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Several things can lead to the loss of teeth. This includes trauma, decay, aging, and gum disease. Fortunately, some procedures can help you replace your teeth. Specifically, dental implants are a great option. Dental implants are like artificial tooth roots and they’re shaped like screws. When these screws are implanted into the jawbone, they fuse with the bone. This creates a sturdy base for your artificial tooth which is referred to as a crown. The dentist will then place a connector on top of the implant, which holds the crown. While this is an extremely popular option, just as with any other procedure, there are advantages and disadvantages. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of dental implants.
Pros of Dental Implants
If you’re dealing with missing teeth then dental implants may be the best option for you. Here are just a few of the benefits. Aesthetically Pleasing: If you’re worried about missing teeth, one of your biggest concerns may be your appearance. This is one of the best things about dental implants. A lot of people are a fan of this procedure because it makes your smile more aesthetically pleasing. Not only that, but implants are designed to look as natural as possible. So you can rest assured that your teeth will always look authentic.
Durable: Unlike temporary fixes such as dentures, dental implants are considered to be more of a permanent solution. And that’s because they’re so durable. Implants are placed into your jaw and left to settle for up to six months. This gives them a chance to fuse to your bone. It ensures that they’re just as strong as the rest of your natural teeth. They can last as long as 20 years if they’re well-maintained.
Preserves the Bone: One of the consequences of missing teeth is that it can cause issues with your bones. Specifically, if you don’t replace the missing tooth the part of the bone that it was attached to will start to disintegrate. This happens so that it can distribute nutrients to other areas of your body. If you have several missing teeth, then the disintegration will be even worse. Eventually, it will affect the structure of your jaw. Dental implants are a great option for helping you to preserve the bone.
Functional: Teeth are important tools when it comes to eating and speaking. The loss of your teeth can affect both of these functions. You’ll have difficulties chewing and digesting your food. You may also start to slur your words. One of the best things about dental implants is that they can help to restore your speech and bite because they function just like natural teeth.
Dental Hygiene: One of the benefits that people tend to overlook when it comes to dental implants is hygiene. Since implants function like your natural teeth, they can be cleaned in the same way. This means that you can brush and floss without any complications are having to buy special solutions. You’ll never have to remove them to clean them.
Cons of Dental Implants
While there are several benefits to getting dental implants, it’s also important to consider the downsides as well. Below are a few cons. Cost: Unfortunately, dental implants can be quite costly. Dental implants are expensive, and the NHS does not cover them. Several factors can affect the cost of the procedure, however, the average person can pay as much as $4,000. And in many cases, your insurance may not cover the cost since it’s considered to be cosmetic surgery. So, prepare to pay out of pocket.
Time: Many cosmetic dental procedures can be completed in a matter of hours. This is the case with teeth whitening. You can see dramatic results in under 90 minutes and it requires little to no recovery time. This isn’t the case with dental implants. It takes multiple procedures to complete the process. And you have to wait up to six months between the first and second visits to see the results. Dental implants take a lot of patience and healing. Not the Best Option for Everyone: Dental implants can be a great solution, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Several factors must be considered before an individual undergoes this procedure. For example, the best candidates are those that have great bone structure. If your bones aren’t dense then they may not be able to hold the implant. Also, if you’re someone who is dealing with an illness or disease such as diabetes or osteoporosis you may not be eligible for implants.
Possible Infection: As with any surgery, it’s always possible that you could contract an infection. If the area around the implant comes into contact with bacteria then it could lead to periodontal disease. This condition leads to bone loss and inflammation. And this could create more serious issues that will need to be addressed.
Surgery: Dental implants tend to be more invasive than most cosmetic procedures because they involve surgery. While it’s considered to be a common and safe procedure, it’s still important that you take it as seriously as you would any other surgery. This means that you should consider things such as swelling, sensitivity, injuries, and overall recovery time.
The Takeaway
If you’re missing teeth and are looking for the best options, then you should consider getting dental implants. However, before making your final decisions, you should take time to think about all of the pros and cons that come along with this procedure. Dental implants can help you to prevent bone loss, they enhance your appearance, they’re functional, and they last for a long time.
On the other hand, this procedure can be expensive, it requires a lot of time, there’s a possibility of infection, it’s invasive, and there’s always a chance that you may not be the best candidate for implants. Ultimately, you need to decide if the bad outweighs the good.
