While dentures and fixed bridges used to be the standard way to replace missing teeth, dental implants have created a new, more permanent way to deal with tooth loss. This tooth replacement method is more functional, easier to care for, and appears more natural than dentures or fixed bridges.
However, several drawbacks can affect your choice to get dental implants. Health concerns, financial restrictions, and time constraints are just a few factors that prevent patients from taking advantage of this permanent tooth replacement option. By weighing dental implants pros and cons, you can determine if dental implant surgery is the best option for replacing your missing teeth.
Repercussions of Tooth Loss
Missing teeth don’t just lower your confidence; the gap can also harm your oral health. Gaps from missing teeth create space for the surrounding teeth to move, creating alignment issues. This can also make it harder to floss or brush properly, resulting in tooth decay and gum disease.
Missing teeth can also lead to a weakened jawbone because there is no pressure or stimulation created by chewing once the tooth and root are gone. A weak jawbone can eventually affect your facial structure, especially if you are missing multiple teeth, leading to premature ageing.
Besides health problems and aesthetic concerns, missing teeth can affect your speech and make it challenging to chew your food, potentially leading to malnourishment.
Who is a Candidate for Teeth Implants?
Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, but it can be a viable option for many people with missing teeth. To be eligible for a dental implant, you should:
- Have a dense enough jawbone to support the implant
- Be capable of maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent infections
- Not suffer from gum disease
Dental implants have a high success rate of 90%-95% based on different variables like age, general health, length of the implant, bone quality, diameter of the implant, and the implant region.
Patients with autoimmune disorders or diabetes might also want to think carefully about opting for dental implant surgery because their recovery time will take longer. The chance of impact success is lower. Discuss tooth loss solutions with your dentist to determine if an implant is the right choice for you.
What Are Some Dental Implants Pros and Cons?
The pros of getting dental implants far outweigh the cons. Replacing missing teeth is an essential contributor to your oral health, and there are a significant number of benefits to the permanence of teeth implants. Here is a breakdown of dental implants’ pros and cons to help you through the decision-making process.
Pros of Dental Implants
They’re Durable and Long-lasting
The permanent nature of dental implants makes them much sturdier than bridgework or dentures. A dental implant post lasts a lifetime while the artificial crown can last for decades, so unlike dentures or dental bridges, this is a one-time investment.
They Don’t Impact Adjacent Teeth
Dental implants prevent damage to the surrounding teeth because they don’t rely on other teeth for support, unlike a bridge. The support for a dental implant comes from the jawbone.
They Preserve Your Jawbone
The metal rod in a tooth implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration which occurs three to six months after surgery. This rod mimics a replacement tooth root and prevents disintegration of the jawbone, keeping it strong and maintaining your face’s structure.
They Give You a Realistic Smile
Teeth implants look more like natural teeth than dentures or bridgework. The prosthetic tooth from a dental implant is designed using CEREC®. This model is based on detailed digital scans so that it’s a perfect match for your other teeth and the gap.
They’re Easy to Care For
Caring for teeth implants is as simple as caring for your natural teeth. They require regular brushing twice daily and flossing once per day to prevent plaque buildup and staining, unlike dentures which require additional care and specialised cleaning solutions.
They Improve Chewing and Speaking
For practicality, you can’t beat a dental implant. Since implants are flush with the gums and secured to the jawbone, you won’t experience the same chewing or speaking problems like with dentures. Dentures can shift or click and can make talking challenging.
Cons of Dental Implants
May Need Additional Surgeries
Dental implants can occasionally require additional dental work before the procedure. If your jawbone is not strong enough to support the titanium implant, you may require a bone graft or sinus lift to increase bone tissue density.
Long Recovery Time
The dental implant process requires many months of appointments, X-rays, impressions and recovery. The procedure occurs in three stages with several months of recovery time between each stage.
They Can Become Infected
There is a slight risk of infection, known as peri-implantitis, if the implant comes loose or if you do not keep the site clean. Teeth implants on the upper jaw can sometimes result in increased frequency of sinus infections or potentially sinusitis if the implant migrates into the maxillary sinus.
Often Not Covered by Medicare or Private Insurance
Private health insurance rarely covers a dental implant procedure. However, at No Gaps Dental, we offer affordable payment plans through MacCredit. Simply fill out the online application form, and within 48 hours, you can be approved for up to $70,000 with repayments as low as $30 per week.
We also accept various payment types from AMEX, VISA, and Mastercard, to EFTPOS and cash.
Contact No Gaps Dental Today
Understanding dental implants’ pros and cons allow you to assess whether this is a treatment option you want to pursue. Tooth loss is a serious oral health issue that should be addressed as quickly as possible. Dental implants offer a permanent way to restore the appearance of your smile and your oral health.
No Gaps Dental has 15 locations across Sydney. For a consultation regarding your suitability for a dental implant, you can fill out our online contact form or call us at (02) 8806 0227. One of our dentists can discuss teeth replacement options with you and develop a treatment plan that suits your needs.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.