We all have heard a world of compliments for dental implants, but there is much less talk about the pros and cons of dental implants, as they may not be the ideal option for everybody. This article will go through all of the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants, so you can decide for yourself if they are the best solution for your missing teeth. If you already know what dental implants are and you are on the verge of getting one, we suggest you don’t skip this blog post.
What Are The Pros of Dental Implants?
The pros of dental implants boil down to how they look, how they feel, and how they function. Here is what you need to know:
They Look Just Like Natural Teeth
The best advantage of dental implants is that they look just like your natural teeth. In other words, when the procedure is finished, you can hardly notice a difference between the implant and your real teeth. Dental implants are also as strong and stable as natural teeth, if not more. Therefore, you can simply go back to your daily routine after your procedure.
They Last a Lifetime
Considering the fact that most people get implants in their 50s, your dental prosthesis can last a lifetime, as studies have found properly placed implants can last more than twenty years. However, a crown, for example, won’t last more than ten to fifteen years in the best-case scenario. In another article, we have explained the dental implant procedure step by step to ensure a long-lasting result.
They Prevent Jawbone Loss
Jawbone loss is known to be a serious issue. Naturally, the roots of your teeth strengthen your jawbone, but when you lose a tooth, the jawbone under that area starts to disintegrate. Dental implants are the only available replacement anchored to your jawbone, acting as a tooth’s root to prevent jawbone loss. Don’t forget that you might need a bone graft before your dental implant surgery if it’s been a while since you have lost your tooth.
They Are Easy to Look After
If you want your dental implants to last a long time, you have to take good care of them. The good news is that they are very easy to look after. You can treat them like your natural teeth: brushing and flossing every day, having a healthy diet, and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist or oral surgeon. However, you should know that failing to take care of them will probably result in implant failure. In another article, we have explained thoroughly how to deal with dental implant failure.
What Are The Cons of Dental Implants?
Not every dental procedure is for everyone, and dental implants are no exception. The cons of dental implants come down to the requirements, the length of the procedure, the cost, and the chance of failure. We will go through them all one by one:
The Requirements
There are certain requirements for getting a dental implant. As mentioned earlier, you have to have enough jawbone for anchoring the implant. Your dentist might recommend other options in case of severe bone loss. You should also be in good health. You can’t have implants if you have medical complications such as diabetes, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. Any health conditions that increase the risk of dental implant failure might force your dentist to choose another treatment.
Lengthy Procedure
Dental implants are not for you if you’re looking for a quick treatment for any personal reasons. This procedure takes several months to complete and you should have the time and patience to go through it. Other factors might add to the length of your treatment. For example, if you need a bone graft, or have a damaged tooth that needs to be removed. When every prerequisite is met, your doctor will place the implant in your jaw and you have to wait months before the crown can be added on top of it. Long story short, you need to consider the timetable before committing to this treatment.
Cost of Dental Implants
Obviously, dental implants are not the cheapest solution for your missing teeth, as they are made of expensive materials such as zirconia and need surgery to be placed. Your insurance might cover the cost or you might work on a financial plan to pay the fees in installments. We believe you should look at it as an investment that is going to last a long time, which makes it cost efficient. Nonetheless, it’s your decision. If you have the time and requirements, we say go for it. It will be worth it.
The Chance of Failure
Although the chance of failure is very low, you have to ensure it won’t happen to you. Studies suggest that the chance of dental implant failure is somewhere between five and ten percent. But we assure you that with holistic, biological, and integrative dentistry, there is even less chance of dental implant failure. Our advice to you: Choose a holistic dentist and put your mind at ease.
The Final Verdict
This article covered all the pros and cons of dental implants, and we believe they will be worth the trouble if you have the requirements. You just have to ensure you choose a dentist who is experienced and utilizes holistic approaches to minimize the chance of failure. Aria Dental in Orange County, CA, is the perfect place for your treatments. We provide a vast number of procedures, including dental implants, thanks to our professional team. You just need to contact us to schedule a consultation, and we will walk you through the procedures.
