If you’ve recently lost a tooth or multiple teeth, you may be considering your options for replacing them. Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular and offer many advantages when filling in the gaps in your smile. But what do dental implants involve? How can they benefit you? In this article, DentalX dental clinic will explore the pros and cons of dental implants so that you can make an informed decision on whether they are right for you.
Before delving into the pros and cons of dental implants, let’s first understand what dental implants are.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal devices made of titanium that are surgically secured into your jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. With a dental implant, you can restore your appearance and oral health. In addition, If you suffer from a defective speech pattern or embarrassment about missing teeth, a dental implant will also eliminate these problems.
Let’s learn more about what makes up the dental implant system.
What Makes Up The Dental Implant System?
A dental implant consists of three parts.
- The implant – The implant is a screw-like titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone.
- The abutment – This is a metal connector piece that holds the crown or bridge in place.
- The restoration – This is an artificial tooth, usually a crown attached to the abutment, and looks just like your own teeth.
Now that you know dental implants, let’s examine their pros and cons.
Pros of Dental Implants
Here are some advantages that dental implants offer.
Replaces Missing Teeth Permanently
Dental implants are made from titanium, a strong and durable metal that bonds well with your jawbone. Its biocompatibility will allow the jawbone to grow and fuse with the implant, creating a secure foundation for your new tooth. So with proper care, you can be sure your implant will last a lifetime.
However, you should note that the artificial tooth placed on the abutment undergoes wear and tear and must be replaced.
Reduce the risk of bone loss
Teeth also have a supportive role on the jawbone. Their presence stimulates the jaw bone to regenerate, thus ensuring jawbone health and strength.
Conversely, missing teeth can lead to bone deterioration over time. And this results in people with missing teeth having a prematurely aged appearance due to their sagging cheeks and jawline.
Dental implants can help to prevent bone loss by providing the necessary stimulation for regeneration to help keep your jawbone healthy and strong.
It looks natural
One of the qualities that make dental implants appealing is they are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth. And with the help of modern technology and materials, your dentist can create a new tooth almost indistinguishable from your other teeth.
Easy to maintain
Unlike other teeth replacement solutions like dentures, you don’t need to remove your dental implants for cleaning or soak them in a solution. Rather, you can clean them like your natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing.
Eat And Chew With Ease
As mentioned earlier, missing teeth can impair your chewing patterns, thus making it difficult to consume certain foods. But with a dental implant, you can now have complete function restored. You will be able to eat and chew with ease and without the discomfort of an ill-fitting denture.
Cons of Dental Implants
Now, let’s look at some drawbacks of dental implants.
Cost
Unfortunately, dental implants are expensive, as they involve a surgical procedure requiring specialized tools and materials. The total cost of the implant also depends on your condition and may include additional expenses like X-rays and CT scans.
Require surgery
You can only install a dental implant after a surgical procedure. The surgery involves drilling a hole into the jawbone and inserting the titanium post. So, your dentists should explain the associated risks with this surgery.
Do you feel anxious about the surgery? Speak to your dentist beforehand and discuss any concerns.
Risk of complications
Unfortunately, going through this surgical procedure can expose you to the risk of developing complications. This can include infection, nerve damage, bone inflammation, and more. So working with an experienced and qualified dentist is essential to avoid serious risks.
Dental implants provide an excellent solution for those looking to replace their missing teeth permanently. They look and feel like natural teeth and are easy to maintain. However, the procedure is expensive and requires surgery, so there is always the risk of complications. Therefore, it’s crucial to speak to an experienced dentist beforehand and discuss any concerns or risks associated with the procedure. Ultimately, this will ensure you make an informed decision about whether or not dental implants are right for you.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?