Understanding the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Dental implants are widely considered to be the most advanced and functional option for replacing missing teeth. However, because implant treatment is often long, expensive, and invasive, it is not appropriate for everyone.
Drs. Mike Meek and David Tasch at 38th Street Dental can explain the pros and cons of dental implants so you can make an informed decision about your treatment. Our office in Austin, TX, works with trusted oral surgeons who combine the latest technology and various sedation options to make even the most complex implant treatment virtually painless.
Pros of Dental Implants
With proper care and frequent visits to our office, you can enjoy a lifetime of benefits from your implants:
Bone Loss Prevention
Almost immediately after you lose a tooth, the consequent lack of stimulation from the tooth root triggers jawbone deterioration. Over time, this can undermine both your oral health and facial structure. Dental implants provide bone stimulation by acting as artificial tooth roots. As a result, they can not only halt bone atrophy, but encourage new growth, as well.
Stability and Security
Although other restorations can blend in with the aesthetics of your smile, implant-supported restorations look and feel more natural than their traditional counterparts. This is particularly true for dentures: while traditional dentures require adhesive and suction to stay in place, implant-supported dentures are securely held in place by implant posts and will not slip or move.
Dental implants are a long-lasting, highly functional investment in your oral health
Success Rate and Safety
Dental implants have a low rate of failure. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that 96 percent of patients still found success with their implants six years after surgery. The surgical placement procedure is extremely safe and is regularly performed on an outpatient basis with only a minimal risk of complications.
Lowered Threshold for Candidacy
Thanks to the development of bone grafting and sinus lifts, our team can enhance the candidacy even of patients with severe jawbone atrophy. Patients should bring their complete medical history and a full list of any medications to their initial consultation so that our doctors can effectively evaluate their candidacy.
Cons of Dental Implants
Though a powerful restorative tool, implants are not suitable for everyone. Some drawbacks include:
High Costs
Made of high quality material and placed during a complex oral surgery, implants are an expensive restorative option. Furthermore, because they are considered an elective procedure, they are often not covered by insurance. Although an investment in your long-term health, implants may cost more than some patients are willing to spend.
Timeline
Compared to other restorative treatments, implants are a much less immediate option for replacing missing teeth. Depending on your oral health condition and desired outcomes, treatment can last several months. In order to accommodate the osseointegration process, recovery from placement surgery alone takes up to six months. Preparatory procedures such as bone grafting can extend this timeline even further.
Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, bone grafting and implant placement carry a certain degree of risk. To help you feel more comfortable during oral surgery, your oral surgeons provide various levels of sedation. However, sedation can also increase the overall cost of your treatment.
Discuss Your Options with a Professional
Dental implants are a long-lasting, highly functional investment in your oral health. During your consultation with our doctors, you can learn more about the common pros and cons of treatment to help you make an informed decision. To learn more about dental implants, contact us online or call our office at (512) 458-6222.
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