A New Report Concludes Dental Implants Save Costs and Improve Quality of Life

A report recently published in the Mar-April 2013 International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants shows that dental implant procedures may offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional treatments for tooth replacement, like dentures.

The report, also cited on PubMed, the US National Library of Medicine located at the National Institutes of Health, is based on a review of all available studies published in English between 2000 and 2010 relating to the cost-effectiveness of various tooth-replacement options.

A major objective of the research was to conduct an extensive literature search and to combine all the related findings into one document that could serve as a single point of reference for medical and dental professionals and patients. The fact that it was published by a leading peer-reviewed scientific journal endorses the quality of the research.

In total, 14 studies on long-term dental implant costs vs traditional costs were included in the final review, which returned the below resulting conclusions:

For a single-tooth implant replacement, implant-based solutions were deemed as cost-saving and/or cost-effective in comparison with traditional tooth-borne procedures, such as a bridge.

For patients with full dentures, dental implants were associated with higher initial costs than traditional dentures – however, most studies concluded that, over the long term, dental implants represent a more cost-effective treatment option.

Dental Implants Improve Quality of Life

Patient's acceptance, willingness to pay for, and the satisfaction they have with dental implants was high, expecially in elderly patients who had no teeth. A trend toward patients overall improved oral-health quality of life and a decreased overall health care cost was also determined.

Dental implants are a very effective way to replace missing teeth and to provide a fixed, stable dental solution instead of having removable partial or a full set of dentures. Dental Implants provide excellent support and stability when compared to these other dental treatment options.

Dental implants are artificial roots (usually titanium) for new teeth that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by an implant dentist. The teeth attached to the implants are natural looking, so they will enhance and restore a patient’s smile! Restoring the normal chewing function is another huge benefit only provided by dental implants, when replacing removable partial or full dentures.

What Does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

The dental implant treatment procedure may require a number of visits to the implant dentist's office over several months.

X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine the amount of bone and gum tissue present and the spacing available for an implant. Then, if there is sufficient bone and spacing, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and given time, sometimes up to 6 months, for the bone to heal around the implant, which will serve to make the implant a stabel platform for the new tooth. Depending on the type of implant used, a second surgery may be required to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With some implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time. Both these processes are done with appropriate sedation and the use of a local anesthetic, making the procedure a comfortable experience.

You can be confident that your dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, as long as natural teeth – a life time. Call (256) 384-8424 today or send a contact request to schedule a consultation.