an image of a dental implant, with the dental implant post placed in a transparent gum line, surrounded by natural teeth.

Are There Cheaper Alternatives To Dental Implants?

Most dentists today would agree that dental implants are a superior choice if a patient needs one or more teeth replaced. While research and case studies have proven so, some patients may still be left wondering if there are cheaper alternatives to dental implants in Ocala, FL. 

The answer is yes, but with cheaper prices come more potential issues. Let’s see what the alternatives are and how they compare to dental implants.

 

Getting Treated With Dental Bridges

Dental bridges have been long considered a viable option for replacing one or more missing teeth. They’re made up of a series of dental crowns that span over the empty tooth socket and attach to adjacent teeth. 

Dental bridges have their disadvantages, however. They rely on healthy teeth that must be shaved down to attach to the bridge. As the bone beneath shrinks without a tooth, food and bacteria can become trapped and cause decay and infection. With these issues and only a lifespan of 5-10 years, dental bridges may not be a good solution for a missing tooth, even if the patient is older.

Getting Treated With Partial Or Full Dentures

Most patients are familiar with dentures, either as a full or partial set of teeth. They rely both on natural suction and pastes or adhesives to remain in place. Unfortunately, dentures have a reputation for being unreliable and uncomfortable, making it difficult to eat and talk. As the jawbone resorbs without teeth, it becomes weak and thin, and the denture will no longer fit snugly over the gums. 

Modern dentures have come a long way in terms of function and aesthetics, but they’re no match for healthy natural teeth.

Doing Nothing Is A Treatment Option

Another alternative to dental implants is to simply do nothing to replace missing teeth. However, in most cases, not replacing missing teeth can have troubling consequences. A loss of teeth inevitably means a loss of bone in the jawbone. This loss of bone can cause other teeth to shift and become loose. 

If gum disease is present, more teeth may eventually be lost. Over time, and if enough teeth are missing, the mouth appears “sunken in” without support from bone and teeth. The longer this continues, the harder it will be to treat, making the possibility to place new teeth in the area more expensive, and in some circumstances, even impossible!

The Benefits Of Choosing Dental Implants In Ocala, FL

All the above-mentioned options are considered cheaper alternatives to dental implants. But the cost of not replacing missing teeth with a permanent solution is far greater. Dental implants are the only option that gives patients long-term function, health, and aesthetic benefits after they have lost their teeth. 

Dental implants are secured into a patient’s jawbone, so they won’t need to worry about their teeth slipping or harming healthy adjacent teeth. Patients will also be able to eat a wider variety of foods and improve their oral and overall health. Best of all, dental implants are permanent, meaning patients can receive these amazing benefits for the rest of their life!

How Do Dental Implants Work?

The Implant Post

Taking the shape of a screw, dental implant posts are embedded through the gumline into the jawbone just like the roots of natural teeth. The implant post is typically made of a biocompatible material, such as titanium or zirconia, so that it fuses with the bone.

The Abutment

This component is installed after the post, connecting to the top of the implant post. The abutment provides a connection to whatever dental restoration patients may need or want.

The Dental Restoration

These are dental crowns, bridges, overdentures, and full arches of teeth that simulate the jawbone and restores the natural aesthetic and function of a mouth.

What Are Your Options For Dental Implants?

Implant Supported Dentures

For those who already have regular dentures, are they lose fitting and awkward to deal with? An effective dental office can give patients implant supported  dentures that can snap onto dental implants, providing more support than conventional dentures at an affordable price. 

However, implant supported dentures are looser fitting than fully affixed options and require more frequent maintenance. 

Single Dental Implants

Single dental implants are used to support a single dental crown. Often, these can be done in just one dental appointment, letting the patient leave the appointment with a brand new, functional smile!

All-On-4® Dental Implants

This advanced technique uses four dental implants that are placed into a patient’s jawbone. A full arch of (typically) porcelain teeth are tightly fitted into the gum line. All-On-4’s are permanently affixed to a patient’s jaw, meaning they are more aesthetically and functionally like natural teeth! 

How To Determine The Best Dental Implants For You

Now comes the big decision, which dental implant option is best for every individual patient? When it comes to dental implants, multiple things are taken into consideration. After a customized consultation with a trusted doctor, much of this will become clearer. There are some things patients can think about before the consultation though.

The first is how many teeth the patient would want replaced. Every patient’s personal preference and comfort is important, and doctors want to take steps patients are comfortable taking. Next, the doctor will take those considerations and come back with the best solutions for every patient. 

If just one or two teeth need to be replaced, it is likely a single crown or a small dental bridge would be placed on top of one or two dental implants. If multiple or a full mouth of teeth need to be replaced, a full arch dental implant may be more feasible, even if there are healthy teeth still in the arch.

Determining How Much Healthy Bone You Have

A large factor in patients determining what dental implant option is best for them is understanding how much healthy bone is available. Having strong, healthy bones is critical to the successful placement of dental implants. This is because dental implants rely on a strong bone base for stabilization. The implant post acts like a replacement tooth root, helping support bone health and healthy teeth.

If a patient does not have enough healthy bone for a dental implant, there is no need for concern! A bone grafting procedure can be performed. Bone grafting is where bone is taken from a healthy structure in the body and placed into the jaw. This will make dental implants in Ocala, FL possible, giving patients a strong, sturdy bone for years to come!

 

Schedule Your Appointment For Affordable Dental Implants!

Get started on your journey to a brand-new smile today! Get in contact with Dr. Nick Brand at our Dental Implants of Ocala office to schedule an appointment today. Let us use our expertise to help you have a better understanding of dental implants and implant solutions. Getting equipped with knowledge is essential no matter what sorts of dental interventions you need!

References

(1) – What You Need to Know About Snap-In Dentures, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/snap-in-dentures
(2) – All-on-4® treatment concept, Nobel Biocare USA, https://www.nobelbiocare.com/en-us/all-on-4-treatment-concept

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