If you have a gap in your smile due to decay, illness, or injury, you may be researching restorative dentistry options. Restorative dentistry offers several options for replacing missing or damaged teeth, including dentures, bridges, and dental implants.
Implants offer an attractive, convenient solution. Learn the pros and cons of dental implants and the factors you should weigh when choosing which type of restoration is right for you. Learn more information.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants have three parts: the post, the abutment, and the restoration.
During dental implant surgery, your dentist opens the gum and drills a hole in the jawbone that receives the titanium post. Once the gum is sutured closed, it takes three to six months for the bone to integrate with the post.
Once the bone has fused with the dental implant post, your dentist reopens the gum and attaches the abutment to the post before closing your gum around the abutment. You usually heal from this procedure in about two weeks.
After your permanent crown, bridge, or denture is ready, your dentist attaches it to the abutment.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants: The Pros
Dental implant surgery results in high satisfaction and better oral health. Other benefits of a dental implant include:
A beautiful smile
Dental implants provide the most natural-looking result of all the restoration options. The crown, bridge, or denture is custom made to blend seamlessly into your smile.
Increased comfort
Dental implants don’t cause pinching or chafing like dentures. Because the jawbone stabilises them, they feel natural when eating and speaking.
More convenience
Dental implants require the same care as your teeth, and you don’t need adhesive to keep them in. Brush and floss twice daily and use a mouthwash once a day. You may need to switch your brand of floss or use a floss threader to avoid the string from becoming stuck under the restoration.
Prevents bone loss
Tooth loss causes the bone around the socket to deteriorate. Placing a dental implant stimulates jawbone growth due to chewing pressure and prevents an adjacent tooth from shifting into the space. Find further details.
Doesn’t require modification of healthy teeth
Dental bridges require crowns placed on either side of the missing tooth or teeth, but implants don’t. Preservation of healthy teeth should always be a priority.
Long-term cost-effectiveness
While dental implants have a higher upfront cost, one study showed higher long-term satisfaction, improved overall health, and decreased healthcare costs.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants: The Cons
Dental implants are the gold standard in restorative dentistry. However, some patients are not suitable for implants, and there are some drawbacks to dental implant surgery you should be aware of, including:
High initial cost
While maintenance costs are low, initial costs are high due to the complexity of the dental implant process and the high-quality materials used.
Multiple procedures
The process requires an initial consultation for treatment planning, surgery to place the implant post, another procedure to place the abutment, and a final appointment for the attachment of the crown.
Complications
Potential complications include infection and peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition around the dental implant. These complications can lead to implant failure.
May require additional procedures
Your jaw may not be wide or deep enough to support the size of the implant post your dentist wants to use, which means you may need to undergo a bone graft or sinus lift procedure to increase jawbone density.
You’ll need additional time to recover after these surgeries before implant placement, and the procedures also incur an additional cost.
Not suitable for every patient
Some patients don’t qualify for the surgery because of underlying health conditions that cause slow healing. These conditions include diabetes, autoimmune disorders, leukemia, and some blood disorders.
Weighing Your Options to Find the Right Treatment
Remember to weigh the pros and cons of dental implants when deciding which restoration option is right for you. Most patients believe the pros outweigh the cons, and if they are a candidate for dental implant surgery, the result is a beautiful, healthy smile and regained self-confidence.
Contact Maroondah Dental Care online or on 03 9007 2532 to book an evaluation and learn how dental implants can improve your oral health.
Our dental team can answer any questions you have about the pros and cons of dental implants. You can rest assured that you are in good hands at Maroondah Dental Care because we use the latest technology in a relaxed atmosphere to calm your nerves and put your mind at ease.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Everything to Know About a Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-procedure
Dental implant procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-implant
Patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life 10 years after implant placement
https://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12903-020-01381-3
Evaluating the health economic implications and cost-effectiveness of dental implants: a literature review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23527335/