4 Reasons Dental Implants Are Worth The Investment

Many people who seek to replace missing teeth choose traditional bridges or dentures over titanium dental implants because they view implants as a pricey tooth replacement luxury. But while dental implants do cost more than ordinary dentures, they also offer a much better experience in many ways. Here are four reasons you may find dental implants to be an outright bargain compared to more old-fashioned options.

1. Dental Implants Are Made to Last

Bridges and dentures typically need replacement every few years. This is especially true for acrylic false teeth, which tend to wear down with constant chewing. Dentures also require periodic relining to ensure a tight fit over the gums. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, allowing you to forego the additional expenses involved in maintaining less robust solutions.

2. Dental Implants Stay Put

The titanium posts that serve as the "roots" of dental implants fuse permanently with the surrounding bone, fixing them securely in place. This strong bond frees you from a lifetime of messing with dental adhesives or re-adjusting an ill-fitting bridge. It also means that you can speak and eat with confidence instead of worrying about your false teeth slipping at an embarrassing moment.

3. Dental Implants Require No Special Cleaning

Ordinary bridges and dentures must be removed for cleaning, and you may find that you have to purchase special denture cleaners to get them properly clean and odor-free. If you have dental implants, however, you can brush and floss them just as you would your natural teeth, making use of your favorite toothpaste. Even so, it's worth noting that you must continue to maintain good dental hygiene so that the tissues anchoring the implant will remain healthy.

4. Dental Implants Help Preserve Surrounding Teeth

One of the problems with having a permanent bridge installed is that your dentist has to shave down the two teeth on either side of the gap so they can hold permanent crowns. A dental implant can be installed without doing any permanent damage to your healthy teeth, always a preferable course of action whenever possible. Additionally, since the "roots" of an implant continue to stimulate bone growth in the jaw, an implant can help prevent the long-term bone loss associated with bridges and dentures.

As you can see, there are plenty of good reasons to consider spending the extra money up front for dental implants as opposed to flimsier, less convenient alternatives. Talk to your dentist or places like Tampa Bay Institute of Oral Surgery and Dental Implants to learn about possible financing options and to find whether you're a good candidate for the procedure.