Dental Implants: The Pros and Cons

According to the CDC, Americans have been able to keep more of their teeth in the past 20 years. We have made progress in overcoming many avoidable causes of tooth loss through a combination of increased oral hygiene, better education, and improved technology. Nevertheless, tooth loss is still a regular part of life. You could lose a tooth due to an accident, an infection, bad habits, or even making room for radical teeth straightening. Regardless of how it happened, losing a tooth is often difficult to deal with and is a major stressor as people consider what to do next. As more than two-thirds of American adults have lost a permanent tooth, dental implants have become an essential solution. But what are they, and what do you need to know before you make a choice for your teeth?

In brief, dental implants are artificial teeth designed to insert into your jawbone. They consist of a part that goes into the bone, an abutment and screw that keeps it in place, and a dental crown with the appearance of a natural tooth. Dental implants fill gaps in your teeth and provide numerous advantages. As with everything, they have drawbacks, but many people who have opted to invest in them have reported increased satisfaction and improved quality of life.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Considering how many people invest in dental implants, it’s no surprise that there should be several significant benefits to them. These benefits vary depending on the person, but generally, everyone will experience some degree of each of them.

• Appearance — For some people, appearance is the most important factor when making a decision about oral health. Far from being just about vanity, many people have careers that benefit from an immaculate appearance, such as those who work in sales, modeling, or media. The good news is that dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, and the crowns can even be stained or whitened to match the rest of your teeth. Even though there are mechanical parts underneath, the crown covers the entirety of what’s happening, just as it would for a regular tooth that has undergone a root canal.
• Oral Health — Even though the reasons aren’t completely understood, there is a known link between oral health and overall health. Therefore, the decision to invest in dental implants may have health justifications, especially if cardiovascular disease and respiratory conditions are prevalent in your family. Dental implants provide many of the same health benefits as natural teeth, including protection for your gums, maintaining the shape of your jawbone, and even reducing insecurity about the appearance of your smile.
• Function — Dental implants are hard, durable replacements for natural teeth. They have all the functional benefits of natural teeth, allowing you to chew any food you like, brush your teeth as normal, and even floss just as you did before losing the tooth. In comparison to other options, dental implants are effectively the same as natural teeth. This functionality also includes the fact that they are nearly as durable as natural teeth, only needing a crown replacement every 10 to 15 years. Dental implants enable you to return to life as usual without having to do anything different to maintain your teeth. Just keep brushing and visiting the dentist twice a year for checkups as needed.

The Cons

Nothing is without its drawbacks, and dental implants are no exception. You should consider these downsides before deciding to commit to this solution.

• Expense — The unfortunate truth is that many of the best, most effective medical solutions are among the most expensive. When comparing dental implants to dentures, this reality is starkly highlighted. Dentures are a traditional solution for missing teeth that have been used for more than a thousand years, with their modern design developed at the end of the 19th century. They tend to be inexpensive but lack many of the advantages of dental implants. As the average cost of dental implants is between $3,000 and $4,500, it’s a serious investment that you should still consider from an economic point of view.
• Preparation and Eligibility — Dental surgeons require optimal jawbone conditions before installing dental implants. Depending on your overall health, you may need to have some corrective surgery on the bone itself. In some cases, you may not be eligible for as many dental implants as you’d like, or even any at all. These considerations are unique to each person, so it’s essential to speak with your dentist and orthodontist about your specific situation and what prerequisites might need to be fulfilled. These additional procedures may be impacted by the amount of time you spend without the tooth and are likely to add to the cost, so in some cases, acting quickly can save you money.
• Practical Considerations — First, dental implants require oral surgery. This fact alone is enough to activate your dental phobia if you have it. There’s inevitable discomfort and recovery time before you’ll feel like your old self, but if you’re willing to deal with those inconveniences, the results will likely be good.

In Summary

Taking all these considerations together, here’s a brief snapshot of the pros and cons of dental implants.

Before making a decision, take the time to speak with the dental experts who know you best. Your situation is unique, so if dental implants are right for you, you may benefit by starting the process sooner than later.

By Christopher Gallagher

Christopher has spoken extensively with dentists and orthodontists regarding oral health and hygiene, covering topics that range from teeth whitening and gingivitis to veneers and dental implants.