Making a choice about your future dental health requires you to weigh up the pros and cons, and dental implants are no exception. Tooth implants give you the chance to replace missing teeth with a permanent and natural-looking solution but there are downsides to a dental implant surgery too. A dentist that offers free consultation can help you compare the benefits and risks of dental implant surgery before you make a commitment. Today we’re going to explore the pros and cons of dental implants so that you can make an informed decision.
Pros And Cons Of Dental Implants
Weighing up the pros and cons of your tooth implants should be done under the guidance of your dental practitioner, and should take your personal risk factors into account.
The Pros Of A Dental Implant
Pros: #1 Dental Implants Have A High Success Rate
Dental implants only fail in 2 to 5% of cases, which is an excellent statistic. In healthy patients who meet the eligibility criteria, dental implant surgery is a predictable outcome and most patients are pleased with the end results.
Pros: #2 A Dental Implant Is A Permanent And Long-Lasting Replacement
A dental implant can last for up to 20 years, or till the end of your lifetime. No other tooth replacement compares to a dental implant in terms of its lifespan.
Pros: #3 Prevent Bone Loss And Protect Other Teeth
Dental implants function like tooth roots and are surgically embedded in your jaw. Because of this, they stimulate the jaw bone to prevent resorption.
Dentures and bridgework sit on top of the gum level.
As a consequence, it is common for the jaw below the lost tooth to lose density.
The gum also changes shape, which is why dentures need replacement.
This changing shape can impact facial harmony and cause loosening of the other teeth in your mouth.
Pros: #4 Bite Force
Because dental implants become fused with your jaw bone, they are very strong and stable. This means you can bite and chew with the same force as you exert with your natural teeth. The result is a replacement that looks and feels just like your natural teeth.
Pros: #5 Preserve Facial Harmony
Missing teeth affect the way your face appears. Having missing teeth can make your cheeks appear sunken and hollow. It can also affect your facial symmetry. By not replacing a missing tooth with implants, your self-confidence can suffer and you may not feel comfortable smiling.
The Cons Of Dental Implants
Cons: #1 The Duration Of The Procedure
Dental implants are not an overnight solution. They take time to complete because of their permanence and the fact that they need to fuse with your jaw. The procedure is performed in stages and after each stage, your jaw and soft tissue need to heal. This could take a few months to a year to finalise. When you get a free consultation at your local clinic, your dental practitioner will tell you how long the treatment will take.
Cons: #2 The Cost Of A Dental Implant Procedure
When you are given a treatment plan for a dental implant, you are presented with a total cost. Bear in mind, that this is the cost for what could be a year of treatment. Some patients may find the cost expensive initially, but remember that the cost will include the materials and components, as well as your dental consultations throughout the process. Also, the cost of a dental implant may be less than the cost of replacing dentures or bridgework every five years.
Rather than framing it as a cost, it is more helpful to consider your capital and time as investments, because you will get a return on your oral health as a result.
Cons: #3 Implant Failure And Rejection
Although it is rare, in a handful of cases, tooth implants could fail or be rejected. One of the most common causes of implant rejection is an infection at the site. A well-planned procedure and a patient who takes good care of the implant site both reduce your chances of this happening. Ensuring that osseointegration has been completed fully before moving through the subsequent stages of your procedure can also safeguard you against implant failure.
These are just some of the pros and cons of dental implants. Whether a dental implant surgery is the right procedure for you, should be discussed with a dentist who offers free dental consultation near you. For help with making an informed decision please give us a call: (02) 8203 8760.
REFERENCES
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
https://www.medicinenet.com/disadvantages_of_dental_implants/article.htm
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
https://www.dentistry.com/topics/dental-implants/pros-and-cons-dental-implants
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