Missing teeth are detrimental to your physical health and your emotional wellbeing. Over time, unfilled gaps from tooth loss can weaken your jaw bone, cause your remaining teeth to shift, and in extreme cases, alter the structure of your face. On an emotional level, missing teeth can cause self-esteem issues, preventing you from smiling and engaging in social behaviour as you did before tooth loss.
Dental implants are a permanent solution to these problems, offering a modern way to regain your smile and confidence. A dental implant isn’t the best tooth replacement option for everyone, but depending on your oral health, it’s worth examining tooth implants pros and cons to help you decide if implants are right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant, also known as a tooth implant, is the most realistic tooth replacement option available. Tooth implants are a permanent solution consisting of three parts:
● The implant (usually a titanium rod)
● The abutment
● The crown (usually porcelain)
They look and function like natural teeth, so they’re becoming an increasingly popular choice for adults with tooth loss. But how do you know if tooth implants are the right solution for you?
Tooth Implants Pros and Cons
To determine if dental implants are the right choice for you, consider the pros and cons and talk to your dentist about dental implant surgery.
Dental Implants Pros
There are plenty of reasons to move forward with dental implant surgery if your dentist believes you are a candidate.
● Implants are Easy to Maintain
Tooth implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss that you can maintain the same way you clean your natural teeth, making them relatively low maintenance.
● Implants Have a Realistic Appearance
They are the most realistic-looking tooth replacement, and a dental implant is just as strong as a natural tooth.
They are also more durable because they can withstand greater bite pressure than your natural teeth.
● Implants Can Improve Your Self-Esteem
Tooth implants improve your confidence and relationships. With missing teeth, you may feel hesitant to smile when you walk into a room, or in some cases, they may even impact your speech. Dental implants provide adequate support to help you speak normally, and they’ll boost your self-esteem, so you can talk, laugh and smile with confidence.
● Implants Actively Improve Your Oral Health
Perhaps the most significant benefit of dental implants is how they improve your oral health. A dental implant can preserve bone density because the titanium implant rod mimics a tooth root and fuses to your jaw bone. The presence of a dental implant also protects the teeth on either side of the gap. When this space remains open, there is less support for the surrounding teeth and more opportunities for bacteria to impact them on all sides and grow in your gum socket.
Dental Implants Cons
As with any dental treatment, there are some downsides to consider when considering
tooth implants pros and cons.
● Long Treatment Time
The most significant deterrent for many people is the time commitment that this procedure requires. From beginning to end, the entire process can take around 6 to 9 months, depending on the complexity of the individual case. The reason it’s so drawn out is the implant process happens in stages.
First, your dentist takes multiple X-rays and models of your mouth and jaw to prepare for the surgery. Then you’ll have a first procedural appointment where the dental implant rod is placed inside your jaw bone. After this stage, there is a long healing period while you wait for the titanium implant to fuse with the jaw bone in a process called osseointegration. This can take from 3 to 6 months.
After this time, you’ll return to the dentist for another minor procedure where the abutment connecting the implant rod to the crown, is placed and impressions are taken for your crown. Dental crowns are made in a lab which can take up to 2 weeks before you return to have them placed.
● Higher Initial Cost
The cost of dental implant surgery may also give people pause when considering this option. It’s a more costly solution than dentures, but it’s also long-lasting, meaning dental implants are a one-time investment. Because of their durability, they’ll require less frequent repairs or replacements; the implant should last a lifetime, while the crown needs replacing every 15-20 years.
Dental Spot is Here to Help
After considering tooth implants pros and cons, the next step is to visit your dentist to assess your oral and jaw health to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. If you live in the Inner West area of Sydney, contact Dental Spot today on (02) 9158 6115 to book your consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
0 Comments