Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Experiencing tooth loss due to disease or trauma and the subsequent gaps in the smile they create can negatively impact self-confidence and can also lead to functionality problems and bone instability. Therefore, it’s important to address the issue, which might have led you to consider single tooth replacement or whole mouth replacement options. Thankfully, dental implants have revolutionized the dental industry by providing an innovative highly effective way to replace missing teeth via tooth implant. Of course, that isn’t to say implants are the right choice for everyone as each treatment has its own pros and cons. Today, we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants, or the pros and cons dental implants and why might or might not be the proper solution for you.
Many people throughout the nation have experienced the benefits of dental implants and sing their praises. We believe that dental implants can be a great solution to the common problem of tooth loss for the following reasons:
There are many dental treatments and services that simply aren’t designed to last a lifetime. For example, crowns, though a valid option for some tooth decay issues, only last on average between 10 and 15 years. Conversely, implants, if cared for properly can last a lifetime as they are a permanent tooth replacement.
Speaking of care, dental implants are relatively low maintenance. They only require that you care for them as you would your other natural teeth with daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. You still need to remove the bacteria and plaque that can build up on your implants to protect your surrounding teeth and your gums, but you won’t have to worry about them developing cavities or having any other issues pertaining to oral health.
One of the main benefits of dental implants is the fact that they provide functionality to a mouth that has lost stability. This means that you can once again eat and chew with ease once you have gone through the dental implant procedures. Hot or cold, chewy or crunchy, whatever you want to eat and drink, there is no concern in terms of function with dental implants. This is a marked difference when compared to other solutions like dentures that constantly pose issues with chewing and functionality.
Dental implants are purposefully designed to mimic the look of real teeth. In fact, you might even have trouble picking out the implant when it is fully installed in its rightful place. Implants won’t feel any different either when compared to your natural teeth. Furthermore, since the implants are anchored into the jaw, they provide immense strength, making them function the same way as natural teeth.
Dental implants actually help strengthen your jaw bone due to the anchoring process. This means that you will reduce your chance of additional bone loss when going with implants after experiencing tooth loss. If you do nothing and allow the loss to remain, it can damage the bone, leading to destabilization and loss of function.
While the benefits of dental implants are many, this doesn’t mean that this treatment is the right solution for every single person. There are some cons to this procedure that should be considered when contemplating dental implants as a solution for your tooth loss problem.
While safe, dental implants still require a surgical installation. Therefore, in order to get dental implants, you have to be cleared for dental surgery and meet specific criteria. This means that the jaw bone has to be strong enough to support the anchor of the new implant. You also have to be in good enough health to safely go through the surgery and for your bone to fully recover.
Since dental implants are considered a lifetime solution, they are often a more costly option when compared to other solutions to tooth loss. They provide confidence, comfort, and a natural feel, but can be out of some patients' price range.
Dental implants as a solution to missing teeth are not a quick fix. Instead, the entire process or scope of the treatment can take several months to complete. The existing or damaged teeth first have to be removed. Then, the site for the implant will have to be prepared. The implant anchor will then need to be fitted at which time the bone will grow around it, a process that takes several months. Only after this will the final stage of the procedure be completed when the artificial tooth is placed. Therefore, this procedure is one you have to be patient about and isn’t an instant fix.
Suffice it to say that with dental implants there are pros and cons, with the pros for sure outweighing the cons. However, if you are unsure if you would be a good candidate for the procedure, feel free to contact us, we will be happy to explain the benefits and drawbacks of this procedure and help you determine if affordable dental implants are the right choice for you.
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