Dental Implants: The Pros & Cons
Tooth loss can result from injury, gum disease, decay, or a tooth that cannot be restored. Options for replacement include bridges, removable dentures, and dental implants. The best choice depends on your oral health, goals, and circumstances.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that supports a replacement tooth. The implantation process usually takes several steps.
An oral surgeon anchors the implant into the jawbone where the new tooth will be placed.
Wait three to six months for the jawbone to heal and the screw to be fully fused with the bone.
A reconstructive dentist attaches a replacement tooth to a small metal post that protrudes from the implant.
Pros of dental implants:
Implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support, which protects your remaining teeth from damage.
An implant may help maintain bone around the replacement tooth, but bone loss and peri-implant disease can still occur.
They look and function like real teeth.
Implants need daily cleaning and regular professional care, with cleaning aids suited to the restoration.
Cons of dental implants:
As with any surgery, there are complications that can occur.
They are not a quick fix. As mentioned above there are multiple steps involved - including time for the implant to integrate with the jawbone; the healing period is individualized.
Infection can occur. If the gums around the implant are infected this could trigger peri implantitis, a periodontal disease that can result in bone loss.
Additional procedures, such as bone grafting, may be needed if there is not enough suitable bone. Osteoporosis does not automatically mean a graft is required; the assessment includes bone volume, health, and medicines.
Costs depend on the number of implants, restorations, and any additional procedures. Insurance benefits vary. Request a written treatment estimate and check your plan’s coverage.
Implants can be a successful treatment for appropriately selected patients, but success rates vary with the patient, procedure, and follow-up period. Discuss your individual risks and alternatives.
Treat or replace?
The first treatment of any disorder, including tooth loss, should be the least invasive option. Yes, dental implants have known benefits for already-missing teeth. But extracting teeth with the goal of replacing them with implants isn’t recommended. The American Dental Association has voiced concern that the rise in popularity of dental implants could lead to the removal of teeth that are salvageable without any attempt to treat or maintain the compromised teeth.
A restorable natural tooth should be assessed for suitable treatment before extraction is considered. Root canal treatment and other restorative care can sometimes preserve a tooth; implants are one option when replacement is needed.
Our opinion:
Dental implants may improve chewing, speech, and appearance for suitable patients. They are one of several replacement options and require ongoing maintenance; lifetime success cannot be promised.
At Smiles by Bergen Dental, Dr. Farinas-Han will work with you to help decide if dental implants are right for you. If you’re suffering from tooth loss make an appointment at Smiles by Bergen Dental at your earliest convenience to prevent any further damage to your dental health.