One of the most common problems patients face is the loss of a single tooth. This can happen due to large decay, fracture or severe infection. When all other options have been exhausted and a tooth must be replaced, dental implants offer a wonderful option for tooth replacement.
Why not just have a Bridge made?
There are times when a bridge is a better option, and it certainly is a faster, easier option in most cases, but usually the implant option is superior, simply because they last longer. The research shows the average bridge lasts somewhere between 9 and 15 years depending on what study you look at, while we have studies following implants for 45 years with success rates over 90%. Additionally, there have been a few studies that show the consequence of bridge failure is very high. For example, nearly 50% of the time one of the teeth supporting the bridge is lost when failure occurs.
How much does it cost?
This is a common question. For a single lost tooth replacement, the cost of replacement with an implant is typically 25% more than a bridge. Of course, since the implant lasts much longer, when you take a long term view and consider the cost of replacing a bridge, it becomes a far better investment for most people. We recognize that some of these procedures can be a significant investment for many people. We have payment plan options available, and will always talk through all of the options with you.
