Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth while blending in naturally with your existing teeth. They are a long-term solution that has revolutionized dentistry over the past four decades.

Made of titanium and other biocompatible materials, dental implants are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw. They serve as stable anchors for replacement teeth.

Why Are Dental Implants a Great Investment? Most patients find dental implants to be secure, stable, and highly satisfactory replacements for their natural teeth. The process of getting a dental implant typically involves three phases:

Evaluation and Preparation of Dental Implants:

• At Martinsville Family Dentistry, our dentists will assess your candidacy for dental implants using advanced technologies such as Dental Cone Beam CT Scan to measure and scan your teeth and bone.

• Our dentists surgically position the implant in your jawbone. During the healing process, which may require a diet of soft foods, cold foods, and warm soup, the bone integrates with the implant in a process called osseointegration. This integration provides the strength and stability that make dental implants superior.

It’s important to discuss dental implant options thoroughly with our dentists. Age is not the primary factor for candidacy; your general health plays a more significant role. A medical evaluation by a physician may be required before implant surgery, particularly if you have chronic illnesses like diabetes or leukemia. Smoking can also hinder healing.

Dental Implants Versus Dental Bridges: When choosing between dental implants and dental bridges for tooth replacement, it’s crucial to understand the differences and consider your specific needs.

Dental Implants:

• Function as artificial tooth roots, anchored in the jawbone
• Require a process called osseointegration for optimal stability
• Have a longer treatment timeline due to integration and healing
• Provide superior durability and longevity
• Preserve the integrity of adjacent teeth as they don’t rely on support from neighboring teeth

Dental Bridges:

• Fill the gap of a missing tooth by attaching to neighboring teeth
• Involve reshaping adjacent teeth to support the bridge
• Have a shorter treatment timeline compared to dental implants
• May need replacement every 10 to 20 years
• Can be a suitable option if supporting teeth are healthy and stable

Candidacy for Dental Implants at Martinsville Family Dentistry in Martinsville: The eligibility criteria for dental implants include:

• Completion of bone growth (typically after adolescence)
• Adequate bone structure for implantation, evaluated through X-rays or CT scans
• Smoking cessation due to the higher risk of implant failure for smokers
• Additional treatments may be necessary for individuals with diabetes, cancer, or periodontal disease

Dental bridge candidacy is generally less restrictive than dental implant candidacy. The primary consideration for bridge eligibility is the health and stability of supporting teeth. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, or chips/cracks may require additional treatments before the teeth can support a dental bridge.

The Cost of Implants vs. Bridges at Martinsville Family Dentistry: Cost is often a significant factor in selecting a tooth replacement option. When comparing dental implants and dental bridges, it’s important to consider the long-term value.

Dental implants tend to have a higher upfront cost, ranging from $900 to $3,000 per implant, excluding additional treatments. Conversely, dental bridges may cost less, typically ranging from $700 to $1,500.

However, the durability of dental implants makes them a cost-effective choice over time. Dental bridges may last 10 to 20 years, while well-maintained implants can last 40 years or more.

It’s important to consult with our dental team to determine the most suitable option based on your oral health, budget, and long-term goals.

Economic aspects: Comparing the Cost of Implants to Fixed Bridgework

Consider this scenario: if you lose a single tooth, the two most common methods of tooth replacement are a tooth supported bridge or an implant-supported crown. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that bridges last an average of 10 years. Clinical studies indicate that implants are over 95% successful for 20+ years. Therefore, a conservative cost breakdown over 20-25 years may look like the chart below.

Even with partial insurance reimbursement, the cost of a tooth-supported bridge is more expensive long-term. The total cost over 20-25 years or more could be significantly higher than shown above. And with an implant-supported crown, the adjacent teeth are not compromised so additional treatment is not necessary. Consider too, the concept of amortization — the process of decreasing or accounting for the cost over the period of time they are likely to last.

Implants may seem more expensive initially. But for patients who are candidates, not only are they a better treatment choice, they will last longer, possibly a lifetime, thereby making them the ideal choice and most cost-effective option long term. As we shall see in part two when we guide you through the marketing hype, well-planned implants most often require a team approach in assessing whether they’re right for you. Placing implants and attaching crowns to them require precision procedures and techniques.

At Martinsville Family Dentistry, we provide comprehensive dental implant services and personalized treatment plans. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and explore the best tooth replacement options for you.