Are The Dental Implants Worth It? Pros and Cons

Although dental implants are classified as cosmetic dentistry, they are more restorative because they help replace your missing teeth. Teeth implants are metal posts that are screwed in place to anchor the artificial teeth. While some people may be reserved about getting implants, these dental restorations are effective and offer great benefits.

Pros of Dental Implants

1. They Look Like Your Natural Teeth

Dental implants are made of three parts, the titanium screws, the abutment (connects the implant and the crown), and the dental crown. The implants are surgically fixed under the gum, into the jaw. This creates a seamless look. When fixed properly, the implants mimic your natural teeth in function and appearance.

2. Durable

The implants are made of titanium, which is long-lasting and does not decay. Meaning, your replaced teeth will not damage or wear out.

However, the dental crowns are mostly made of porcelain, which at times can get discolored or wear out. The dental crowns will need to be replaced after sometime.

3. Prevent Bone Loss

Since the implant is fixed in the bone, it fuses with it creating strong support. This prevents the bone from deteriorating and weakening, a common problem in people with missing teeth. It also helps to stimulate new bone growth, further strengthening the jaw.

4. Easy to Maintain

The implants resemble your natural teeth, and as such, do not need any special instructions. However, you need to have proper dental hygiene to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

Cons of Dental Implants

As effective as they are, implants have a few shortcomings:

1. You Have to Meet Set Requirements

Teeth implants are not for everyone. The dentist will examine your dental health to determine your eligibility.

• Your jaw has attained full growth.
• Sufficient bone. You need to have enough bone density for the dental implants to have support. The insufficient bone will lead to other dental procedures like a bone graft.
• You have healthy tissues.
• You do not have pre-existing oral or health conditions that can impair the healing.
• You do not smoke or chew tobacco. Tobacco impairs the healing of the gums. If you are a habitual smoker, then the dentist may recommend other dental procedures like bridges.
• You are willing to commit to the treatment process.

2. Lengthy Process

Dental implant surgery is a lengthy process, spread across several months.

• Assessment and planning

Before the procedure begins, the dentist will perform a comprehensive assessment of the treatment. This involves checking the bone density, the condition of your gums and teeth. We also ask about your lifestyle and medical history.

The dentist will determine the suitable type of implant depending on your dental health, the number of teeth missing, and the bone density. If you have insufficient bone support, the dentist may recommend a bone graft. This is a surgical procedure that involves grafting bone granules in the jaw to stimulate new bone growth.

• Fixing of the implant

The dentist will numb the gums and drill the bone to fix the implants. This process takes about 60 minutes. Temporary dentures may be used to protect the gums and facilitate healing. It takes a few months (about six to nine months depending on if it is upper or lower jaw) for the bone and the implant to fuse.

• Placing the abutment

Once the bone and implant fuse, the dentist will schedule an appointment to fix the abutment. The gums are reopened, and the connector is placed. It will take few weeks for the gums to heal. The dentist will take an impression to make the dental crowns.

• Fixing the crowns

Depending on the number of missing teeth, the crowns can either be fixed or removable. For the fixed ones, the dentist will cement or screw them in place.

3. Cost

Dental implants are a bit expensive compared to the other dental restoration treatments. The cost is determined by how many lost teeth you have and the type of implant.

4. The Implants Can Fail

Although they have a high success rate, the teeth implants can fail. The failure of the implant treatment is attributed to an unsuccessful osseointegration process. If the implant and bone don’t fuse properly, the body can reject the implant.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Dipika Shah, DDS, LLC for more information on dental implants.