What are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants? Our Dentist Explains

For the millions of people who are currently living with lost or broken teeth, smiling and saying hello to people on the street could be the last thing on their mind. And this is why most of the patients who come in to see dentists daily, come in to seek out permanent dental implants.

Dental implants remain the top choice for people who seek to replace their lost teeth, and although this is the number one choice for most people, it is not the only choice. Such people can choose to live with the teeth that have been lost. But depending on the location where the teeth were lost, this may not be the best choice as it can affect a person’s appearance and can cause difficulty when it comes to their chewing and eating habits.

Another option includes the use of dentures or partial dentures to provide a better appearance to these individuals. But this option comes with certain limitations.

The third option is the use of dental bonding where resin is used to fix broken teeth and can also help fill in gaps in the teeth. This option does not cover the individuals that have lost their teeth completely,and it is typically only a temporary fix.

The limitations for some of these options are why dental implants are becoming more popular;especially when you consider the fact that 40% of adults between the ages of 35 – 44 have lost at least one tooth.

But before you go rushing into your dentist’s office seeking an appointment, it is important to know the benefits and the negatives of dental implants. This article will walk you through the pros and cons of getting dental implants.

The Pros of Dental Implants:

Starting with the pros of dental implants we have the following:

1. Dental implants work exactly how your natural teeth function. Think of how you acted when you were younger,and you did not have to worry about watching what you eat. Getting dental implants will bring that same functionality back to you.

Of course, it is still important to eat the right foods and maintain good oral health; you will clearly be able to do a lot of things you were not able to before your teeth got damaged. Ready to bite into that apple you have been eyeing?

2. Crown dental implants help give an elegant smile:

When done properly, a dental implant restoration with crowns can give you back the smile you had many years ago. Just by knowing your teeth are looking like what they used to be can cause you to start smiling more.

3. Dental implants are fixed in position and do not negatively affect one’s ability to eat or speak:

Unlike temporary dentures which affect your ability to smile big, eat what you want, or speak clearly, dental implants provide you with the aesthetics and functionality you need by allowing you to speak correctly and eat whatever you feel like without having to worry about anything.

4. It does not cause any damage to the existing teeth in the mouth:

Denture or dental bonding can not only damage the dentures and the bonded teeth, but it is also possible to damage, break, or fracture the teeth that surround it. Dental implants do not cause any more damage to the surrounding teeth any more than the natural teeth would.

5. Longevity:

Dental implants last longer than other forms of restorative processes. People generally find a 98% success rate with dental implants,and even after being installed for ten years, they still have a 95% success rate.Dental bonding holds for about a year or two at most while dentures begin to weaken after five years.

6. It does not compromise on bite strength:

Getting dental implants does not mean weaker bite strength. Dental implants will give an individual the same bite strength as natural teeth. Also, they will not cause the bone to erode over time,unlike dentures that provide half the normal bite strength and that strength and stability weaken over time.

The Cons of Dental Implants:

It is important to note that not all of the points listed here are going to seem like cons for everyone. They could just be described as part of the process and accepted that way.

Regardless, they are hurdles,and it is important you are aware of them before making any decision.

1. Dental implants are expensive and aren’t covered by insurance:

There is no hiding around this fact; dental implants are not cheap. Because the dental implant process is usually very complex and requires several appointments, a typical implant restoration usually runs into thousands of dollars.

However, this is not to take anything away from the worth of the treatment. Several patients who have received dental implants have given glowing testimonials about it referring to it as an investment that has greatly improved their quality of life.

You should always check with your insurance company before scheduling any appointments, so you are not hit with any surprises at your appointment.

2. The entire process is a surgical one:

The dental implant restoration process is usually an outpatient surgery, but it is performed in different stages. The process involves replacing your natural and damaged teeth roots with new titanium screws that will adapt to the surrounding bone structure through a technique called osseo integration. You may also need to get bone grafting done before receiving your dental implants.

3. The healing process can cause the process to be several months long:

Because of the surgical nature of the procedure that involves the titanium screws being fused with your bone to form a stable anchor, the restoration process can last for several months as the bone continues to heal slowly.

This is why the average time for an implant process can be as short as three months,or it could be as long as 12 months. There are different healing times per each stage of the process.

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