Dental implants are one solution for replacing missing teeth — whether they were lost due to disease or were broken in an accident. You might be wondering what goes on when you get dental implants. Implant dentistry has its pros and cons, like almost every other dental procedure, and it is essential to understand the risks and benefits before making your decision.

The Pros:

• Teeth Implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support, unlike bridges. This allows the adjacent teeth to remain untouched versus being shaped down for a bridge. Replacement implant teeth support themselves, and you won’t have to worry about your other teeth being disrupted.
• Dental implants look and function like real teeth. You won’t hear clicking noises or have issues with chewing or speaking, unlike traditional dentures. Also, the implants will match your natural teeth and you cannot remove them (unless the implants are being used to stabilize dentures).
• You can care for your implants the same way you would your natural teeth. Meaning, you won’t have to worry about buying unique products or devices to keep them clean and healthy. Oral health is just as important when you have dental implants, but your dental care budget should stay the same after your mouth has healed. We recommend Waterpik type devices for natural teeth and implants.
• Dental implants can be as durable and stable as natural teeth but must be cared for properly- they can last up to 20 years and even longer. Dental implants are mostly made of titanium and are safe for your mouth.

The Cons:

• Getting teeth implants can require multiple steps; it could take about six months just for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. You can read more about the steps by clicking here.
• You are at risk of infection. Bacteria is the cause of infections in natural teeth as well as dental implants and you could be at risk of Periodontal Disease. Although this is not common, it is still a risk to consider.
• Dental implant procedures can require additional procedures, including a bone graft and or sinus lift if adequate bone is not present. While these procedures are not always necessary, it is something to take into consideration.
• You must meet specific requirements to go forward with the procedure. If you don’t have enough jaw bone density and are ineligible for bone grafting, you are a heavy drinker or smoker, or your gums are not healthy enough to support the implant, you are likely unsuitable for the procedure.
• Even if your dental insurance covers teeth implants, you may still have to pay for a portion of your procedure. Dental implants can be a significant investment, so it is crucial to research what your insurance covers so you know if you can afford to cover the difference. We are happy to discuss missing tooth replacement options including dental implants.

If you are interested in getting dental implants after reading this post, contact us today for a consultation to see if this procedure is right for you and your smile.