Dental implants are often described as one of the best ways to replace missing teeth.
But there’s a more important question:
Are they worth it for you?
That answer isn’t automatically yes.
We find that an implant can be an excellent investment for one patient and an unnecessary treatment for another. It really depends on what you’re trying to accomplish, your oral and systemic health, the alternatives available to you, and your priorities.
What Are You Actually Paying For?
When someone hears the price of a dental implant, they may assume they’re paying for a small titanium post, but that’s only part of the process.
Depending on your situation, treatment may involve:
- Diagnostic imaging
- 4D jaw motion tracing
- Tooth extraction
- Bone preservation or grafting
- Implant placement
- Healing time
- The connector or abutment
- The final crown
- Digital planning
- Follow-up care
Complex cases can involve substantially more planning than a straightforward single-tooth replacement.
What Are the Potential Benefits?
A properly planned implant can:
- Replace a missing tooth without using neighboring teeth for support
- Restore chewing function
- Provide a fixed tooth replacement, instead of a non-fixed option such as a a removable partial denture
- Help maintain bone in the area of the missing tooth
- Provide a natural-looking restoration that doesn’t move
But those benefits need to be weighed against the disadvantages.
What Are the Downsides?
Of course, implants aren’t perfect.
They sometimes can cost more than some alternatives, depending on the treatment goals.
Treatment can also take longer than other options.
Surgery and healing is involved.
And not everyone is an ideal candidate at every point in time, based on considerations like medical conditions or certain medications.
Some patients may need periodontal treatment, bone grafting, or other preparation before implant placement.
When Might an Implant Be Worth It?
An implant may make a lot of sense if you want a fixed replacement, have healthy enough supporting tissues, and want to avoid placing crowns on otherwise healthy neighboring teeth.
It can also be particularly valuable when you’re trying to restore function after losing a tooth.
For people who qualify for dental implants, it really can be a life-changing treatment option that allows you to function as though it is your natural tooth. You don’t have to worry about speaking funny, or think about what you can and cannot eat like you would have to with something like a removable partial denture.
When Might Something Else Make More Sense?
In our experience, the largest determining factors for our patients usually come down to overall treatment goals (what we are trying to achieve as a final outcome), medical restrictions, and of course finances.
When we look at the whole picture for our patients, sometimes a bridge or removable partial denture can sometimes be a better option, and in certain situations, monitoring the space may be reasonable.
That’s why “Are implants worth it?” isn’t really a yes-or-no question.
The better question is:
“What am I gaining from an implant compared with my other options?”
Questions Worth Asking Before You Decide
Ask your dentist:
- What are my alternatives?
- What happens if I don’t replace the tooth?
- Why do you recommend an implant in my situation?
- Do I need any treatment before the implant?
- What will the complete treatment cost?
- What maintenance will it require?
- How long should I expect the process to take?
The Bottom Line — Dr. Kakaris Porter's Take
We don’t believe every missing tooth automatically needs an implant. Each individual patient’s treatment plan is can and should be completely customized to meet their needs and goals.
We believe patients deserve to understand their options, including the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
So, yes, an implant can be an excellent treatment… But the best treatment is the one that makes the most sense for you, not simply the most advanced treatment available in this day and age.
Thanks for reading,
Dr. Alexander Kakaris Porter, DDS
Fellow of the International Congress of Implantology
Dr. Alexander Kakaris Porter believes that great dentistry starts with knowing you can trust your dentist. He combines advanced dental care with no-pressure recommendations, so patients know they’re in great hands.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you want an honest second opinion from dentists that have your best interest in mind, Dr. Arestea Kakaris and Dr. Alexander Kakaris Porter are ready when you are.
Call today to schedule your consultation (734) 676-1656.