Dental implants are a popular dental procedure where the tooth is replaced with an artificial replacement. There are many benefits to this procedure, but it also has some disadvantages and can be expensive. This blog post will discuss the benefits of dental implants and if it’s worth getting one to replace missing teeth.
It is important to replace missing teeth for your overall health and the health of the nearby teeth. Tooth loss not only affects your confidence but also allows your oral health to deteriorate rapidly.
There are several alternatives to fixing severely damaged or decayed teeth, but dental implants can look and feel like the original tooth structure. Dental implants provide many well-being benefits for patients.
What are dental implants?
Adental implant is a tooth replacement root drilled into the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth. Most implants are made from a titanium alloy material so that the body does not reject it. The titanium post is implanted into the jawbone to support a dental crown, dental bridge or partial dentures or complete dentures. If the correct care is applied, a dental implant can last for years and even for a lifetime.
Dental implant oral surgery takes place in two parts. In the initial surgery, the oral surgeon cuts into the gum to expose the jawbone and then the metal posts of the implants are drilled into place. When the gum has helped, and the implant has fused with the jawbone, the dentist will fit the crown, bridge or false teeth.
There are different types of dental implants, namely, endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. Endosteal implants are placed into the jaw bone, while subperiosteal implants are placed underneath the gum above the jawbone.
Most Common Benefits Of Dental Implants
Teeth implants are amazing for your oral health. Not only do they look great, but they’re also long lasting and don’t require any special care. Here are some of the most common benefits of getting dental implants:
Dental Implants Prevents Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, and there is nothing in its place, the jaw bone deteriorates due to a lack of stimulation. Loss of jawbone starts immediately after losing a tooth. Bone resorption accelerates after one year and continues over the years if the tooth is not replaced.
Oftentimes, denture wearers with loose dentures experience bone loss after some time because they rub against the bone ridge. This can gradually wear the bone away, which is why people are choosing implants overdentures. Since your artificial tooth root acts as the natural root of a tooth, it performs the essential function of stimulating the jawbone and encouraging natural bone growth.
Dental Implants Matches Your Natural Teeth
Implants are a growing trend in the cosmetic dental industry. They come in many shapes and sizes, giving you an opportunity to have teeth that look completely natural with your unique personality! Your dentist might be one of the only ones who can tell that they’re not real because their structure is similar to actual human tooth roots.
Restores Bite Force
Dental implants bond with your jaw bone. This means that it has become a part of the jaw and restores some natural teeth function that allows you to bite with the same amount of force. So you can eat your favourite foods with confidence but try to avoid too crunchy foods. Other tooth replacement treatments do not restore as much bite force as dental implants because they rest on the top of the gums.
It prevents Changes In The Shape Of your face.
Teeth help support facial structure, and when you lose a few, you lose that support which can alter facial appearance. This eventually leads to premature aging and your face having a bad shape. Facial sagging is one of the most common problems of bone loss from missing teeth. The lower third of your face will start to sag and collapse, resulting in a sunken shape, excess wrinkles around the mouth, thinning of the lips and a pointed chin. The changes can make a person appear older than they really are.
Easy To Care For
You won’t be required to purchase special dental products to keep your implants clean. Your dental care routine should include flossing, brushing at least twice a day, using mouthwash and scheduling regular dental check-ups. There is no need for cups, cleansing tablets, adhesives or special floss. In short, good oral care is all you need to practice.
Longevity
Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime if taken care of properly. Other tooth replacement options will most likely need to be replaced or repaired after some time. However, dental implants are more of a permanent solution and require a simple oral hygiene routine to stay clean.
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
While dental implants have various benefits, they do have a few disadvantages as well.
Dental implants are costly.
The cost of dental implants is one of its biggest disadvantages. It is not one of the most cost-effective dental treatments for missing teeth. A single implant can cost you a few thousand.
Learn more: Why Are Dental Implants So Expensive? What You Should Know
Your dental insurance may not cover them.
In some cases, your insurance provider may refuse to cover the cost of these implants. However, they may help cover the crowns, dental bridge partial or full dentures attached to the implant. You should call your insurance company before getting a dental implant installed to see if your insurance plan covers implants.
Dental implants require surgery.
Another big disadvantage of dental implants is that you will need a surgical procedure to have them installed. While dental implants have a success rate of 98%, the invasive procedure can come with a few risks. These include infection, damage to other teeth, delayed bone healing, nerve damage, among others.
You will need to replace the restorations.
The implant itself can last a lifetime, but the restorations that are attached to them may not. A prosthetic tooth or crown can cost around $1000, so proper care and good oral hygiene can make it last as long as possible. Brush and floss as normal and wear a mouthguard whenever necessary if you clench or grind your teeth.
The possibility of bone loss is still present.
Although implants can help to prevent bone loss, you can also lose bone mass. If you lose too much bone mass, your implant may need to be replaced. An ill-placed implant can also result in bone loss. Ensure an experienced surgeon is performing your dental implant surgery.
Are Dental Implants worth it?
Dental implant treatment options are definitely worth it. Teeth implants are durable, easy to maintain, look and function like healthy teeth. They are probably the best option out there to replace missing teeth. With good dental hygiene, they can last for a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are a permanent fix to replacing missing teeth. The implant is drilled into the jawbone and fuses to provide a stable anchor for crowns, bridges and dentures. While there are a few drawbacks, the benefits of dental implants are numerous and include the ability to perform the functions of regular teeth. This gives you complete confidence, maintains good oral health and improves your quality of life.
