If you are considering a permanent teeth replacement option, dental implants are the most technologically-advanced option currently available. With dental implants, you have the freedom to eat, drink, and speak just like you would with your own, natural teeth. Here are the pros and cons of tooth implants you should know before you make your decision.
Who Is The Ideal Candidate for Tooth Implants?
Unlike dentures, patients must fit specific criteria to be eligible to receive dental implants. The ideal candidate is:
- In general good health
- Able to maintain good oral hygiene habits after the procedure
- Does not have an autoimmune disease, which can interfere with the healing process
- Free from gum disease
- Has sufficient bone density to support the dental implant
- Has a jaw with appropriate height and length to support dental implants after a bone graft
- Not an organ donor recipient, because they are more prone to infections
- Not a heavy tobacco user, since smoking reduces the blood supply which is essential for healing
- Not a teeth grinder
If you do not meet the criteria, you may need to consider other tooth replacement options. Alternatives to dental implants may include partial or full dentures, or a tooth-supported fixed or removable bridge.
Pros and Cons of Tooth Implants: The Pros
Dental implants are an excellent investment in your smile and oral health. Here are some of the reasons to consider a dental implant over other options.
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Convenient
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option.
You do not have to remove them to clean them, there are no messy dental adhesives or dental tools to deal with and you have no diet restrictions.
Your dental implants function, look and feel exactly like your natural teeth. Once they’re in, just brush and floss as normal.
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Aesthetically-pleasing
Dentures must be removed to be cleaned, and they can sometimes slip, especially as your jaw changes. While most modern dentures are crafted to look like your natural teeth, the permanent fixtures of dental implants mean your mouth is always smile-ready.
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Durable
Once the dental implants are placed, with proper oral hygiene and they can last a lifetime. Dentures must be replaced every 5-7 years. The crown of a dental implant may need to be replaced every 15-25 years, but the implant posts are permanent.
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Maintain bone density
When you lose a tooth, your jawbone does not have the necessary pressure it needs to retain bone density in that area. The result is a shifting of the jawline with bone loss, which can also cause structural changes to surrounding teeth and to your overall appearance.
Because dental implants replace your natural tooth root, they provide the pressure your bone needs to stay strong. Unfortunately, dentures do not do this, so your jawline shifts over time, resulting in an aged appearance.
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Cost-effective
While dental implants come with a considerable upfront investment, they are more cost-effective than dentures over the long-term because they don’t need to be replaced or require special cleaning solutions. Dental implants are a one-time investment in years of confidence and comfort.
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Protect surrounding teeth
In addition to preventing structural changes in the jaw, which can cause the shifting of nearby teeth, a dental implant does not depend on adjacent teeth for support, like a dental bridge. This prevents damage to healthy teeth.
Filling in the gap of a missing tooth with a permanent dental implant also helps protect other teeth from bacteria build-up, which can hasten tooth decay. Decay can require more expensive interventions, which can end up costing you more than getting a dental implant.
Pros and Cons of Tooth Implants: The Cons
Dental implants are preferred over any other tooth replacement option, but it is a more invasive procedure. Here are some of the disadvantages to consider before committing to dental implant surgery.
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Lengthy and involved process
The dental implant procedure on a normal, healthy person with no other dental issues to address first can take between 3-6 months.
If you need additional extractions, treatment for gum disease, or bone grafting, this can extend the process for a year or more. While the payoff is worth waiting for, the healing periods between surgeries can be extensive.
Dental implant surgery is also more invasive than other tooth replacement alternatives. A small, titanium or zirconia screw post is inserted into your gum line, and this needs time to heal and fuse with your jawbone. An abutment is placed on top to keep the gums from growing over the implant, and this must also heal before your final crown is placed.
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Risk of infection
Because the implant is inserted into the jawbone, there is still a risk of infection. If you have a metal allergy, you may need a zirconia implant instead. However, these instances are rare. If you are at a higher risk of infection due to other health conditions, your dentist may put you on preventative antibiotics before and after your procedure.
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Higher up-front investment
While dental implants pay for themselves over time due to low maintenance and the low risk of replacements, they are still more expensive than dentures initially. At No Gaps Dental, we offer payment plan options through MacCredit. MacCredit offers plans up to $70,000 with repayments as low as $30 per week. We also accept Mastercard, VISA, AMEX, EFTPOS, and cash.
Visit No Gaps Dental for High-Quality, Affordable Dental Implants
Understanding the pros and cons of tooth implants is essential when deciding on your tooth restoration. If you are ready to restore and rejuvenate your smile, we can help. Our dentists perform an initial examination and provide you with a treatment plan and a price quote so you can take the next steps to get your dental implants.
Call No Gaps Dental on (02) 8007 6727 to begin your journey to a healthy new smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.