Dental Implants: The Pros and Cons
If you have gaps in your smile due to missing teeth or perhaps you need some teeth extracted, you might consider getting dental implants. It is common for dentists to recommend filling these gaps in order to prevent speech and eating issues or more importantly these gaps could cause your remaining teeth to shift position affecting your smile. Getting dental implants is one of the most popular ways to replace teeth. However, this may not be the best option for you. Below are some of the pros and cons of getting dental implants.
Dental Implants - Pros
If you have missing teeth or need extraction, dental implants have numerous benefits but these are dependent on the results you are looking for from the treatment. Below are the main pros for dental implants:
Easy to manage
If you choose an option like getting dentures, there is much more maintenance involved, they need to be cleaned rigorously each day and then stored in a solution at night in order to keep them moist and free from bacteria. However, with dental implants there is none of that additional effort. Your dentist will advise that you simply follow good oral hygiene practices as normal. This includes:
Brushing your teeth and prosthetic teeth twice a day as usual to remove surface stains, bacteria and food.
Flossing at least once a day to prevent gum disease.
Cutting down on sugars and carbs to reduce risk of tooth decay.
Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and reap the oral health benefits of fluoride.
Keeping up with your regular dental visits.
A permanent solution
Most dental implants are made from titanium, this material is not only strong, but is biocompatible. In other words, each dental implant can fuse with the bone. This is known as osseointegration and is the most important part of the dental implant process as it creates a strong foundation. The jaw will grow new bone around the implant once it's placed, holding it firmly in position like the root of a natural tooth.
The replacement teeth attached to the implant will be subject to wear and tear and may need to be replaced after a number of years. However, the underlying implant is extremely durable and will usually last a lifetime with proper care.
No food restrictions
If you decide to get dentures or a dental bridge, your dentist will typically suggest avoiding certain foods that could cause them damage or to come loose, specifically chewy, hard and crunchy foods. A dental implant however, will stay in place without dislodging, so you won’t have to give up your favourite foods.
Whichever treatment you decide to have, your dentist will nonetheless recommend that you avoid having too much sugar in your diet. Sugar feeds the bacteria in plaque and can cause tooth decay and gum disease, which can have a negative impact on the success of implant treatments.
Natural look and feel
An experienced prosthetist can make a dental bridge or dentures look as natural as your existing teeth, but there may still be problems such as; difficulty speaking, slipping dentures, difficulty eating or excess saliva. All of these disadvantages can be avoided if you choose to have dental implants.
As mentioned above, implants replace the supporting tooth root beneath the gum as well as the crown above. People find that with implants eating and speaking feels more natural because the replacement tooth is comparable to the strength and stability of a healthy natural tooth.
Prevent bone loss
Teeth are supported by the jaw, but the reverse is also true. When you experience tooth loss, the bone underneath will no longer be stimulated which is required for it to regenerate and may start to deteriorate over time. If you have many missing teeth, this can cause a noticeable shrinking of the jaw and a prematurely aged appearance. A dental implant bonds with the jaw thus, supports the jaw and can stimulate new tissue growth. This can make bone loss and deterioration less likely than with a bridge or dentures.
Dental Implants - Cons
When considering dental implants as a treatment option it is vital to consider the possible downsides of the treatment. There may be a few reasons, which are stated below, that may lead you to consider an alternative.
Risk of complications
Generally dental implants have a high success rate, but just like any surgical procedure risks are involved. Your dentist will make sure that you are fully informed before you make the final decision. Possible complications of implant surgery include:
Gum infection
Possible damage to surrounding teeth, nerves or blood vessels
Sinus problems caused by implants in the upper jaw
However, these risks will be greatly reduced if you choose to have the treatment done at a reputable dentist such as at De Necker Dentistry. These risks will be increased if you have poor oral health or if you smoke before or after the treatment.
Not suitable for everyone
Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or all of them, but not everyone is eligible for the treatment. Some of these reasons may include:
Your jaw is not large enough to support the implant
You’re a smoker
You have a condition that undermines bone healing
You have poor oral health
Smoking and oral health problems such as gum disease could increase the risk of the procedure failing. Committing to improving your oral health or giving up your smoking habit could make you a candidate in the future.
Multiple appointments
The dental implant procedure generally involves a series of appointments that can take place over a period of up to six months. This could make you reconsider, but the wait is important to give your jaw bone time to heal around the implant and to hold it securely in place.
There are of course exceptions to this timeline that are dependent on the speed of bone growth and the type of implant treatment you're having. Notably, full arch implants don't need to bond with the jaw, so the procedure may be completed within two or more appointments.
More expensive than other treatments
Dental implants cost more than a bridge or dentures up front. However, the ongoing costs are less. Implant surgery is a one-time investment for most people, as only the prosthetic teeth need to be replaced, but only after a number of years. As a comparison, dentures and bridge treatments normally need to be replaced more frequently.
Surgery is required
This procedure requires a series of minor operations on the gum and jaw, so it might put you off the idea of having this treatment done, especially if you have an aversion toward surgery. Your dentist will explain the process step by step so you'll know what to expect during the treatment and recovery period.
Typically a local anaesthetic will be used to numb your mouth in order to ensure that you feel no pain during the implant procedure. If this makes you feel a bit nervous, you should speak to your dentist about other types of sedation and ways to manage your dental anxiety. However, if you're having multiple implants or extractions done at the same time, general anaesthesia usually is a requirement.
Are dental implants right for me?
Whether the pros outweigh the cons of dental implants is a personal choice, and your dentist will make sure you are well informed as to the procedure as well as other options. Alternatives to dental implants include:
Full or partial dentures – removable false teeth to replace one tooth, several teeth or all of your upper or lower teeth.
Dental bridges – a prosthetic tooth or teeth to fill gaps in your smile, bridges are attached to the surrounding teeth by crowns or clasps, depending on their position in the mouth.
To find out more about dental implants or to start planning your treatment, book a consultation today and experience the De Necker Difference. We have practices in Johannesburg, George and Cape Town for your convenience.
