Pros and Cons of Dental Implants: Should I Get Them?

What are the pros and cons of dental implants? Why should I consider dental implants? These are questions many patients ask when they’re trying to replace their missing teeth. And they’re important to remember as you try to decide how to move forward.

There are many pros and cons of dental implants. You need to consider all of them before making a decision. Talk everything over with your dentist so you can make sure you’re getting the smile you deserve.

Why Should You Get Dental Implants?

So, let’s start with the pros of dental implants. Why should you get dental implants?

Dental implants can make your life easier in many ways. They fill in all your missing gaps, making it possible for you to eat the foods you’ve been dying to have again. They also look as real as the natural teeth beside them, allowing you to smile with confidence and not have to worry about other people’s impressions of your teeth. Finally, they are a more permanent solution than any other option, so you would not have to worry about them falling out or breaking just years later; they will last you for decades–hassle-free!

With all of the benefits dental implants offer, you should first consider if they are right for you. It will all depend on your goals and concerns for your health and smile. So, what are some factors in determining whether you should get dental implants?

• Having missing or damaged teeth
• Experiencing difficulty speaking or chewing–due to missing teeth, damaged teeth, and/or jaw problems
• Looking for a long-term solution to your dental issues
• You are tired of or insecure with the situation you are currently in
• Disliking or would not prefer the other options available–and would rather find an alternative right from the start

If you identified with any of the previous situations, you may want to consider the dental implant option.

When You Should Consider Implants

Timing is another important factor when considering dental implants. The implant process can take some time, so you will want to think about the entirety of it, which consists of the initial consultation, preparation for the implant, the surgical procedure, healing time, and follow-up appointments.

The process starts with a consultation visit in which you will discuss your options with a specialist. If the dental implant option works best for your needs, then we will move on to jaw prepping and bone grafts, if necessary. After that, the surgical procedure can be scheduled; however, the procedure typically only involves the placement of implants. Sometimes, abutment pieces can be placed during the surgery, but rarely ever will the actual crowns, bridges, or dentures be attached. That said, an appointment for the tooth replacement will take place weeks to months later to allow time for healing.

A follow-up is also suggested to monitor any potential complications such as infection. If you are considering mini dental implants, the time factor should be less of an issue since all or most parts can be placed in just one visit. However, the timing for both also relies on the situation at hand. For some, receiving dental implants may be an urgent matter. For others, it may be a matter of years before issues may pop up or there may never be any issues at all. Whatever the case, here are some factors that might impact your current situation:

• Mouth or jaw injuries
• Jaw pain (whether constant or only when chewing or smiling)
• Tooth extractions or missing teeth
• Stage of jaw development
• Low self-esteem or confidence in your smile

These issues in and of themselves can be less severe than the timing in which they occur. Problems may arise at or near the time of the incident, or it may take months to years to develop any real issues. If you are concerned about your current situation, contact one of our specialists today.

Pros of Dental Implants

Obviously, there are many pros of dental implants. Even though they cost more than bridges or dentures at first, the benefits of dental implants pay off over time.

• Look natural
• Supports facial structure
• Last a long time
• You can eat whatever you want
• Easy to take care of

Why Not To Consider Implants

Although dental implants are a great option for some people, they may not be as practical, or even an option, for others. The following health factors might affect your ability to receive an implant:

• Issues that prevent you from undergoing sedation or surgical healing such as diabetes, allergies to anesthesia, heart problems, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, neurological disorders, or skin conditions
• Specific medications, drugs, or alcohol that could have an effect on the immune system
• Teeth grinding or clenching habits
• Smoking or unhealthy oral hygiene
• Jaw size
• Narrow gaps in your teeth (leaving little to no room for an implant)
• Not yet having braces when you might need or want them in the future

If you are considering mini dental implants, this can impact the importance of these issues in relation to the surgery. Mini dental implants involve a less-invasive procedure, so it is less likely that you would experience complications from it. As a result, more people are qualified to receive this type of implant. In addition, mini dental implants involve a much shorter recovery time because of their root size; with a smaller implant comes a smaller incision, which requires less time to heal. Both the smaller incision and shorter healing time lessen the opportunity for complications to arise.

If you aren’t sure about dental implants there are other options including

• Bridges
• Dentures
• Veneers
• Crowns

With a wide range of options to consider, it is best to speak with one of our specialists to fully and accurately assess which would work best for you. Let us know if you have any questions, and we would be happy to answer them for you.

Cons of Dental Implants

Even though there dental implants have many benefits, there are some cons as well. You need to think about the cons of dental implants as well as the benefits. However, most people considering dental implants find the benefits outweigh any cons.

• A long time to place and heal implants
• Potential risks that come with any surgery
• Rare implant failure

The only other con of dental implants is the cost. Since the procedure involves surgery they do cost more. However, since they last longer than other options the end up paying for themselves. But it is something to think about when you’re considering dental implants.

Sources

https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/anesthesia-101/anesthesia-risks/ 

https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/infections/immune-system.html#five

https://www.smilesbydixon.com/what-is-the-difference-between-crowns-bridges-implants-veneers 

https://www.healthline.com/health/dentures-vs-implants#procedure 

https://healthengine.com.au/info/dental-implants-versus-crown-and-bridge

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-bridge#types

https://www.aspenwooddental.com/blog/can-i-get-dental-implants-years-after-an-extraction

https://www.smilesatfairfaxcorner.com/blog/9-warning-signs-you-may-need-dental-implants/

https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/5-reasons-why-dental-implants-are-so-popular/#:~:text=Dental%20implants%20also%20help%20restore,in%20loss%20of%20jawbone%20height.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622

https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/what-to-expect/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6362182/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4306320/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20common,or%20placement%20of%20an%20implant.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301521727_Nerve_Damage_Related_to_Implant_Dentistry_Incidence_Diagnosis_and_Management