Dental implants are a contemporary method to replace missing teeth. The procedure requires an appointment with an oral surgeon to insert a post into the jaw bone. Through a process known as osseointegration, the implant fuses to the bone, which maximizes stability. Once the dental implant has completely healed, a dentist fits a natural-looking restorative device onto the post.
If you are missing one or more teeth, implants might be a great option for you. However, as with any other medical procedure, it’s important to understand the risks and rewards. Here, we will consider the pros and cons of teeth implants so that you can make a well-informed choice about your oral health.
Cons of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great option for most people. However, it may not be an option for everyone. The disadvantages of dental implants include:
You Must Meet Requirements
Because an oral surgeon inserts the implant into the jaw bone, patients must have sufficient jaw bone density. Unfortunately, a side effect of prolonged tooth loss is bone atrophy at the site of the missing tooth. Therefore, a dental professional will take x-rays and scans to see if a patient has sufficient bone density.
Furthermore, if a patient has cavities or gum disease, those issues must be resolved before proceeding with implant surgery. A patient’s oral health must be satisfactory to ensure the success of the dental implant.
The Process Can Be Lengthy
Inserting a dental implant requires oral surgery. Therefore, the implant must be fully integrated and healed before a dentist can fit the patient with a restorative crown. Typically, a dental implant takes approximately four to six months to fully heal. Teeth implants may not be a good option for patients looking to restore their smiles quickly.
The Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of the implant procedure can be pricey. However, dental implants are an investment in your oral health. Not only do you restore your confidence, but you also restore function and prevent muscle and bone atrophy.
Pros of Dental Implants
Dental implants are widely considered the best tooth-replacement option available today. Here are just some ways that the advantages of implants far outweigh the disadvantage:
High Success Rate
Dental implants have a 90-95% success rate, making them one of the best long-term tooth replacement options.
Better Oral Health
Missing teeth can cause facial muscle distortion, jaw bone deterioration, and shifting of the surrounding teeth. Dental implants act as a tooth root. As such, the implant prevents the teeth, muscles, and bones from moving or weakening over time.
Easy To Maintain
A dental implant acts just like a patient’s natural tooth. Therefore, taking care of a dental implant does not require more maintenance than daily brushing and flossing.
Can Last a Lifetime
Dental implants are intended to last for decades, but with proper care, they can last some patients a lifetime.
Restore Function and Aesthetic
A dentist places a restorative device, such as a crown, onto the implant. The restorative device is color-matched to the patient’s surrounding teeth, meaning that it looks and acts just like a natural tooth. Therefore, patients can smile, speak, and eat with ease and confidence.
Teeth Implants in Lombard, IL
If you’re considering dental implants, then let Dr. Julie Glud and her caring Lombard, IL, team help you get started. At Dental Care of Lombard, we specialize in personalized dental implant treatment plans that fit each patient’s specific needs. Call (630) 629-5700 or contact us online to schedule your dental implant consultation.
