Your Orléans Invisalign® Provider
In this blog, our Orléans dentists share the advantages and potential disadvantages of dental implants to help you decide if they are the right replacement option for you.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent way of replacing teeth that are missing. Held in place with a tiny titanium rod implanted into the patient’s jaw bone, the implant serves as the root of the artificial tooth.
Titanium is used for implants because this kind of metal is able to bond with bone. Titanium implants are very stable, secure tooth replacements. We then cap the dental implant with a dental crown, which looks like a natural tooth.
The cap and implant together can look and function similar to a natural tooth.
Dental Implant Advantages
Here are a few advantages of dental implants:
The Versatility
Dental implants can be used to replace one missing tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. We can combine implants with other treatment options such as a bridge or denture.
Your individual case and needs, as well as the density of your jaw bone, will determine how many implants you actually need/can get. Dental implants are a popular option for many patients as they have many potential configurations.
They Last a Long Time
Your dental implant could last a lifetime if you take care of your of it properly. An excellent at-home oral care routine is essentail, as are regular visits to your dental office for cleanings and exams.
Other factors including nutrition, genetics, or the development of dental diseases can also impact the longevity of your dental implant.
Natural Look and Feel
As stated earlier, your dental implant, paired with a bridge or crown, will look and function just like your natural tooth.
No one should be able to notice your artificial teeth, and you can eat, speak and function as you did before while enjoying a quality life. Since there are no nerves in a dental implant, you will not feel sensations.
Alternatively, any feelings you experience related to your dental implant will actually come from the soft tissue around the implant. After your implant has healed and you’ve gotten used to it, you most likely will notice very little difference between your implant and your natural teeth.
You Can Take of Them Easily
Just like bridges, crowns, or other restorations, you can care for your dental implants just as you would your natural teeth. They’ll need thorough brushing and flossing, and your dentist will need to check them during your regular exams.
Possible Dental Implant Disadvantages
Depending on your specific situation, dental implants might not be right for you. Here are some dental implant factors you might want to consider:
It's a Long Process
While dental implants can look and feel a bit more natural than dental bridges, the dental implant process is more invasive and takes longer.
Depending on your treatment plan and individual case, it could take anywhere from 2 to 9 months to finish the whole dental implant procedure
How Much They May Cost
Depending on your insurance coverage and your specific dental issue, the cost of dental implants can vary. While some insurance companies pay part of the cost, others may cover the entire cost of your implants and still, others may not pay for any part of it.
Check with your insurance provider to learn whether your insurance plan will cover your treatment.
You May Need More Procedures
In addition to the items above, you must have enough density in your jaw bone for your dental implant treatment to be successful. If you don’t, you may still be a candidate for the procedure but would require a bone graft to transplant bone to your jaw to support the implant. This would make the process longer and more invasive.
How to Tell if Dental Implants Are For You
While dental implants, bridges, and other restorations all have their benefits, the right choice for you will depend on your oral health needs, budget, and other factors.
Ultimately, you’ll need to discuss your case with your dentist to find out which tooth-replacement option would work best for you.