Some patients automatically rule out dental implants when they hear the upfront cost, but the alternatives may not actually be as budget-friendly as they seem at first.
When you’re calculating the costs associated with each potential treatment option, it’s important to consider all associated expenses throughout your lifetime rather than just focusing on the initial price tag.
Dental implants offer a level of stability that is unmatched by other tooth replacement methods, and this characteristic benefits a patient’s pocketbook in a number of ways. First of all, with dental implants, the jawbone’s structure remains constant, and the appliance will always be a good fit.
In comparison, dentures need to be refitted and relined periodically as the jaw changes shape because the biological teeth’s root structures are absent. Eventually, the jawbone may shift so dramatically that the patient has to spring for a completely new denture.
A dental implant can be a cost-effective replacement for a single tooth, too. For example, it’s harder to keep the gum line clean underneath a fixed dental bridge, so harmful bacteria may collect in that area and lead to periodontal disease, which can require expensive treatments. Tooth and bone loss can result, creating the need for additional restorations or procedures. Dental implants are cleaned and flossed just like biological teeth, eliminating that problem.
It’s understandable that many patients may not have the money on hand to pay for dental implants. To give as many patients as possible access to this treatment, an implant dentist may also offer financing options to help patients spread the cost of a dental implant over a number of years when they can’t afford to pay for it in one lump sum.
Even if you don’t think you can afford a dental implant, keep an open mind and talk to your implant dentist about financing options. Also be sure to consider the lifetime costs of the alternatives, and in doing so, you may find out that dental implants will actually save you money over the long haul.
To learn more about your options, contact the office of Dr. Bernard Jin, serving Surrey and neighboring areas, at 604-229-2824.