If you have lost a tooth or two, you might be wondering what you can do 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 spare teeth, dental implants don’t even compare in the long term.
The best part? The statistics on dental implants are beyond amazing. With studies showing that 4 out of 5 dental implants last 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance, dental implants are by far the most reliable option for replacing 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 differ because they fuse with your jawbone through osseointegration.
Let me explain why this is important…
When you misplace a tooth, your jawbone starts to erode. The bone in our jaw is similar to a muscle in that it deteriorates when not used. Traditional tooth replacement does nothing to stop bone loss.
Dental implants differ since they stimulate the jawbone just as natural tooth roots do. This prevents bone loss and maintains the construction of your face.
Pretty impressive, right?
But the benefits go far beyond 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 90-95% survival rate after 10 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 save you money because they do not require constant replacement or repairs.
How Dental Implants Save You Money in the Long Run
One thing many people don’t realise is that the total cost of ownership for dental implants is lower than that of other tooth replacement options.
Let me explain by using an example:
Let us say you get a bridge that needs to be replaced every 12 years. You will probably have two or three bridge replacements during your lifetime. With each replacement comes cost and potential 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, floss, and get 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 realise the long-term value of dental implants.
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 of biocompatible titanium. This means that your body can accept and allow it to integrate with the jawbone.
There are many 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% worldwide, 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, dental implants offer several advantages that many people do not consider.
Help Preserve Your Facial Structure
One of the most apparent signs of ageing is tooth loss. As you lose teeth, your face starts to collapse inwards as your jawbone atrophies. You end up with a sagging look that affects 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 the sunken look that comes with tooth loss.
Restore Your Aptitude to Eat Whatever You Want
When you have dentures or bridges, there are always foods that you have to avoid. Sticky, complex, or chewy foods are a complete no-go.
Dental implants return your full chewing power. You can taste 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 your dentures wouldn’t slip out? Embarrassing, right?
Dental implants are enduringly anchored in the jawbone. They don’t slip, click or wiggle around. You can smile, talk, and laugh without worrying.
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, increasing their likelihood of developing 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 clear that more people are recognising the life-changing benefits of dental implants.
The durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal make dental implants the gold standard for tooth replacement.
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 the unmatched long-term benefits they offer, which 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 complete 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 only need the implant procedure once in your lifetime and that, with other options, you might have to keep replacing them, you see the value.
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.