Is there a cheaper alternative to dental implants?
How long does a dental implant procedure take?
One of the common concerns about Dental Implants Perth is that they work too well. That is, they perform so well that dentists can become reliant on them all of the time, failing to inform patients that they have other choices in circumstances where a dental implant may be used, options that may be less costly and more suitable in a given circumstance.
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As a result, we’re taking the time to make sure you understand that a dental implant isn’t the only option, nor is it always the safest option.
Options for Tooth Replacement That Doesn’t Require Implants
Aside from the cost, one of the most common reasons why patients opt for a non-implant treatment is: They aren’t a viable candidate.
Some people have been told that they are not candidates for dental implants by their dentist or oral surgeon. There are several factors that may increase the likelihood of implant failure and should be taken into account when planning implant care. These considerations apply if you:
- Are 60+ years old
- Had radiation or chemotherapy for cancer
- Your jawbone has a low bone density.
- Are taking medications that interfere with bone growth
- Are postmenopausal and have estrogen levels that are poor
- Have been diagnosed with gum disease
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Have poorly controlled diabetes
Gum Disease Treatment
If you have a loose tooth that seems to be “hopeless,” gum disease medication might be able to save it. And if the gums are receding and there is bone loss around the tooth, the tooth is not necessarily doomed to fall out.
We will flush out the bacteria around your tooth with gum disease care, and hopefully the tooth can heal. We can splint the loose tooth or teeth to stable natural teeth in some cases. This can help to strengthen the loose teeth while also allowing them to heal. Then you’ll be able to keep your natural tooth for a longer period of time, possibly for the rest of your life. This is much less expensive than a dental implant. Pinhole Gum Therapy can also be used to preserve the gums’ natural contour.
The success rate for a tooth labeled “hopeless” is lower than that of dental implants. Since we’re protecting your natural tooth, it’ll keep its appearance, so it may not be the best option if you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of this threatened tooth. Furthermore, in some cases, the infection is so severe that we need to extract teeth to reduce the risk of the infection spreading to other areas of the body.
Root Canal Therapy
If an infection inside your tooth threatens its stability, we may use root canal treatment to clean it out and restore it. A dental crown will be placed on top of the tooth to reinforce it. Root canal treatment has a success rate equivalent to dental implants, with the added advantage of preserving your natural tooth. Furthermore, the dental crown will enhance the appearance of the tooth. You can normally have a dental implant to replace the treated tooth later, but in the meantime, you can enjoy the advantages of getting a natural tooth rather than an implant. It is slightly less expensive than a dental implant.
The condition of your tooth determines whether or not a root canal is necessary. A root canal is not recommended if the tooth root is harmed. An infected tooth can pose a significant risk and should be removed as soon as possible. For severely damaged or contaminated teeth, extraction is the only option.
Dental Bridge
If gum disease treatment or root canal therapy fail to save the tooth, you might be able to get a dental bridge that serves the same purpose as a dental implant. The replacement tooth is protected by dental crowns on teeth adjacent to the missing tooth in a dental bridge.
Dental bridges are permanently attached to the teeth. They’re not loose and won’t fall out, so they won’t interfere with your diet, and they can look just like dental implants. Furthermore, if adjacent teeth have been affected, dental crowns on those teeth may be very beneficial.
Dental bridges do not activate the jawbone or gums in the same way as a dental implant does. This might not seem like a big deal, but it may cause the gums under the replacement tooth to fall. If the supporting teeth aren’t completely healthy and sturdy, having a dental bridge installed over them can put them at risk. This is because two teeth are now expected to perform the functions of three. As a result of this limitation, we only suggest dental bridges in specific circumstances where they do not pose a significant risk to your natural teeth.
(Discuss your dental situation with us)
What about Dentures?
Since reversible partial dentures aren’t as good as dental implants, we didn’t mention them. Removable dentures don’t look or function like natural teeth, and they can be painful and even dangerous. This is particularly true of removable partial dentures, which seldom function well enough to aid natural chewing. Food and plaque accumulate around removable partial dentures, promoting tooth decay. Metal wires and hooks can erode teeth, increasing the likelihood of tooth loss.
References:
Porter JA, von Fraunhofer JA. Success or failure of dental implants? A literature review with treatment considerations. General Dentistry. 2005 Nov-Dec;53(6):423-32; quiz 433, 446.
Annibali S, Cristalli MP, Dell’Aquila D, Bignozzi I, La Monaca G, Pilloni A. Short Dental Implants: A Systematic Review. Journal of Dental Research. 2012;91(1):25-32. doi:10.1177/0022034511425675
el Askary AS, Meffert RM, Griffin T. Why do dental implants fail? Part I. Implant Dentistry. 1999 ;8(2):173-185.
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