The Ben­e­fits of Den­tal Implants: Why They’re Worth the Investment

A bridge or a partial denture might provide an aesthetic restoration, but there will be limitations in what this restoration can achieve. If you’re looking for a restoration that looks and feels like a natural tooth, you need a dental implant.

You can use a single implant to replace a single missing tooth, or you can use multiple implants to support a bridge or a full arch denture. This is a versatile treatment option that is flexible to your needs.

We recognise that dental implants are a significant investment, and this might be a lot more than you ever imagined spending on your oral health. Thankfully, we offer payment plans to help you spread the cost of your treatment.

When you consider the lifetime value of a dental implant, it becomes much easier to understand the cost. Most patients find that a dental implant is actually more cost-effective when they consider the lifetime value. Read on to learn more about the benefits of delta implants and why they are definitely worth the investment.

Maintaining bone density

If you lose a tooth, your jaw bone will gradually shrink as the bone is no longer supporting anything. This can change the shape of your face and lead to asymmetry and a sunken appearance that is all too common for those who wear dentures.

If you choose dentures for your restoration, you’ll need to replace your dentures periodically due to the loss of bone density in your jaw.

With dental implants, your jaw bone remains functional, which means no bone loss. This can help you to maintain your facial structure and avoid the loss of bone density associated with denture wearing.

Protecting the surrounding teeth

If you leave a gap in your smile, the surrounding teeth will be at risk of damage. The teeth next to the gap can move out of alignment or come loose due to a lack of support. The teeth opposite will also be at risk, as they will have nothing to oppose the force of your bite. This can cause them to shift out of alignment.

By replacing your teeth with a dental implant, you can protect your remaining teeth and avoid further tooth loss. We also find that patients who invest in their smiles are more likely to take excellent care of their teeth. This can help to prevent issues in the future, which means you could avoid further costly procedures.

The lifetime value of implants

When comparing dental implants to treatments like a partial denture or a bridge, you need to consider the lifetime value, not just the upfront cost. While it would be cheaper to restore your smile with a bridge or partial denture, this isn’t the only cost associated with these treatments.

A dental bridge could need to be replaced after as little as 5 years. And dentures could last for a similar amount of time. Contrast this to a dental implant, which is designed to last a lifetime.

With a bridge or denture, you could end up paying more in the long term due to the ongoing maintenance to help repair damage or to resize your denture.

Avoid social isolation

Issues with your teeth can cause you to isolate socially. This can happen for the young and the elderly. If your confidence is impacted by wearing a denture or a bridge, you might find that you are less outgoing and less willing to socialise.

By choosing a restoration that looks and feels natural, you can avoid these issues and safeguard your mental health alongside your oral health. You don’t have to feel self-conscious about your smile and you might even forget that you have an artificial tooth.

Who is a good candidate for this treatment?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants. Before you get ahead of yourself or get your heart set on a particular treatment outcome, it’s important to visit your dentist for a dental implant consultation.

Certain lifestyle choices or other factors could make you unsuitable for dental implants. For example, if you are a smoker, your dentist will advise against this treatment. And if you have ever had any radiation treatment on your jaw, you would also be unsuitable for this treatment plan.

Most people can have dental implants without worry, but the first step would be to visit your dentist for a checkup and a consultation. If you know you have to have a tooth extracted in the future, it might be possible to plan your implant placement alongside your extraction to help speed up the time it takes to complete your treatment. Book an appointment with our dental implant team to learn more.