Is There A Cheaper Alternative To Dental Implants?

Dental implants have quickly become one of the most widely used teeth replacement or improvement methods we have today. This is because they are convenient, easy to use, and lock tightly in your mouth. Many dentists argue that dentures are almost the only go-to in teeth loss because they work too well. They work so well that dentists almost overuse dentures in case of teeth loss. However, at Family Dental Station – Glendale, we will work with you through all the alternatives and help you pick the best solution for your situation.  

Root Canal Therapy

One of the oldest procedures in rectifying your teeth is a root canal. While not a direct replacement for dentures, they can come in handy if your tooth is still attached. For example, if you have a decaying tooth, some dentists may advise that you remove it entirely and get a denture in its place. They may not consider that a root canal may be a viable option.

A root canal entails that the infected tooth is first cleaned thoroughly to remove any germs or starch from it. Germs and starch are the primary cause of tooth decay. Once the cleaning is done, they will then remove the nerve-ending connected to the tooth. This will remove any pain sensations that you may experience from that tooth when chewing or talking. In essence, killing the tooth. Depending on the decay level of the tooth, the dentist may add an artificial crown or a tooth filling to seal the tooth hole. Just like that, you do not need to use dentures. 

Advantages Of Root Canal

• It is a quick procedure that does not require any intrusive operations
• It is relatively less costly compared to dentures
• You retain your original tooth hence maintain your mouth’s natural feel and jawline structure
• Dentists say root canals are as effective as dentures
• You will not feel any pain sensation when your chew or speak

Disadvantages Of Root Canal

• Only available if the tooth is still intact
• If the procedure is not done well and some nerve endings remain intact, it can be excruciating.
• There may be germ and dirt build-up later on, leading to further decay of the tooth.
• Often need many check-ups.

All-on-4

Another popular alternative to dentures is the all-on-4 procedure. As the name suggests, all the dentures are fitted on four implants that hold the denture. This is usually an excellent procedure if someone has lost many teeth. The dentist will remove the remaining teeth and place the all-on-4 implants to replace your teeth entirely. 

The procedure is quicker and cheaper than traditional dentures while takes a shorter time to heal. Furthermore, the implants hold the dentures tightly in place, meaning you can eat without discomfort and smile with confidence. With fewer titanium or metal objects in your mouth, you will feel more comfortable overall, leading to a happy life. 

Pros Of All-on-4

• Replace an entire set of missing teeth in one sitting
• Cost-effective as you do not have to visit the dentist severally
• You will have a more natural and better teeth alignment 
• Can stay for a very long time
• Shorter healing time

Cons Of All-on-4

• If you do not have a high bone level, you may need bone grafting 
• Teeth cannot be placed in the molar region, which has the strongest bite force

Dental Bridges

For a long time, Dental bridges were considered to go for any tooth loss. The procedure is simple and noninvasive. There are many types of dental bridges, but most of them work with the same principle. The false tooth or teeth are held together by the healthy ones, in essence acting as a bridge between the healthy teeth. 

Up to four teeth can be attached to the dental bridge. Most dentists recommend only one tooth as it will help more stably. As you increase the number of teeth, the false teeth will be less firmly held in place. They are also not permanent and can easily be knocked out in many scenarios. However, many people also use dental bridges as a fashion statement, where they will have gold, diamond-infused teeth, or any other creative way they would like to express themselves. 

Pros Of Dental Bridges

• Cheap and easy to place
• Noninvasive as they are detachable
• It can be a great fashion statement

Cons Of Dental Bridges

• Constantly removing and placing them can lead to infection
• They are easily exposed to dirt which exposes your mouth to germs when put back
• It does not correct bone loss after you lose your tooth.

Also Read- Cheapest Place to Get Dental Work Done