If you have lost a tooth or two, you might be wondering what can be done about it. It is not necessary to have gaps in the teeth as there are various options available to replace them. You might have thought of options like dentures, bridges, or partial plates.
But here is the thing…
When it comes to the replacement of teeth, they don’t even compare with dental implants in the long term.
The best part? The statistics on dental implants are beyond amazing. With studies showing 4 out of 5 dental implants lasting 20 years or more with good care and maintenance, dental implants are by far the most reliable option when it comes to replacement of teeth.
But wait, there is more…
What you’ll learn:
- Why Dental Implants Are Better Than Any Other Option
- The Real Numbers Behind the Long-Term Success of Dental Implants
- How Dental Implants Actually Save You Money in the Long Run
- What Makes Modern Dental Implants So Dependable?
- The Amazing Life-Changing Benefits You May Not Have Known
Why Dental Implants Are Better Than Any Other Option
I am going to explain how dental implants are different…
You have probably realized by now that dental implants are quite different from the other options. Dentures and bridges sit on top of the gums or require adjacent teeth for support, but dental implants replace the tooth root.
This is the primary difference.
Dental implants are different because they merge with your jawbone by osseointegration.
Let me explain why this is important…
When you lose a tooth, your bone starts to erode. The bone in our jaw is similar to a muscle in that it deteriorates when not used. Traditional replacement of teeth does nothing to stop bone loss.
Dental implants are different because they stimulate the jawbone just as natural tooth roots would. This prevents bone loss and keeps the structure of your face intact.
Pretty amazing, right?
But the benefits are much more than preserving bone. When you get top quality dental implants, you are actually making an investment that can last for many decades with proper care.
The Statistics Behind the Long-Term Success of Dental Implants
Do you want to know why dental implants are so reliable? The statistics do that for you.
Recent studies have shown that dental implants have a 98.6% success rate at five years after loading. This is simply mind-blowing.
But here is the even more excellent part…
Long-term statistics show that dental implants have a survival rate of 90-95% after ten years. This number is based on implants that are properly maintained; a significant percentage will last you 20 years or more.
Compare that to some of the other options:
- Traditional bridges require replacement every 10-15 years
- Dentures have to be re-adjusted and replaced after 5-7 years
- Partial dentures can cause damage to your remaining teeth.
The math here is quite simple. Although dental implants may cost more at the start, in the long run, they actually end up saving you money as they are not constantly requiring replacement or repairs.
How Dental Implants Save You Money in the Long Run
One thing that many people don’t realize is that the total cost of ownership for dental implants is lower than other tooth replacement options.
Let me explain by using an example:
Let us say you get a bridge that requires replacement after every 12 years. You will probably end up having two or three bridge substitutes during your lifetime. With each replacement comes cost and possible complications.
With dentures, you have to consider the following:
- Regular adjustments
- Reline costs
- Adhesives
- Cleaning products
- Periodic replacements
- Potential damage to remaining teeth
Dental implants eliminate all these recurring costs.
Once the dental implant is placed and has been given time to heal, your maintenance routine is as simple as with your natural teeth. You brush, you floss, and you go for regular check-ups with your dentist.
This is why the global dental implant market has grown to over $8 billion in recent years. People are starting to realize the value of dental implants in the long run.
What Makes Modern Dental Implants Dependable?
Technology with respect to dental implants has advanced in leaps and bounds over the last decade or so.
Dental implants these days are made from titanium that is biocompatible with human bone. This means that your body can accept and allow it to mix with the jaw bone.
There are quite a number of recent technological advances:
- 3D imaging for accurate placement
- Computer-guided surgery
- Improved surface treatments for quicker healing
- Improved implant designs for increased stability
This has seen the success rate drive even higher. The failure rate for dental implants is just 3.1% across the world, making them one of the most predictable procedures in dentistry.
Life-Changing Benefits You May Not Have Known
In addition to the benefits of replacement missing teeth, there are some incredible advantages that dental implants come with that many people do not consider.
Help Preserve Your Facial Structure
One of the most obvious signs of aging is tooth loss. As you lose teeth, your face starts to collapse inwards as your jawbone atrophies. You end up having that sagging look and affecting your speech.
Dental implants prevent this. As the titanium implants merge with your jaw, they prevent bone loss. You can maintain your natural facial proportions and avoid that sunken look that comes with loss of teeth.
Restore Your Ability to Eat Whatsoever You Want
When you have dentures or bridges, there are always foods that you have to avoid. Sticky, hard, or chewy foods are a complete no-go.
Dental implants return your full chewing power. You container bite into an apple, enjoy a juicy steak or some popcorn without any worry at all.
Say Goodbye to the Embarrassment of Slipping
Do you remember having to think twice before laughing or talking so that your dentures did not slip out? Embarrassing, right?
Dental implants are anchored into the jawbone permanently. They don’t slip, click or wiggle around. You can smile, conversation and laugh without having to worry.
Protect the Teeth You Have Left
Traditional bridges require adjacent teeth to serve as anchors. To make this happen, they are ground down and weakened, making them more likely to develop problems later.
Dental implants are individual and stand on their own. They do not affect any of your other teeth, thereby helping you maintain your overall oral health.
The Bottom Line
With over 3 million Americans consuming dental implants, it is obvious that an increasing number of people are starting to recognize the life-changing benefits of dental implants.
The durability, the functionality, and the aesthetic appeal make dental implants the best standard when it comes to the replacement of teeth.
When you take into consideration the long-term costs, the preservation of your oral health, and the radical improvement to your quality of life, dental implants are one of the best investments that you can make.
Summing Everything Up
The best part about dental implants is that there are unmatched long-term benefits that none of the other tooth replacement options can even come close to.
Some of the long-term benefits include:
- Permanent tooth replacement that can last for many decades
- Help with the preservation of the jawbone and facial structure
- They offer a full restoration of chewing function
- They help protect the remaining teeth
- They have a lower total cost of ownership.
The initial investment may seem a bit too much, but when you consider that you might just have to have the implant procedure once in your lifetime and that with the other options, you might have to keep replacing them, you get to see the value in them.
Do not let missing teeth stop you from living your life to the fullest. The technology and success rates have never been better, and now is the right time to start considering dental implant options.