Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz, CA
If you have experienced tooth loss, either from an injury or by way of extraction, then you have probably been searching for tooth replacement options. Traditional means of replacing a lost tooth are to get a dental bridge or a partial denture. Both options tend to be more affordable, and usually are partly covered by dental insurance. But, what about a dental implant? Dental implants are much more costly than conventional means of tooth replacement, but why is this so?
Your Scotts Valley implant dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry is here to share with you some advantages of dental implants that make this tooth replacement well worth the cost in most cases.
You get what you pay for
A dental implant consists of three components – the implant itself, which is surgically placed into the jawbone, then an abutment attaches a custom-made dental crown to the implant. Since not every dentist is qualified to perform a dental implant procedure, it requires extensive postgraduate training, something that the Santa Cruz dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry have achieved.
Since the implant is embedded into the jawbone, it creates constant stimulation much like a natural tooth root. You simply do not get this with a dental bridge or partial denture. The reason this jawbone stimulation is important is otherwise the jawbone resorbs into the body, which leads to crooked teeth, teeth that drift out of place, and even TMJ disorder that causes pain in the jaw joints.
A dental implant is also permanent. You never have to remove it for cleaning, like with a partial denture, and it can even last a lifetime. A dental bridge, although cheaper upfront, may need to be replaced once every 10 years or so. Dental implants have been known to last for decades, if not a lifetime.
The success rate of a dental implant is 98%, so long as you take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing daily. Routine dental cleanings and examinations are also an essential part of your oral hygiene regimen. You will want to pay special attention to flossing around your dental implant, as you would your natural teeth.
A dental implant also looks and functions more like a natural tooth than any other tooth replacement option available. So, if you are looking to restore your smile to be as stable and functional as your natural teeth, dental implants may be the right option for you.
So while a dental bridge or a partial denture may seem like a cheaper investment, remember that a dental implant can last a lifetime, and is permanent. Plus the many advantages of dental implants seem to make this tooth replacement option a viable option for many patients.
Keep in mind that dental implants are not ideal for every patient, especially those that suffer from gum disease. If this is the case for you, the dentist may recommend additional treatments before placing your implant.
Dental Implants in Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley
To learn more about dental implants or any of our other tooth replacement options, contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry today by calling (831) 438-4411. We welcome patients of Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley, California.