Considering dental implants and want to weigh the pros and cons? You need to learn about the pros and cons of dental implants before you schedule for a consultation. The main benefit of a dental implant is that it provides the same stability and durability of your natural tooth. However, one main drawback of dental implants is their relatively higher cost than alternative procedures such as dental bridges. Dental implants involve using metal posts to replace missing or damaged teeth, offering a long-term solution for tooth restoration.
Pros of Dental Implants
Here is why the majority of patients choose dental implants to fix issues with missing teeth.
- Dental implants function similarly to natural teeth.
Chewing again fully is one of the main benefits of dental implants. With dental implants, you can regain the ability to eat, brush, and floss normally, just like natural teeth. Dental implants provide a stable and secure foundation for chewing, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and easily maintain proper oral hygiene.
- Dental implants delay the signs of aging and stop face sagging.
Facial sagging is a negative side effect of bone loss resulting from tooth loss. As the bone deteriorates, the lower part of your face may collapse, gradually reducing the space between your chin and the tip of your nose. This can lead to increased lines around the mouth, thinner lips, and a sharper chin, making you appear older than your actual age.
- Dental implants stop bone resorption.
When you experience tooth loss and no tooth roots to stimulate the jaw bone, bone loss can occur in the jaw. However, dental implants provide the necessary stimulation for natural bone formation by replacing both tooth roots.
- Teeth implants maintain adjacent teeth stable.
Losing a tooth can create a gap that can result in adjacent teeth shifting toward the space. This can cause your teeth to become crooked and out of alignment, affecting your bite, chewing function, and physical appearance. Additionally, this misalignment may make future tooth replacement more challenging. Moreover, a misaligned bite can impact your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to potential issues such as pain and headaches.
- Dental implants last a lifetime.
According to studies published in the International Journal of Implant Dentistry, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. The implant is made of titanium and fuses with the jawbone through osseointegration. This strong bond ensures the stability and longevity of the dental implant. Additionally, titanium is biocompatible, which means it is well-tolerated by the body and unlikely to be rejected.
Cons of Dental Implants
Here are the reasons why you may not choose dental implants:
- Dental implants are expensive.
Teeth implants may have a higher initial cost than dentures or bridges, but they offer lower recurring expenditures in the long run. Dental implant prices can vary, ranging from a few thousand dollars for a single tooth implant to tens of thousands for full-mouth dental implants. However, it’s important to note that most patients only require one investment in implant surgery, and the attached prosthetic teeth may only need replacement after several years.
- Dental implants require invasive surgery.
The implant placement procedure involves a series of minor surgeries on your gum and jaw. Your dentist will guide you through each step of the procedure and the healing phase to ensure you clearly understand what to expect. They will explain the process, including the initial incision, the placement of the implant into the jawbone, and the closure of the gum tissue.
- Dental implants need several dental visits.
Typically, dental implant surgery involves a series of appointments that are spread out for up to six months. While this duration might seem discouraging if you’re seeking a quick smile repair, it’s essential to understand that the waiting period is necessary for the jawbone to heal and securely fuse with the implant.
- Dental implants are not appropriate for everyone.
Dental implants can replace All your teeth, but not everyone is a candidate for the procedure. Several factors determine your eligibility for implant surgery. If you have experienced significant jawbone loss, have certain medical conditions, maintain poor oral health, or are a smoker, you may not qualify for dental implant surgery. These factors can affect the success and long-term stability of the implants.
- Dental implants have a risk of complications.
Despite the high success rate of dental implants, it is crucial to remember that any surgical operation has risks. Your dentist will ensure that you are completely informed about the potential risks before you undergo this procedure. Infection, sinus difficulties, and nerve or tissue damage are among the potential risks of dental implant surgery. It is worth noting that these difficulties are uncommon, and in the case of any concerns or implant failure, they are frequently remedied through dental implant repair.
Dental implants are widely regarded as a good investment because they are designed to last a lifetime. Although getting dental implants may require multiple appointments and take some time to complete, with proper planning, they can also be loaded immediately. This means that, in some instances, the replacement teeth can be attached to the implants immediately after the surgical placement. This immediate loading option allows for quicker restoration of your smile and improved functionality.
Pros and Cons of All 4 Dental Implants
ll-on-4 dental implants, also known as Full Mouth Dental Implants, consist of four implant posts strategically placed along the arch and connected to a denture plate. This innovative treatment concept allows a complete set of teeth to be supported by just four implants. By strategically positioning the implants, this approach provides stability and support for the denture, offering a more secure and natural-feeling fit.
Cons of All on 4 Dental Implants
Like any other surgical procedure, Full Mouth Dental Implants also have a few potential disadvantages.
- All on 4 dental implants cannot be positioned in the back of the mouth due to the high bite pressures.
- All on 4 implants can have stability issues.
- All on 4 implant maintenance is more delicate.
- All on 4 dental implants can cause temporary speech issues.
- All on 4 implants require a dental specialist to remove food debris that had gathered beneath the prosthetic.
Pros of All on 4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 is a dental breakthrough that offers patients several significant advantages.
- All on 4 dental implant surgery can be done in a single dental visit.
- All on 4 has a faster healing time than if ten or more implants were installed.
- All on 4 dental implants enhance the quality of life for patients with fixed and permanent tooth replacements.
- All on 4 only require four dental implants to restore an entire arch of teeth.
- All on 4 dental implants improve patients’ oral health over time by lowering the incidence of dental conditions, including periodontitis.
- All on 4 implants are designed to function with the smallest amount of jawbone density.
- All on 4 dental implants eliminate the requirement for bone grafting.
- All on 4 implants function just like natural teeth.
- All on 4 dental implants are considerably less expensive than conventional full-arch restoration treatments.
The benefits of dental implants generally outweigh the potential drawbacks. If you are considering dental implants, contact us so that we can assist you in making an informed decision. Our dental professionals will evaluate your needs and guide you in determining if a dental implant is the right choice for you.
What to know about Dental Implants besides its pros and cons?
Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements anchored into the jawbone. Placement of implant requires a healthy jawbone for successful integration. The procedure involves surgical placement, followed by a healing period. Afterward, regular oral hygiene and dental visits are crucial for maintenance. Implants can restore functionality, prevent bone loss, and improve confidence.
Dr. Jacob Vayner at Esthetic Smile Dental Care has over 19 years of experience in dental implant surgery since 2011 and will help you get your smile back! Make an appointment with us to learn more about the benefits of dental implants and go over the All-on-4 Dental Implants option.
