Are Dental Implants Right For You? Exploring The Pros And Cons
Are you unhappy with the way your smile looks due to missing or badly damaged teeth? If so, dental implants could give you the ability to once again enjoy a picture perfect smile. However, while this tooth replacement option will prove ideal for some patients, others may find that they are better served by the use of an alternative option such as dentures. Taking the time to review the pros and cons associated with dental implants can help you to determine which of these categories you fall into.
The Pros
There are several benefits that come along with the decision to get dental implants. These benefits include:
- Strength - Dental implants are able to offer a superior level of strength when compared to other tooth replacement options. This is because, while other tooth replacements will typically sit on the gums, dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone. As your jawbone heals around the implant, this bone will provide a superior level of support and strength that allows your implant to offer the same durability as a natural tooth.
- Longevity - Dental implants will typically last the rest of your life while other replacement teeth may need to be replaced every few years as they wear down or the shape of your mouth changes. Not only can this lifelong solution save you money in the long run, but it can also help to embrace your new teeth as your own rather than thinking of them as an accessory that must be replaced.
- Natural Looking - Dental implants strive to mimic the structure of your natural teeth. Thanks to the fact that these implants go beneath the gums rather than on top of them, patients will be able to enjoy a tooth replacement that not only functions like their natural teeth, but looks incredibly natural as well.
The Cons
Like all tooth replacement options, dental implants will also have some disadvantages that must be considered. These disadvantages include:
- Time Consuming - The process of getting dental implants requires that your body heals fully in between each stage of the process. For instance, your jawbone will need to heal fully after the implants are surgically placed before your dentist will be able to attach the necessary crowns to make your implants functional. Due to the need for healing time, the process of getting dental implants can take several months or even a year to complete.
- Bone Strength - Dental implants rely heavily on the strength of your jawbone in order to deliver the strength necessary for your new teeth to function properly. Consequently, patients who struggle with bone density or bone strength issues may not be good candidates for the implant procedure.
Talk to experts like Oral Surgery Associates Inc for more information.