Benefits and Disadvantages of Implants

Dental implants are surgically placed while your mouth is numbed with local anesthesia. The surgical procedure takes about 90 minutes, but the entire process can usually take 6 to 12 months because you typically need multiple dental appointments.

Dental implants can provide a natural-looking and natural-feeling replacement for a missing tooth that lasts many years. However, they can be more expensive than alternatives and may not be suitable for people who cannot undergo dental surgery.

Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants compared to other dental surgeries.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are generally very durable and closely mimic the appearance and feel of a natural tooth when topped with a crown. They offer many advantages over existing alternatives.

Durability

The gold standard for treating missing teeth is the titanium dental implant. Dental implants can last longer than other options and have a success rate of over 97% for 10 years.

In a large study conducted in 2021, researchers examining the lifespan of 10,871 implants over 22 years found the survival rates of implants as follows:

98.9% after 3 years 98.5% after 5 years 96.8% after 10 years 94.0% after 15 years As a reference, a 2021 review found that full dentures lasted an average of 10.1 years. Dental bridges usually need to be replaced between 5 to 15 years.

Prevents Bone Loss

Dental implants can help prevent bone loss that occurs after losing a tooth.

When you lose a tooth, the part of your jawbone in that area of your mouth is no longer under stress. Over time, your body breaks down and reabsorbs some bone tissue.

Many studies have found that 30% of the alveolar ridge is lost after tooth loss. Your alveolar ridge is part of your jawbone containing the tooth socket. Most bone loss occurs within the first 6 months.

In a 2016 study review, researchers found that implants have a significant effect on preserving the alveolar ridge, reducing the rate of bone resorption. Resorption is the breakdown of a substance - in this case, bone - before it is reabsorbed by the body.

Natural Appearance and Feel

A dental implant acts as an artificial root for your tooth. Dentists can place a crown on top of the implant, which can help mimic the appearance and feel of a natural tooth, and feel more comfortable compared to alternative treatments like dentures.

In a 2016 study from Sweden, 94% of 400 respondents who answered a mail survey were satisfied with the aesthetics of their implants.

Stabilizes Adjacent Teeth

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can migrate into the gap, causing problems with your ability to chew and bite. An implant can fill the gap between your teeth, helping maintain the health of adjacent teeth by preventing them from shifting.

Restores Cosmetic Appearance of Your Face

Jawbone loss after losing a tooth or teeth can change the shape of your face. This can cause sagging skin, sunken cheeks, a collapsed appearance, and bite misalignment. Facial changes are usually more pronounced when you have lost multiple teeth.

Dental implants have some advantages compared to bridges:

• They tend to last longer.
• They tend to look more natural.
• They tend to cause less decay in surrounding teeth.
• They do not require damaging the surrounding teeth.

Dental implants have some advantages compared to dentures:

• They feel closer to and more like natural teeth.
• They require less daily maintenance.
• They can provide more comfortable chewing.
• They are usually more long-lasting.
• They can help preserve jawbone tissue.

The main disadvantages of dental implants are:

• They are generally more expensive than other treatment options.
• They may not be covered by insurance.
• They require dental surgery.
• The entire implantation process may take up to 6 to 12 months and multiple dental appointments.
• A dental bone graft may be needed first.

Like all surgical procedures, dental implants come with some risks, including:

• Damage to surrounding teeth or tissues
• Bleeding
• Implant failure
• Gum recession
• Infection
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Nerve or tissue damage

Who is suitable for a dental implant?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is someone who has good overall dental health and a missing or extracted tooth. You need to be in good enough health to undergo dental surgery to receive an implant.

Some conditions that may not be suitable for a dental implant include:

uncontrolled diabetes blood clotting disorders heavy smoking metabolic bone disease active cancer treatment Dental implants are usually more expensive than other treatments like crowns or bridges, so they may not be the best option if you do not have dental insurance.

In conclusion

Dental implants are durable dental prosthetics that replace the root of a tooth. They can be topped with crowns, dentures, or bridges.

A dental implant can offer natural-looking and long-lasting results but can be more expensive compared to other treatment options. A dentist can help you decide whether an implant is a good option for you or if another dental prosthetic might be better.