Due to the increased dental implant commercials on TVs and online platforms, it’s evident that dentists are confident with the procedure. However, while dentists are praising the process, it’s essential to understand whether you’re fit to have it performed on you or not. As with other surgeries, dental implants also have good and bad sides. Therefore, you should understand both sides of dental implant surgery before deciding to have it performed on you.
Pros of Getting Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing a tooth or teeth. It’s therefore beneficial than dentures and bridges. Among the pros of getting dental implants are:
A Dental Implant Can Last Forever
Recent studies on dental implants show that a well-taken care dental implant can last decades, providing you with a beautiful smile for the rest of your life. The failure rate of dental implants is meager, with the success rate standing at 98%. Currently, dental implants are proven to be the most effective treatment offered by dentists.
They Appear and Feel Like Natural Teeth
It’s hard to differentiate between natural teeth from implants. In fact, after being fitted with implants, you can’t differentiate between the replaced tooth and the natural one. Additionally, implants don’t feel any different from natural teeth. Since the implant is installed in your jaw, they feel as strong as regular teeth.
You Can Eat Whatever You Want
If you have a dental bridge or dentures, your dentist will advise against consuming certain foods to avoid damaging your teeth or making them loose. For instance, your doctor might recommend avoiding hard, sticky, and crunchy foods. However, with teeth replacements supported by dental implants, your teeth will remain in place without shifting or dislodging. Therefore, you don’t have to avoid foods that you like.
Nevertheless, whether you have regular teeth or implants, avoiding sugary foods is advisable. Sugar feeds bacteria in plaque leading to tooth decay and gum disease, affecting the success of implant treatment.
Are Easy To Take Care of
Unlike dentures, which require being cleaned thoroughly daily and stored overnight in a specific solution to provide them with moisture and free from bacteria, implants don’t need special care. You only have to follow good oral hygiene as with regular teeth; meaning you have to:
- Brush your teeth and prosthetic teeth twice a day to avoid bacteria build-up
- Floss once per day to remove trapped foods to prevent gum disease
- Drink lots of water for hydration and get oral health benefits of fluoride
- Avoid excessive sugar in your diet to prevent tooth decay
- Keep up with your regular dental visits to identify any problem with your implants and regular teeth
Cons of Dental Implants
As with other surgeries, dental implants come with a fair share of disadvantages. They include:
You Have To Meet A Set Of Requirements
To have dental implant surgery, you have to meet some requirements. For instance, a dental implant involves anchoring the implant to the patient’s jaw. Therefore, if you’ve experienced severe bone loss resulting from tooth loss, you might not qualify for implant surgery. Additionally, you have to be in good health for your jaw bone to recover fully.
The Restoration On Top Can Wear Out
The implant is just the part of a tooth that supports a fixed restoration on the top. If you have a crown or a bridge, the porcelain might wear out and require replacement after some years or once a decade. To get as much service as possible from your porcelain dental work, you might consider wearing a protective bite splint.
Cost More Than The Alternatives
While the ongoing costs are less than alternatives, the initial investment for dental implants is a bit expensive. However, since dental implants surgery is a one-time investment, it’s worth the cost compared to dental bridges and dentures, which require regular replacement.
Might Cause Complications
Though dental implants have a high success rate, the surgery involves some risks. Therefore, it’s advisable to take note of the risks involved before making decisions. Among the complications as a result of implant surgery are:
- Might have damaged the surrounding teeth, blood vessels, or nerves.
- May lead to gum infection.
- Possible sinus problems for implants in the upper jaw.
It’s advisable to choose a qualified and experienced dentist to lower the risk of developing these complications.
Conclusion
Dental implants are among the best ways to replace a tooth or teeth since the procedure provides a long-lasting solution. With dental implants, you can replace as many teeth as you want. However, as with other surgeries, dental implants surgery can be accompanied by some risks. Fortunately, these risks are relatively mild and shouldn’t prevent you from getting your smile back. All you need is to work with a qualified specialist and ensure you maintain healthy oral hygiene.