Some Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

If you have lost one or more teeth due to aging, an accident, tooth decay, or for any other reason, your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, may suggest dental implants as a replacement option. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of dental implants. Use this information to make an informed decision about the appropriateness of dental implants for your dental health needs.

The Pros of Dental Implants:

They Are Natural-Looking.

Dental implant-supported crowns look and function like your natural teeth. You can be confident with your smile because the dental implants are stable and strong, so you will have no worries about clicking sounds or the other anomalies associated with dentures or bridges.

They Protect Your Jawbone.

Dr. Fadi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights MI, explains that when you lose a natural tooth, the jawbone deteriorates because it is no longer being stimulated to grow new tissue. Consequently, people who have lost their teeth tend to look older than they really are due to bone resorption in the jaw. Dental implants prevent this deterioration since the implant fuses with the jawbone.

No Strain on Nearby Teeth.

Unlike a dental bridge, dental implants don’t need additional support since they are anchored within the jawbone. For this reason, getting dental implants at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights will protect the integrity of the nearby teeth. This is due to the added load of taking the strain intended for the missing tooth. Additionally, those nearby teeth will not need to be drilled, shaved, or otherwise prepared in order to accommodate the replacement tooth.

No Special Maintenance Requirements.

People who get dental implants at Dental One Care often report that they are overjoyed to learn that they don’t need to do anything special to maintain their restorations. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are all they need to maintain peak oral health. This is in contrast to people with dentures and other restorations that need to be adjusted or replaced periodically. Dr. Brian Leeson, a cosmetic dentist St. Petersburg, FL adds that implants can last an entire lifetime, and this makes them an attractive option.

They Increase Your Replacement Options.

As you may know, a dental implant is a screw made from a biocompatible metal, such as titanium. This screw is surgically placed in the jaw, and a dental implant is placed. This flexibility means that depending on your circumstances, you can pick and choose what is placed in the implant. For example, you may opt for dentures and then upgrade to a crown when finances allow later on.

The Cons of Dental Implants:

They are Pricey.

Dental implants are definitely an investment. They are one of the more expensive treatment options. This higher cost may be a real drawback to people whose dental insurance may not cover the cost or people with limited income. However, Dr. Fardi Farhat points out that the durability, alongside the other benefits of implants, makes them a cost-effective option in the long run.

The Process Takes Time.

Replacing a missing tooth or teeth with dental implants isn’t necessarily a quick solution. It takes time for the implants to fuse with the jawbone, so you should expect to make several dental visits spread out over several months before the process can be completed.

Other Procedures May Be Needed.

Depending on your oral health at the time you visit Dental One Care for implants, Dr. Fardi Farhat may find other conditions that require more dental work to be done. For example, you may have lost so much bone tissue that a bone graft is needed before the dental implants are placed. This additional procedure could increase the cost and time needed to place the implants.

While dental implants may have some drawbacks, as mentioned in the discussion above, they are often the best alternative for some patients who have lost their natural teeth. If you have lost a tooth, contact Dr. Fardi Farhat at Dental One Care and schedule an appointment. Sterling Heights dentist assesses you before you start treatment. During your consultation, you will find out if you are a suitable candidate for implants. If you are a good candidate, we will start your journey to a beautiful smile!