to $3,000, but the actual number will vary based on factors like the pricing system used by the dentist placing them, the location of their office, and the number of prosthetic appliances being placed. For example, dental implants placed in a major metropolitan area may be significantly more expensive than those placed in a rural region.
How Can Dental Implants Save Me Money?
Traditional restorative appliances such as dental bridges and dentures can be an excellent way for many people to replace their lost teeth, but, while they may be cheaper in the short run, they can involve some significant expenses over the years.
Dentures last for seven to ten years on average while dental bridges can last as long as fifteen years, meaning either restoration will eventually need to be replaced. These replacements are not cheap, and, since they do not address the issue of jawbone atrophy after tooth loss, you may still have to deal with costly issues like your remaining teeth shifting out of place later.
Dental implants, on the other hand, can last for up to thirty years or even a lifetime if they receive excellent care. Since implants restore the exercise the jawbone needs to stay healthy and strong, they can prevent or even reverse the process of bone loss, and they also only require the same oral hygiene regimen as natural teeth. This means that dental implants may be a great way to preserve your oral health so you don’t have to worry about paying for restorative treatments later, and, since they can last for so long, you may save thousands of dollars on replacement restorations.
Investing in dental implants may be an excellent way to restore your smile, save money in the long run, and bolster your confidence. Consulting with your dentist can help determine if implants are right for you.
About the Practice
River Station Dentistry helps individuals and families in Montpelier achieve better oral health. Led by Drs. Andrew Hale and Sally Bishko, the staff provides courteous service and effective treatments in a warm and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To schedule your consultation for dental implants, contact the practice online or dial (802) 223-2244.