How To Get Your Smile Back: The Pros And Cons Of Dental Implants

If you are missing teeth, you may be embarrassed of your smile. With dental implants, you can be smiling again in just a few hours! Here’s a quick rundown on how to get your smile back and the pros and cons of dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Getting your smile back may sound good to you, but perhaps you’re a bit unsure of what exactly a dental implant is!

A dental implant is an in-office surgical procedure done by a reliable dentist. During surgery, metal posts, made from titanium, are inserted under your gums and into your jawbone. Natural-looking replacement teeth or a bridge are then mounted to the metal posts. During the healing process, your jawbone and the implant will fuse together, creating a permanent structure.

The Pros

Here are the pros of undergoing a smile makeover with dental implants.

• Permanent Solution: Dental implants are unlike regular bridges. This is because they are permanently mounted in the surgical procedure. While there is, of course, daily hygiene, you won’t need to worry about loosening dentures or bridges throughout the day. It is a feeling that’s more secure.

• Normal Eating: While eating your favorite foods can be a bit tricky with dentures, dental implants have superior stability. You will feel confident when enjoying your meals!

• Long-term Appearance: Missing teeth can cause premature sagginess in your facial features, particularly around your mouth. This is because your teeth serve as the framework that holds up your facial tissue and muscles. Without teeth, the structure of your face weakens over time. Even if you only remove your full or partial dentures when sleeping, your missing teeth can cause this effect.

• Clear Speech: Because of the permanent nature of implants, your speech is clearer than with dentures. You can speak clearly and without fear of loosening your teeth.

• Comfort: After getting accustomed to the feeling of dental implants, you will find them quite comfortable and might even forget you were even missing teeth!

The Cons

As with everything in life, pros come with cons. Let’s look at the cons.

• Surgical: This is a surgical procedure. As with all surgeries, there are risks. Only you and your dental surgeon can decide if this is a safe procedure for you!

• You Might Not Be A Candidate: Not everyone is a candidate to receive this surgery. You must have two things: healthy gum tissue and enough of a jawbone to support the implants. If your jaw and gums have been compromised, you may not be a candidate for this procedure.

• Upkeep: Keeping your implants in peak condition requires you to perform daily oral hygiene and maintenance. If you don’t want to keep up with them, dentures may be a better option for you.

• Cost: While dental implants are a fantastic option, they are also far more expensive than dentures. You must consider the value of each solution to determine which will work best for you.

• Little Insurance Coverage: Most dental insurance plans only cover a small portion per year towards tooth replacement, including dental implants. When you look at the expense vs. the insurance payout, this may be a deal breaker for some.

Talk To Your Dentist:

After reading these pros and cons, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Feel free to take a list of any questions with you to your consultation. We love it when patients come in prepared to have an open discussion about their dental wellness.

Summary:

The decision on whether to undergo implant surgery or opt for dentures or a bridge is a decision that you must make with your dentist. Your dentist will partner with you to help you make the right choice for your lifestyle and budget considerations. Whichever option you decide upon, your dentist has the same goal in mind as you: getting a smile back on your face!

Dr. Jonathan WInfield is a proud San Diego native and board-certified Prosthodontics specialist. He has built a reputation for providing compassionate care and state-of-the-art dental implants. Jonathan is passionate about dental wellness for all people he loves sharing his knowledge firsthand.

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