Let me begin with something many dentists won’t admit; dental implants aren’t for everyone. That being said, sometimes they’re by far the best choice for a patient. If you’re asking yourself, should I get dental implants? Here are a few things you need to know before you make up your mind.
Why would anyone get dental implants?
Dental implants are a long-term solution for a lost tooth or a set of lost teeth. Nothing else is going to last as long as an implant, and no other tooth replacement option has the same health benefits.
Dental implants actually help sustain the density of your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once the implant is placed in your mouth, bone forms around it as if it were a real tooth. Bridges don’t do this, and dentures won’t either.
Although implants are the most expensive option—at least up front—you should make your health one of your highest priorities.
The price for an implant can often scare people away from the procedure. But patients rarely calculate what a procedure will cost in the long run. Even though you pay more up front for an implant, you’ll never need to replace it. This isn’t the case for any other tooth replacement option.
Bridges last between 5 and 15 years while dentures last 5 to 8 years. This means that you may have to pay again and again for the same dental work every 5 years. This can get really costly and really annoying.
What do dental implants cost?
A great resource for exploring the cost of dental procedures is the Dental Implant Cost Guide. They say that a single implant should cost about $4,000. It would be nice if budget wasn’t an important factor when it comes to health, but for most of us it may be the most important factor.
If $4,000 is above your price range, you should be honest with your dentist, but don’t rule it out entirely because there are different ways to pay off a large expense like this.
Some insurance companies are willing to kick in some amount towards implants, but unfortunately this isn’t yet the norm. At Dr. Stone’s we do offer financing options through CareCredit. With CareCredit, you’ll have the option of paying off your procedure in more affordable monthly installments instead of all up front.
Why shouldn’t I get dental implants?
We’ve said a good deal about what’s good about dental implants, but there are also a couple of good reasons not to get them.
If you have osteoporosis or any other disease that relates to the health of your bones, implants may not be right for you. Implants attach and form around your jawbone, and if your jawbone isn’t healthy enough to do this, then implants probably won’t last long even if they’re placed correctly.
If you have trouble with bruxism (tooth grinding), dental implants may not be right for you either. Grinding your teeth is going to highly influence the success rate for your new implants. All teeth are going to get ground down by bruxism, but a new implant may not be ready to sustain that type of pressure when it’s brand new.
If you aren’t ready for general anesthesia, then you’ll need to look for an alternative to implants. Some patients may not be comfortable “going under” while others may not have the option based on a medical condition. But if you aren’t ready for an intensive surgery, a bridge or even a mini dental implant might be a better option.
Most of these things can be tested for before you decide to put any money into it. Ask whoever you see to tell you what tests they can do before you start spending money on it. Let a professional rule out your specific case instead of making up your mind before you even walk in the door.
That being said, don’t always trust the first person that tells you that you’re a good candidate. Some dentists—just like in any other profession—are just out to get money. Get a couple different perspectives and go with your gut feeling.
Talk to us
We hope that we helped you answer your question, “Should I get dental implants?” But we also know that this may require time to decide. We have more resources if you’re looking specifically into the cost of dental implants or the dental implant procedure.
After collecting as much information as you can online, you should talk to a professional in person. Do your homework and make a few appointments so that you know you’re going with the absolute best and not just the quickest or cheapest.
We hope that one of your appointments will be with Dr. Stone. We never charge new or prospective patients for an initial consultation. Information that can change your quality of life for decades should be free. Schedule your free appointment today!
