Can Dental Implants Save You Money in the Long Run?

While there are many tooth replacement treatments available today, it’s especially important to recognize the different benefits that specific tooth replacements offer. For example, while dental bridges do offer a lower upfront cost compared to dental implants, they lack many of the long-term benefits that dental implants provide. With that said, it’s always better to do your research upfront on big decisions like tooth replacement. To learn why periodontists often recommend dental implants in Huntington Beach over dental bridges, despite their higher upfront cost, keep reading.

Benefits of Dental Bridges and Dental Implants Compared

For starters, dental bridges are generally less costly upfront because they do not require oral surgery to complete. As a result, the restoration that fills the gap in your smile is replaced with a complex bridge, which is a series of crowns fused together. However, that means the underlying bone tissue inside your jaw is not getting the stimulation it needs to remain strong.

In contrast, dental implants can be placed directly into the jaw through surgical implantation. Not only does this remove the need for modifying existing teeth to hold a bridge, but it also means you can receive full biting strength of your jaw and reap the many cosmetic benefits that come with it.

The Long-Term Costs of Dental Bridges

On average dental bridges will last between 10 and 15 years before they need to be replaced. When you consider how much you’re spending on the initial bridge, it may not be the greatest investment when you know that you’ll be inevitably replacing the bridge later in life. On top of that, your natural teeth holding the bridge can begin to wear down after enough time and even require crowns themselves just to ensure they don’t become too damaged.

Furthermore, as the bone tissue begins to fluctuate over time, the bridge may not fit as comfortably as it once did. This only increases the chances of needing an adjustment (or even outright replacement) later. At the end of the day, periodontists often note dental implants to have the best value for a variety of reasons.

The Long-Term Value Dental Implants Provide

Dental implants are known for their longevity, typically lasting about 30 years on average. However, they generally last even longer than that when they are properly maintained. Thankfully, routine maintenance of a dental implant is largely identical to care for natural teeth. Not only are dental implants easy to clean, but they don’t require as much attention as dental bridges, which can easily harbor food debris and bacteria underneath. On top of that, the implant is placed directly inside of the jaw and integrates with the bone, so your jaw’s overall shape and structure remains the same.

In the end, not needing to replace your dental bridge after 10 to 15 years means that you’re generally saving money compared to a single dental implant, especially in the long-term. If you’re looking for additional guidance regarding tooth replacement, don’t wait to get in touch with a periodontist today!

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga has been helping patients restore their gums and replace teeth for over 15 years. As a highly trained periodontist, he’s more than capable of performing a wide variety of surgical treatments surrounding the mouth. This includes dental implant placement as well as gum and bone grafts. To schedule a dental implant consultation, you can contact him through his website.