How Dental Implants Compare to Other Treatments for Missing Teeth
If you’re looking for dental implants in Kansas City, MO, you can count on Dr. John P. Goodman and our team. Thanks to implant dentistry, we’ve restored the smiles of many patients who were missing a tooth or multiple teeth.
But how do dental implants compare to other treatments for tooth loss, like bridges or dentures?
Let’s go ahead and look at the pros and cons of your various treatments for missing teeth.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically anchored into the jawbone. After patients have healed, dental implants can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture to fill in the gaps in the patient’s smile.
Dental Bridges for a Missing Tooth
We can use dental bridges to replace a missing tooth. A traditional bridge is an artificial tooth (pontic) that is bookended by dental crowns. The crowns are used to cap the teeth on either side of a tooth gap. The pontic sits in the tooth gap supported by the crowns.
Bridges can be used to replace two missing teeth and sometimes more in certain cases.
Traditional Dentures for Missing Teeth
We can use full and partial dentures to replace multiple missing teeth, including entire rows of teeth. Dentures are held in place by bracing around the remaining gum and jawbone structure where a person is missing teeth; partial dentures may include some additional means of latching around any remaining teeth.
Creams and adhesives are available to improve the grip and fit of a set of dentures.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
There are a few reasons why so many people in Kansas City come to us for dental implants:
- Implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures are extremely stable and are unlikely to fall out
- Dental implants prevent bone atrophy in the jaw that can impact overall oral health
- Dental implants are a permanent solution and can last a lifetime with proper care
Important Factor to Consider: The Cost of Dental Implants
Despite the numerous advantages of dental implants, some people prefer bridges or dentures because of how much dental implants cost. Replacing a single tooth can cost $3,000 or more; replacing both the upper and lower teeth can cost $20,000 or more.
The cost makes sense given the oral surgery involved and the high-quality material used for the implants and restorations. However, not everyone has that kind of money in their budget.
Dental bridges and dentures are much less expensive and can yield relatively great results. It’s just a matter of managing expectations.
We’ll Identify the Right Treatment for Your Needs
When you visit our dentistry practice for a consultation, we can evaluate your oral health and offer our insight into your treatment options. We can also review insurance and financing options to keep your treatment as affordable as possible.
We want all of our patients to feel confident about their treatment, whether it’s done to replace a single tooth or all of your teeth.
Request a Consultation to Replace Missing Teeth
Let’s get the process started. To set up an appointment for tooth loss treatment, contact our dental office in Kansas City, MO. We look forward to hearing from you.