Are Dental Implants Affordable?
Rochester, NY
 Dental implants refer to an artificial titanium tooth root that looks and functions like natural teeth. An abutment is placed on top of the device where a crown is affixed to complete the tooth. If you are looking for a permanent solution for missing teeth, implants offer the most long-term oral health benefits.
Why choose implants over other affordable prosthetics? The procedure limits bone deterioration and halts the progression of malocclusions and tooth decay. The implant serves as an artificial root, stopping jawbone density loss. If you are concerned about your tooth gap, our dentists at Stephen L Ruchlin DDS will develop a customized plan to restore your teeth’s aesthetics.
The dental implant placement can be broken into multiple steps. The procedure starts with an assessment of your gums and teeth to check for decay and tissue inflammation. Any underlying conditions may be referred to a specialist for treatment.
Placement of the implant post commences once diagnosis confirms you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. It involves minor cuts on the underlying tissue to create an opening for the artificial root. You must have adequate bone mass to stabilize the dental appliance.
People with severe deterioration may undergo grafting to improve their bone mass. The graft is a special bone tissue matrix that stops and reverses bone loss. It has a significant recovery period that may take several months before placing the rest of the implant.
After your soft tissue heals, our dental team can place the abutment over the implant post. The abutment serves as a link between the artificial root and the crown. The crown is a ceramic shell that resembles your natural teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
Dental procedures apply various techniques when using implants as substitutes for one or more tooth gaps. The principal dental implant restoration types typically include endosteal and subperiosteal implants.
Endosteal implants are the more popular choice for missing teeth when the jawbone has no signs of erosion. The post is usually a titanium material that gradually merges with the underlying bone to minimize instability.
Subperiosteal implants are not as widely available as endosteal varieties. They are suitable for cases where the jawbone has insufficient tissue mass to support the post. It does not involve insertion into the gums and underlying bone. Instead, the implant relies on a unique frame attached through micro incisions around the gum line.
Endosteal procedures are more widely available because of their exceptionally successful outcomes. They have a lower risk of complications than subperiosteal interventions. Despite the minimally-invasive process, most dental specialists will overlook subperiosteal and choose endosteal implants.
Several options are available for endosteal implants for addressing the loss of multiple teeth. One version involves affixing a bridge to the artificial root to mimic the function of a complete tooth arch. All-on-4 and 3-on-6 varieties are the top choices for restoring an entire set of teeth. Our dentists will guide you through the options and explain the implication of each.
How Do implants Compare to Other Alternatives?
Bridges are popular alternatives to implants for addressing multiple tooth loss. They allow you to chew food and make speech easier. They prevent teeth from moving out of position, limiting malocclusions or teeth misalignments.
Another benefit is the cost of dental implants vs. bridges is higher. A conventional bridge may require between $2,000 to $,3000 to complete treatment. They also have a shorter recovery timeline compared to implants.
Despite the higher cost, implants are more effective at reducing long-term oral health complications. They limit the breakdown of bone tissue after a tooth extraction or trauma. Routine maintenance is minimal compared to the care required for bridges.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Dentures are also affordable alternatives that offer a temporary solution for missing teeth. As with bridges and implants, they can restore bite function and teeth aesthetics. They also support facial structures to limit changes to your appearance.
Unlike implants, dentures are removable and do not require adequate bone density. Our specialist will customize the device after assessing the structure of your mouth and gums. Dentures utilize dental adhesives to affix them to the gum line.
Dentures cost approximately $1,500 to $2,000 to cover a single tooth gap. Although cheaper, dentures are less comfortable for chewing hard foods than implants. You must remove the device before going to bed.
Implants have much fewer aftercare demands than dentures. Dentures require regular cleaning and proper storage in a specialized dental solvent. They also need routine replacements after a few years, incurring more long-term costs.
Dentures present many complications that affect treatment results. They experience mechanical faults and changes in shape, which require adjustments. Since they often become loose, they cause scarring on the gum tissue, promoting inflammation.
Why Opt for Dental Implants?
Typically, dental implants are more expensive than most prosthetic alternatives available today. However, that is only true if you consider the immediate rather than long-term costs.
Alternatives like dentures and bridges are more than half the price of implants. However, they are made from less durable materials. That is why dentures and bridges require adjustments and replacements every five to 10 years.
Implants last a lifetime and hardly require adjustments if you observe oral hygiene and care. Problems like mouth sores from dentures could trigger inflammation, incurring additional costs for treatment. Over two decades, implants may prove more affordable for tooth replacements.
An implant prevents other side effects prevalent with dentures or bridge usage. They are the best option for limiting bone structure and facial feature changes. Since implants also closely mimic natural teeth, you can regain confidence and self-esteem.
If you want the same feeling of having your natural teeth, implants offer the most organic experience. Regardless of your choice, it is wise to consult an experienced dental surgeon when seeking the best treatment. Dental implant restoration is an intricate process requiring extensive knowledge and expertise.
You can learn more about dental implants from our team at Stephen L Ruchlin DDS. Call our friendly staff at (585) 427-7820 and learn more about how your dental care is affordable today. |
