Teeth Implants Pros and Cons – Are Dental Implants Right for You?

When examining these pros and cons, you’ll discover that dental implants hold key advantages over dentures and dental bridges as a method of missing teeth replacement. But the dental implant process takes longer and involves surgery which can prevent some people from choosing to have them.

So, are implants worth it? This guide to the pros and cons of teeth implants will help you find out. 

Pros of dental implants

Implants have many pros going for them.

For a start, a dental implant looks, feels and works like a natural tooth.

In restoring your smile, implants provide a high level of comfort and convenience.

Some dentists use advanced techniques that enable you to get implants in a day.

When considering the pros and cons of tooth implants to replace missing teeth, here are some of the main advantages to keep in mind. 

Implants are a long-lasting solution

A dental implant – a small titanium rod that’s surgically inserted into the jaw – can last a lifetime for seniors. The crown that goes on top of the titanium post can last 10 to 15 years. The longevity of implants is a significant plus point when mulling over their pros and cons. 

Implants replace tooth roots

A dental implant helps to avoid weakening of the facial structure by keeping your jaw strong. Like muscle, bone deteriorates when not used regularly. Without stimulation from a tooth root, bone in the jaw can start to waste away in a process called resorption. 

Dentures and bridges can’t resolve this issue. A dental implant is a strong root replacement that becomes part of your jaw and ensures dental structural integrity – a significant advantage when you’re thinking about the pros and cons of different types of tooth replacement methods. 

Implants enhance your smile

Gaps in your smile can spoil your appearance. While dentures and bridges fix this problem, implants have the added advantage of preventing gum shrinkage and strengthening the jaw. This helps maintain the shape of your face to keep a more youthful appearance. And dental implants resist staining – another important consideration when you’re debating dental implant pros and cons. 

Advantages of digital dental implants

As you consider the pros and cons of dental implants, you should be aware that innovative digital dental implants are available in 2021, with benefits such as:

• Shorter surgical process – as little as 15 minutes – with greater precision
• More comfortable treatment with faster healing
• Better long-term stability
• Fewer visits to the dentist

“Cons” of implants

Now we’ve looked at the pros of dental implants, let’s discuss the cons.

One of the disadvantages of implants is that the procedure generally requires patience and perseverance. Before you can be fitted with a replacement tooth or teeth, you’ll need to wait after surgery for the jawbone to fuse with the titanium implant post. Depending on your body’s healing capabilities, this process known as osseointegration can take several weeks or months.

In some cases, implants aren’t a feasible dentistry solution when you weigh up the pros and cons of dental implants. For example, you’ll have to wait for a dental implant if you’re under 18, as your jaw won’t be fully developed.

Another “con” of dental implants is that they may not be a good choice if you grind or clench your teeth, as this could damage the implants by putting excessive pressure on them. 

Other conditions that may prohibit dental implant treatment

Certain medical conditions may rule out the tooth implant solution. These conditions include:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Blood clotting disorders
• Cancer 
• Drug abuse
• Alcohol dependency

If you want dental implants, you must first have any cavities or gum disease problems addressed.

Taking steroids or drugs that suppress the immune system may also have disadvantages if you want a dental implant procedure.

Lack of quality bone in the jaw can also be one of the “cons” of dental implants for some patients. However, this can often be overcome with a bone graft to supplement the existing bone. 

Risks with dental implants

When weighing up teeth implants pros and cons, you need to keep in mind that dental implants need ongoing oral care. 

Failing to maintain good dental hygiene will not only put your general oral wellbeing at risk but can also weaken the tissue that supports the dental implant.

A build-up of bacterial plaque could lead to infection and, ultimately, treatment failure. So you need to commit to a lifelong routine of effective brushing and flossing. That said, you should be keeping on top of your oral hygiene for the sake of your existing teeth, or you could risk losing them too. 

As with any surgical treatment, there’s a risk of infection. If the gums become infected by bacteria, it can lead to bone damage or affect the sinus cavity, posing the risk of future infection.

The dental implant success rate is high, but as you consider treatment pros and cons, you should bear in mind that five to ten per cent of treatments fail. 

Teeth implant pros and cons – the takeaway

Now you know the main pros and cons of implants, you should have a better insight into whether they will give you the results you want. And whether the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

If your general health is good and your jaw is fully developed, you’re likely to be a great candidate for dental implants. Replacing missing teeth with implant dentistry is one of the safest dental surgical treatments.

While there are a few ‘cons’, there are many ‘pros’ to dental implants

If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth and restore aesthetics and bite functionality, then why not contact the experienced dental team at DDII/DDSS on (02) 8294 5812. We’re a modern dental clinic that provides the latest digital dental implants utilising flapless surgery and no sutures! 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.