Are Dental Implants a Practical Tooth Replacement Option?

Millions of people have at least one missing tooth, and much of the population in Jacksonville, Florida, is living with tooth loss. In this situation, dental implants offer the ideal solution, as they’re virtually identical to the natural teeth in appearance, fit and function. Implants are easy to maintain, too, and once put in place, implanted teeth can remain in top-notch condition forever. What’s not to like?

Truth be told, some people consider dental implants to be an expensive luxury. But while the initial outlay is more than with other tooth replacement options, implanted teeth are definitely a worthwhile investment. Here, the professional team at River Oaks Dental explains why implants are a practical choice.  

Dental Implant Placement Has No Effect on Natural Teeth 

To secure a dental bridge or removable partial denture, a Jacksonville dentist needs to file down some of the enamel on the adjacent teeth. The step is necessary, but it does leave the teeth more susceptible to infection and decay. 

In comparison, placing dental implants doesn’t disturb the natural teeth. A titanium post is inserted in the socket of the missing tooth, then a connector piece called an abutment is attached. The restoration – a crown, bridge or denture – is put in place next, creating an attractive and fully functional smile. Over time, the jawbone fuses to the post, firmly fixing it in position. The fusion process, known as osseointegration, is what gives implanted teeth lifetime stability. 

Dental Implants Help Prevent Bone Loss in the Jaw

With a missing tooth, dentists expect to see jawbone degeneration. The roots of natural teeth stimulate new bone growth, and when those are gone, the stimulation is gone. As a result, the jaw begins to deteriorate and lose structure.

Conversely, getting dental implants helps prevent shrinkage of the jaw. The post of an implant replaces the missing tooth root, so the bone has the stimulation it needs to remain healthy and keep its density. Plus, by helping to avert jawbone atrophy, implanted teeth also defend against wrinkles, premature aging and further tooth loss. And if degeneration has already taken place, implants are still an option with a routine bone graft procedure.

Dental Implant Placement Offers a Better Quality of Life 

Replacing missing teeth with flippers, bridges and dentures comes with a couple of minuses. The dental restorations can slip or make clicking noises, and with these tooth replacement options, some foods are off the menu.

With dental implants, there are no dietary restrictions. What’s more, because they’re securely set in the jawbone, implanted teeth don’t shift out of place like the above-mentioned restorations. Whether a patient gets a single implant, an implant-supported bridge or implant-supported denture, living with implants is really no different than having a mouth full of healthy teeth. And in the hands of a skilled Jacksonville dentist, the smile looks naturally beautiful.

Dental Implants Can Permanently Transform the Smile

In most cases, flippers and bridges only last for about five years, and dentures typically need an adjustment or replacement about that often. And due to the extra care these tooth restorations need, more dental bills can be expected.

Quite the contrary with dental implants – when put in place by an experienced dentist, implanted teeth are a permanent success in almost every instance. And because they don’t ever need to be adjusted, fewer dentist visits are generally required. Furthermore, taking care of implants is as easy as caring for the natural teeth, since routine brushing, daily flossing and regular dentist appointments are invariably all that’s necessary to keep them in excellent shape. 

Factors that Affect Dental Implant Placement Costs

The practicalities of implanted teeth are clear, and although many people in Jacksonville think implants are expensive, that’s not always true. Insurance plans sometimes offer partial coverage, and loans for dental procedures are available. In addition, some local dentist offices – like River Oaks Dental – offer affordable financing plans.

But how much will you have to pay for dental implant placement? You can find general pricing online, but much of the information is imprecise at best. For an accurate quote, you’ll need to visit a dentist, but the following may affect your total outlay:

•       The number of missing teeth you need replaced – As you might guess, a single implanted tooth costs less than an implant-supported bridge or implant-supported denture.
•       The position of your missing teeth – Replacement of the front teeth can cost a bit more than placing implants elsewhere in the mouth because of the greater aesthetic considerations.
•       The state of your oral health – If you need a bone graft to build up the jawbone or periodontal treatment to restore your gum health, the overall cost of getting implants will be higher.

Do you have a missing tooth? Or multiple gaps in your grin? If you’re concerned about the cost of implanted teeth, talk to the professional team at River Oaks Dental in Jacksonville, Florida. We’d love for you to enjoy the advantages that come with dental implants, and our staff can help arrange for an affordable payment plan. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.