Need to Replace Missing Teeth? Dental Implants May Be More Affordable Than You Think
If you have one or more missing teeth, you should have them replaced as soon as possible – not only for functional and aesthetic reasons, but also to help prevent serious complications such as bone loss. Before you proceed, be sure to explore all of your tooth replacement options, which may include a traditional bridge, dentures, and dental implants. The dental professionals at Florida Dental Centers in St. Petersburg, FL, can provide all of the information you need to make a fully informed choice.
Don’t be tempted to rule out dental implants right off the bat due to concerns about the upfront cost. Implants are often the best option for replacing missing teeth, and you might be surprised to learn how affordable they can be.
Why are dental implants a good value?
Any tooth replacement option can potentially meet your short-term needs. But, as compared to a traditional bridge or dentures, dental implants are likely to serve you well over the long run – at a lower cost. Consider that:
- Dental implants may be more expensive than dentures or a bridge at first, but the latter two options typically require further restorative work within five to seven years.
- A bridge is a false tooth held in place by two dental crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth on both sides of a missing tooth. To prepare the teeth for crown placement, a dentist must remove the enamel. Because enamel does not grow back, these teeth must always be protected by crowns, which will need to be periodically replaced.
- As compared to traditional bridges and dentures, dental implants more closely mimic the form and function of natural teeth. Therefore, implants can preserve the integrity of the jaw bone and help prevent degeneration that requires treatment.
In sum, while dental implants may be a higher-cost option initially, they will likely prove to be a better investment than any other tooth restoration treatment. Once your dental implants are placed, you’ll care for them the same way you care for your natural teeth. With good maintenance and routine checkups, there is no reason why your implants will not last a very long time – perhaps even a lifetime.
If you have questions, contact Florida Dental Centers to schedule an appointment with a dentist at our office in St. Petersburg, FL. Allow us to explain in detail how dental implants may be more affordable than you think.