Why implants are an affordable option for Brentwood patients

At Brentwood Family Dental, we help patients achieve a beautiful smile. While the upfront cost of dental bridges is less than dental implants, Dr. Alkhoury wants patients to understand how the long-term costs make implants the more affordable option.

Both implants and bridges address the problem of a missing tooth or a few missing teeth. Traditionally, a dental bridge was the only option available. In recent decades, dental implants have become the preferred method for tooth replacement.

The differences:

• A bridge is formed by recontouring the permanent teeth on both sides of the gap. Crowns are placed on these teeth. This is the “anchor” for the false tooth.
• A dental implant is a small post that is placed in your jawbone. The bone heals around the titanium. The bone now holds the post in place, creating an “anchor” for the false tooth.

The hidden costs of bridges:

• Dental bridges often only last around five years. A dental implant is a permanent solution to a missing tooth.
• The teeth that are used as “anchors” for the bridge are at a higher risk of decay. This often results in the need for a root canal and a new crown.
• Bridges require special oral hygiene. Dental implants can be treated as natural teeth.
• Bone and gum tissue loss occurs under a bridge. This destabilizes the teeth surrounding the bridge. Further tooth loss can occur. An implant is closer to a natural tooth root and allows the bone and gums to be preserved.