Dental implants are metal (titanium) posts or frames that support artificial teeth. The procedure is gaining wider popularity due to the many advantages it offers. You may, however, want to have proper information about dental implants before seeking the treatment.

Consider the pros and cons of the oral dental implant procedure.

Pros –

Look Natural

Dental implants look completely natural. Unlike other teeth replacement options, it is not possible to identify dental implants just by looking at them. If the dental implant procedure is performed well, you can enjoy the aesthetics of artificial teeth without any issues.

You can find experienced dentists in your area offering dental implant procedure via online searches. Use keywords with your location such as dental implants McLean or something on these lines. Check the experience of the dentist in offering the dental implant procedure and accordingly choose one.

Restores Chewing and Speech Perfectly

Dental implants also mimic the abilities of natural teeth. In time, you won’t feel any different from the way you are able to speak or chew post your dental implant procedure. You will be able to adjust your speech and chewing without even any initial difficulty.

Strong and Long-Lasting

The dental implant procedure not only restores the teeth but also the roots. The metal posts are fused with the jawbone; offering a robust framework for artificial teeth. Titanium is a strong metal and offers further strength to the artificial dental roots. Dental implants, thus, last for years down the line. In some instances, you won’t ever need to undergo the procedure on the same tooth.

Protects Adjacent Teeth

Unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants rather protect the bones. The dental implant procedure doesn’t require making space for the artificial teeth by removing nearby healthy teeth. So, you can keep the nearby healthy teeth safe and protected.

Protects Jawbone

Implants fuse with the bone and thus help prevent bone loss. When the artificial teeth are placed over the implant, the pressure is akin to the pressure applied to the jawbone by natural teeth. The pressure helps to stimulate dental tissues and strengthen the jaw. So, there is no risk of bone tissue absorption with a dental implant procedure.

Works on Multiple Teeth

You can restore one or more teeth with dental implants. The procedure can be performed for each individual tooth you need to replace – at the same or different times throughout your lifetime.

Cons –

Lengthy Procedure

The dental implant procedure can be a bit lengthier than other teeth replacement options such as bridges or dentures. The procedure may require a bit more time if you do not have sufficient bone to support the implants. In that case, your dentist will need to perform a bone graft before the dental implant procedure.

There can be a need for additional healing time for the bones before the dental implant procedure can begin. You may need several other additional procedures depending on your oral health. These procedures can be implanted site development and sinus lift augmentation. Your dentist will explain the need for such procedures before you decide on the dental implant treatment.

Not every patient requires these additional treatments. These additional treatments (if needed by you) may boost the success of your dental implant procedure.

Initial Higher Cost

The initial cost of dental implants can be higher when compared with the cost of dentures and bridges. But you don’t require replacing them every few years like dentures and bridges; so you can offset the cost in due time. Most patients never need to replace the dental implants. So, the actual cost for the teeth replacement procedure can be quite economical in the long run.

Infections

The dental implant procedure can be quite extensive. It requires precision work as your dentist needs to work on the jawbone, roots, and artificial teeth. The risk of infection post the treatment is more if the procedure is performed by inexperienced dentists. But infections can occur due to other reasons too.

Infections can occur between the implant and the bone. Infections can also occur beneath the crown. But such infections are rare. If the infection occurs for any reason, your dentist can treat it easily with simple procedures and medicines.