With more than 5 million dental implants placed each year, implant treatment is easily one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth. However, dental implants also cost more than other options like conventional bridges or dentures. If you like looking after your wallet, you may be tempted to shop around for discount implants. After all, who doesn’t like saving money? The truth is, though, that bargain implants can often lead to serious health complications in the long run. Here are just 5 examples of the dangers of getting dental implants for cheap.
1. Failure to Integrate
Dental implants are the only restorative solution that replaces missing tooth roots by fusing directly with the jawbone. This process, known as osseointegration, enables implants to provide superior stability and support to replacement teeth. However, discount dental implants may be crafted from material that doesn’t integrate as well with bone. Failure to integrate could lead to overall implant failure. In addition, if your dentist does not have much experience with implants, they may not have the skills or knowledge to ensure the osseointegration process is a success.
2. Implant Breakage or Fracture
Discount dental implants often come at a lower cost because the dentist uses cheap materials. Without the strength and durability of high-quality material, these dental implants are more likely to fracture or break. If this happens, your dentist may be able to save it with a new abutment screw (which you will have to pay for, of course). In the worst-case scenario, your fractured implant will need to be removed entirely.
3. Increased Risk of Infection
Cheap implants may also increase the risk of infection. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory infection that can develop around the base of dental implants and cause tissue and bone deterioration. In some cases, peri-implantitis can even lead to dental implant failure. Paying for surgery to treat a nasty infection would likely wipe out any savings you may have gained by choosing bargain implants.
4. Nerve Damage
An inexperienced dentist offering dental implants for cheap may end up damaging the nerves in your mouth. In research conducted by King’s College London Dental Institute, implant patients with nerve injuries experienced problems with pain, speech, eating, and kissing.
5. Injury to Natural Teeth
Implant treatment works best when your dentist creates a custom treatment plan just for you. However, you are less likely to receive personalized care when you opt for cheap dental implants. As a result, your dentist may end up damaging nearby natural teeth if they use an oversized implant or place an implant at a bad angle.
In the end, the dangers of getting dental implants for cheap clearly outweigh any potential savings. Investing in quality dental implants, meanwhile, can benefit your smile for years – or even decades – to come.
About the Author
Dr. Rodger Song has over 30 years of experience helping patients rebuild their smiles. An active member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, he performs start-to-finish implant treatment with only the highest-quality materials. To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, visit the Bridlewood Dental website or call 972-906-9797.