The Advantages (and Disadvantages) of Dental Implants

If you experience tooth loss, your dentist might recommend a dental implant as a permanent solution. There are many benefits of getting dental implants, as well as some other things to consider. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not the procedure is for you.

Dental implants function much like regular teeth. The implant itself is placed in or near the socket of the previous missing tooth so that it can function in a similar fashion to the roots of your teeth. Ideally, the dental implant post becomes a permanent part of your jawbone and stays with you for the rest of your life. You can chew food the same way that you can with natural teeth. Unlike dentures, you don't have to worry about the tooth shifting around while you eat.

Dental implants are extremely durable. If well taken care of, a dental implant can last for the rest of your lifetime. Crowns and bridges, by comparison, may only last for 10 or 15 years before requiring a dentist to replace it.

It can be difficult for the untrained eye to spot a dental implant that has been properly placed. With a highly experienced dentist, your finished dental implant should look just like your natural teeth. This makes dental implants an excellent choice for those who only have to replace a single tooth and want to maintain natural teeth spacing.

The biggest concern many patients have when it comes to dental implants is the cost. It is true that the initial cost of a dental implant is higher than a root canal or crown. For patients that have to replace several decayed teeth, opting for dentures may seem to be a more cost-effective choice. When you consider that you will have to replace these other types of restorations more frequently, it could be less expensive in the long run to opt for dental implants.

Dental implants take a considerable amount of time to place and heal. It is not a quick fix where you will spend a few hours in a single dentist appointment. Often, placing a dental implant will take several months of appointments. Not only will you need to be evaluated to see if dental implants are the right solution for you, but your body will need time to heal from the dental implant procedure or bone grafting. The time between appointments can be several months or longer.

Not all patients are eligible for dental implants. Patients that have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or osteoporosis, may be at higher risk for implant failure. At your initial appointment, we will evaluate the density of your jawbone. If the tooth has been missing for a long time or the bone in that area is not dense, other options may be recommended to restore the missing tooth.

Holzinger Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a father-daughter practice serving patients in Middletown and New Britain, CT. If you are seeking compassionate dental care from a team that treats each patient as an individual, contact us today at 860-347-8457 (Middletown) or 860-224-0433 (New Britain) to schedule your first appointment.