Dental implants can replace missing teeth—one, a few, or even a full mouth’s worth. Penn Dental Family Practice (PDFP) patients usually love the results. Sometimes, however, people whom dental implants could benefit have financial concerns. They wonder how much partial or full mouth dental implants cost.
When you consider the negative impact missing teeth can make on not only your oral but also your overall health, the cost of dental implants is a sound investment. But if worries about finding affordable dental implants cost have kept you from seeking treatment, consider PDFP.
What are the Costs of Not Replacing Missing Teeth?
Nearly half (46%) of adults in the U.S. age 30 and older show signs of gum disease. More than a quarter of U.S. adults (46%) have untreated tooth decay.
Both conditions can lead to loss of teeth, a condition called edentulism. About 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and more than 36 million don’t have any.
When a person loses teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease, or other circumstances, they may then experience other problems, including:
- Misalignment of the jaw, which can disrupt normal chewing and speaking.
- Nutritional deficiencies, because they now eat softer foods.
- Higher risk of stroke or coronary heart disease.
Additionally, lost teeth can cause a loss of self-confidence and self-esteem. And avoiding tooth replacement can become financially taxing and time-consuming.
The cost of a partial or full set of teeth implants may not seem as steep when placed alongside the potential negative costs to your oral and overall well-being.
Dentures May Not Be the Way to Replace Your Lost Teeth
Dentures and full mouth dental implants are the two most common tooth-replacement options. While dentures are more affordable than full mouth dental implants in the short run, the initial price isn’t the only factor to consider.
Traditional dentures do work well for many patients. They can be a viable treatment option for edentulism when dental implants, for whatever reason, are not.
But dentures require creams and adhesives, as well as regular removal for cleaning. They must be realigned or replaced periodically—usually every five to seven years. They may cause bone and gum ridges to shrink, changing how your jaws fit together. Loose or poorly fitted dentures can create problems for eating or drinking, and can damage the mouth.
Other negative side effects patients with dentures may experience include:
- Greater risk of bacterial buildup, which can lead to bad breath and infection.
- Restrictions in eating certain foods, especially hard or sticky foods.
- Discomfort and pain when dentures move or slip.
- Jawbone deterioration beyond the bone loss associated with tooth loss because unanchored (unlike traditional dental bridges) don’t stimulate the jawbone.
Patients should also note the cost of denture replacement will remain approximately the same each time, regardless of their age.
Consider the Lasting Benefits of Dental Implants
In contrast, full mouth dental implants are paid for only once. They are manufactured and intended, with proper care, to last you the rest of your life. And although the full mouth dental implant cost isn’t insignificant, the recompense is worthwhile.
Dental implants are the healthiest treatment for missing teeth. Attached securely to the jawbone by state-of-the-art dental technology, implants stimulate jaw growth, preventing further bone loss.
And patients enjoy even more benefits from dental implants. Implants:
- Feel as natural and function as well as the lost teeth they’re replacing.
- Restore the ability to chew and speak normally.
- Maintain your mouth’s natural structures and facial appearance.
A full set of teeth implants offers the security that comes from stable, permanent teeth. Once the placement procedure is done, implants will save time and money in the long run because they are designed to last a lifetime.
Determining Whether You Need Dental Implants
The dental implant procedure begins when the surgeon fuses titanium posts to the patient’s jaw. The surgeon then inserts and secures an artificial tooth. Recovery takes three to six months after surgery.
Only a consultation with a dentist can determine whether someone is a candidate for full mouth reconstruction. Generally speaking, individuals in good health who don’t smoke or have any chronic health issues can qualify for full mouth dental implants.
Specifically, those with the following additional qualities also qualify:
- Several missing teeth.
- Fully grown jawbone, adequate to secure implants.
- Ability to support a bone graft.
- Healthy gum tissue.
- Availability to commit several months to the process.
The exact cost of a full set of teeth implants will vary depending on individual circumstances. At PDFP, we make dental implants affordable by helping patients set up a plan and pay in installments over a set period of time.
With proper care, implants can last for years to come. The cost of full mouth dental implants is an investment in your self-esteem, your confidence, and your overall sense of well-being.
Talk to PDFP About Affordable Full Mouth Dental Implants
If you’re among the millions of Americans living with edentulism, schedule an appointment with PDFP today. During your consultation, our specialists can talk with you about the best options for replacing your missing teeth.
You will also get details about how we can help make your dental implants affordable. We accept most third-party dental insurance plans, and our financial coordinator can also help you establish a realistic, achievable payment plan.
Contact PDFP online to make your appointment, or call us at 215-898-PDFP (7337).
