Whether you have a gap in your smile due to facial trauma, illness, or decay, missing teeth can make you self-conscious. Gaps in your smile can also contribute to further oral health issues, including tooth misalignment, bone resorption, and cavities. Fortunately, several restorative dentistry options are available to help you regain your smile and confidence.
Dental implants are the gold standard in restorative dentistry and the only option that can permanently replace a missing tooth. The implant is designed to mimic the tooth root while supporting a prosthesis like a crown, bridge, or denture plate.
But how do you know if dental implants are right for you? Learn more about the pros and cons of the procedure and discover if you are a candidate for dental implants.
Pro: Looks and Functions like Real Teeth
One of the biggest benefits of having dental implants is getting a whole new smile. This is because dental implants look identical to regular teeth. The restoration placed on top of the implants is made from tooth-colored porcelain or zirconia ceramic which has a translucent luster similar to that of your natural teeth.
To create the restoration, your dentist takes detailed digital images and impressions of the implant site to create a crown that blends seamlessly with your smile.
Dental implants also restore functionality to your teeth and jaws. Because the post fuses with and stabilizes the jawbone, you can eat, chew, and speak normally without worrying about your restoration slipping or moving as with dentures and bridges.
Pro: More Cost-Effective to Replace Missing Tooth
In addition to a natural appearance, it can also be less costly to have dental implants put in rather than other restorations. Although dental implant surgery has a higher initial cost, the procedure can often save you money long-term due to the high survival rates and long-lasting durability.
Dental implants have a success rate of around 95% after 10 years. The titanium metal post embedded in the jaw can last a lifetime, while the restoration can last for 15-20 years with the proper care and maintenance.
Con: Unsuitable for Some Patients
While dental implants are the best way to restore your smile, some patients are ineligible for the procedure. Patients with autoimmune diseases, diabetes, leukemia, and some types of blood disorders have a lower chance of successful implantation because their body recognizes the implant post as a foreign object and rejects it.,/
Patients with low jawbone density or thickness or active gum disease will need treatment before implant placement. Bone grafts, a sinus lift, and flap surgery can help prepare your mouth for implantation. However, these procedures add to the overall cost and treatment length.
Con: It Can Be Time Consuming
Getting dental implants can be a lengthy process requiring several months of recovery time between the implant procedure and the restoration placement.
There is also a slight risk of complications, ranging from nerve damage to infections like peri-implantitis. In rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the metal implant post and need to have it removed or replaced with a zirconia model.
Get Your Dental Implants Today
If you are considering dental implants and want to take the next steps in improving your smile, book a consultation at TruBlu Dentistry. We can perform a thorough dental exam to assess your teeth and gums and determine if you are a candidate for restoring your smile with dental implants.
Call us at (773) 646-4664 in Hegewisch or (708) 424-5650 in Burbank to schedule your dental implant consultation.