Dental implants are a revolutionary invention that has changed the game for individuals dealing with tooth loss. These artificial roots made of titanium metal replace the root of missing teeth, and they are almost indistinguishable from natural teeth. There’s no disputing the fact that dental implants have numerous benefits, but with that said, these tooth replacements have their downsides as well. Lucky for you, we’re going to be going over all the pros and cons of dental implants in today’s blog.
Pros of Dental Implants
A Natural Look and Feel
One major benefit of dental implants is that they look and feel just like natural teeth. In fact, because dental implants are so securely anchored into a patient’s jaw, oftentimes they can hardly tell the difference between their natural teeth and the implant. For all intents and purposes, dental implants appear just as your real teeth do.
Functionality
As well as looking similar to natural teeth, dental implants function just like the pearly whites that came in when you were a kid. Since dental implants replace both the missing tooth and its root, you don’t have to deal with difficulties chewing or speaking. You also don’t have to worry about neighbouring teeth being strained, which is a common issue with crowns and bridges that rely on natural teeth to support them.
Low Maintenance
Yet another upside of getting dental implants put in is that they require very little maintenance. All you need to do to upkeep your dental implants is make sure you regularly floss around the implants, use a water pick to “shower” your implant and minimize the bacteria surrounding it, and stick to your regular oral hygiene routine,
Prevention and Preservation
Unlike other false teeth, dental implants don’t depend on bridgework, a bridge made up of 2+ crowns that rely on the integrity of other teeth for support. Instead, dental implants are drilled directly into the bone, which helps to preserve your remaining teeth and prevent bone loss in your jawbone. The titanium implants that are used for dental implants fuse naturally with bone and when they are put in place immediately after a tooth has been lost, they prevent the reabsorption and deterioration of your jawbone.
Longevity
Dental implants last much longer than other tooth replacements, and if you have a healthy lifestyle, a good oral hygiene routine, and regularly visit your dentist, they can last you a lifetime. The only maintenance you may need on your dental implants is getting the crowns replaced every 10-15 years.
Cons of Dental Implants
A Lengthy Process
The dental implant process is a long one that cannot be completed in a single visit. Before a new tooth can be put in, an anchor needs to first be secured to the jawbone and the bone needs to fuse to the implant. It typically takes around six months for the bone to properly fuse and heal. Once the bone has healed, the new tooth can be screwed onto the implant.
Risks
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with the dental implant procedure. Three complications that can occur with the dental implant surgery include peri-implantitis, sinus infections, and nerve damage.
Peri-implantitis is an infection that can occur if bacteria gets into the implant site, and in the worst-case scenario, it can lead to bone loss. Sinus infections may result from dental implant surgery if the implant is extended into a patient’s sinus cavity. Lastly, nerve damage is a risk that is associated with the dental implant procedure since implant drills and anesthetic injections come in close proximity to the main nerve in the jaw that supplies sensation to your bottom row of teeth. It is important to keep in mind, however, that if you have your implants put in by a highly experienced periodontist that is equipped with the latest technology, these risks can be mitigated and are unlikely to occur.
Cost
Dental implants can be quite costly since the materials and tools used in the procedure are of the highest quality. The actual process of creating dental implants is very labour intensive, which is another factor that adds to the cost of these false teeth. Titanium needs to be crafted and refined, crowns need to be tailor-made for each patient’s mouth, and the dental surgeon actually performing the procedure needs to be highly skilled and experienced.
Thankfully, at Dentist North York we keep our costs as low as possible and offer the most affordable dental implants in the region. Our dental implants start at the low cost of $895+hst!
Making the Best Decision for You
When weighing the risks VS rewards of dental implants, it’s important to bear in mind the long-term effects of this procedure. Dental implants can change your quality of life for the better, and their functionality and appearance make them a superior tooth replacement option. If you’re an eligible candidate for dental implants surgery that’s looking for a permanent solution, dental implants are definitely worth considering!
Why Dentist North York
At Dentist North York, we pride ourselves on providing top-of-the-line dental care at our modern, innovative, and patient-centred dental clinic. Our team specializes in the dental implants procedure, and the premium quality of our implants ensures lifelong results. Contact us today to restore your smile!