If you’re like most people, you probably think of dental implants as a last resort. Something to consider only after all other treatment options have failed.
But what if we tell you that dental implants are actually worth it? That aside from improved appearance, they offer a variety of benefits that can improve your quality of life. Would you be interested in learning more?
If so, keep reading! Let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants and answer some common questions about them.
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Are Dental Implants Worth Having?
The short answer is yes! For people affected by tooth loss, dental implants are worth getting. Some reasons for a missing tooth include periodontal disease, plaque or tartar buildup, poor oral hygiene, trauma, and tooth decay.
While these teeth implants may be more expensive than other tooth replacement options, they offer many benefits that other treatments simply can’t match.
What are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
If you’re considering dental implants, you may wonder if they’re worth the investment. Here are some benefits of dental implants that you should keep in mind:
1. They Have a Natural Look and Feel
Dental implants look and function just like natural teeth. They allow you to eat, speak, and smile without worry or embarrassment. Chewing, especially, is made easier.
2. They’re Durable and Long-Lasting
Dental implants are made to last. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. This makes them a much more cost-effective solution in the long run than other options, such as dentures and dental bridges.
3. They Prevent Further Bone Loss
The dental implant process can help to preserve your jawbone. When you lose a tooth, the bone tissue around it begins to deteriorate. A dental implant acts as a replacement tooth and helps to stimulate bone tissue levels, promote bone growth, and prevent further bone loss.
4. They Have Oral Health Benefits
Dental implants can improve your overall oral and gum health. Dental implants do not need to be anchored to other teeth, unlike dentures or bridges. This means there’s less chance of developing gum disease, tooth decay or cavities around the implant site.
5. They are Confidence Boosters
Dental implants can give you back your confidence. You’ll be able to smile, laugh, and speak without worrying about your teeth shifting or falling out. You’ll also be able to eat all your favorite foods without difficulty.
Overall, dental implants are viable teeth replacement options to address decayed, missing or broken teeth. They provide long-term health benefits for the patient. If you’re considering dental implants, talk to your dentist to see if they’re right for you.
What are the Disadvantages of Dental Implants?
While dental implants may be popular, they’re not right for everyone. There are a few disadvantages to dental implants that you should be aware of before you decide to undergo implant treatment.
1. They are Expensive
One of the primary disadvantages of dental implants is the cost. Implant treatment can be expensive, and a dental insurance provider does not always cover it.
2. They are Not for Everyone
Another potential disadvantage of dental implants is that they may not be an option for people with weak bone density. The titanium posts that support dental implants need to fuse with the jawbone, so people with weak or unhealthy bones may not be able to get dental implants.
3. They Require Commitment
Dental implants require a significant commitment on the part of the patient. To be successful, dental implants need to be meticulously cared for, and patients must be willing to regularly brush and floss their teeth, as well as see their dentist for regular dental check-ups.
4. There is a Risk of Complications
Dental implants require surgery, and there is always a risk of complications associated with any surgery.
What Complications Can Occur During the Dental Implant Procedure?
Like other dental procedures, a few possible complications can occur during dental implant surgery. These include:
- Implant Failure:
If you have low bone density in the jaw, the implant may not fuse properly to the bone. This can lead to instability and pain. - Loosening of the Implant:
If the dental implant is placed in an area with insufficient tissue support, it may become loose over time. - Infection:
Any form of surgical or invasive procedure carries the risk of infection. With dental implant surgery, this is also a possibility, although this is typically rare. The risk of infection can be minimised by practising good dental hygiene and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. - Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
If the implant is not placed correctly, it can damage the surrounding healthy teeth. - Nerve Damage:
There is a small risk of nerve damage when getting dental implants. This can lead to numbness or tingling in the lips, gums, chin or tongue.
In most cases, dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks before surgery.
Final Thoughts
While dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace lost teeth, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved before undergoing surgery. These risks include infection, damage to surrounding teeth, and nerve damage. If you have any concerns, be sure to speak with your dentist or oral surgeon prior to having implant surgery.
Comfort Care Dental is here to help ensure that your dental implant experience is as positive as possible. We offer a wide range of dental services, including implants and dentures, which can give you back your confident smile without worrying about your missing teeth.
Book an appointment today through our website or call us at (08) 9349-0800. We look forward to helping you achieve the healthy smile you deserve.
FAQs
The dental implant procedure involves a few steps to ensure successful dental implants.
- Consultation:
The first step is the initial consultation, where the dentist will assess your mouth and jawbone to see if you are a candidate for dental implants. X-rays, 3D images, and other imaging tests may be taken during this visit. - Treatment Planning:
If you are a candidate for teeth implants, the dentist will create a dental treatment plan. This plan will outline the steps of the procedure and what to expect. If you have insufficient bone, you’re going to need additional procedures such as a bone graft or sinus lift. Your dentist will inform you during this stage. - Placement of Implants:
The next step is the placement of implants that will serve as the artificial tooth root for the false teeth. This is a surgical procedure done under local anesthesia where a small incision is made in your gums. Once the metal post is placed, your gum tissue will be stitched up, and you will be given time to heal. - Osseointegration:
Following your surgery, the implant will fuse with your jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. This can take up to several months, and during this time, you should eat soft foods and be careful when brushing and flossing around the area of the implant. - Abutment Placement:
Once the implant has fused with your bone, the next step is to place an abutment, which is a small connector piece, on the dental implant. - Crown Placement:
The dental implant crown, or the artificial teeth, is then placed on top of the abutment, and it will look and function just like your real tooth!
The surgery to place dental implants is usually performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the implant. You may feel some pressure during the surgery, but you should not feel any pain.
After your oral surgery, you may experience some swelling and soreness in your gums and jaw. This is normal and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Dental implants are very durable, with a lifespan of 10-15 years. When they are properly cared for, they can last a lifetime. However, dental implants are not a permanent solution and will eventually need to be replaced.
The lifespan of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of implant used and the patient’s oral hygiene habits. If you take care of your dental implants and keep them clean like your regular teeth, you can expect them to last for many years.
Dental implants can be a significant investment, and it’s important to understand the cost before deciding.
The cost of teeth implants varies depending on several factors, including:
- The number of implants needed
- The type of implant used
- The complexity of treatment
- The geographic location
- The need for additional procedures, such as bone grafting for patients with insufficient bone density, sinus lift, or tooth extraction
Generally, a single implant can range in cost from $3,000 to $6,000 per tooth. Additionally, most dental insurance plans do not cover dental implant treatments. However, some dental clinics offer flexible payment plans to help with costs.
If you are considering dental implants, be sure to discuss all of your options with your dentist. They will help you better understand the potential cost and help you make the best decision for your smile and overall dental health.