Dental implants offer a modern solution to missing teeth. This procedure offers a durable and aesthetically pleasing option for those looking to enhance their smile permanently. However, the decision to move forward with dental implants is significant and warrants a thorough understanding of both the benefits and potential drawbacks involved.
There are many advantages to moving forward with dental implants, from their ability to preserve jawbone and maintain facial structure to how they mimic natural teeth in both look and function. Their strength and durability mean that with proper care, implants can be a lifelong solution. Yet, for all their benefits, dental implants also come with considerations such as surgical risks, cost, and the time commitment required for the process to be completed successfully. The dental professionals at Elite Dental Aesthetics can help you make the right decision and support you in achieving your dream smile.
5 Pros and Cons to Consider Before Getting Dental Implants
Like any medical procedure, you must weigh the pros and cons before determining if dental implants are right for you.
The following is a detailed look at the advantages of dental implants:
- Longevity: One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is their durability. Implants generally last a lifetime with proper care. They are designed to fuse with the bone, becoming a permanent part of your mouth.
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants are praised for their natural appearance and functionality. They are crafted to look and feel like your own teeth, and they restore full chewing power. Many patients find that implants enhance their comfort and speech better than traditional dentures.
- Bone Preservation: Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants help prevent bone loss. The jawbone deteriorates over time with tooth loss because it no longer gets stimulation from tooth roots. Implants act as artificial roots, keeping the bone intact and stimulated.
- Improved Oral Health: This procedure does not necessitate the reduction of other teeth, which is generally necessary with tooth-supported bridges. Thus, more of your natural teeth are left intact.
- Predictability: Dental implants are reliable, long-term successful outcomes and are considered more predictable than other repair or replacement options, such as bridgework or dentures that can require frequent repairs or replacements.
The drawbacks of dental implants include the following:
- Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, there are certain risks, which may include site infection, nerve damage, and sinus issues if implants are placed in the upper jaw.
- Cost: Cost can be a significant deterrent for many patients, as dental implants are more expensive than other types of tooth replacement. The overall cost increases if multiple implants are needed or if bone grafts are required to bolster the jawbone.
- Time-Consuming Process: Getting implants is not a quick fix. The process can take several months from start to finish due to the time required for the implant to merge with the bone in a process called osseointegration.
- Maintenance: While implants are similar to natural teeth, they require meticulous oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups to maintain good health and functionality.
- Not Suitable for Everyone: Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. Individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and patients who have undergone radiation therapy need to be evaluated on an individual basis. Smokers or those with poor oral hygiene might also face complications.
Consultation with Dr. Adams, who specializes in implant dentistry, is essential to determine if implants are the proper choice for your dental needs and lifestyle.
What Is the Process of Getting Dental Implants?
Getting dental implants involves several steps, each essential to ensuring the long-term success of the treatment. The following is an overview of what you can expect during the dental implant process:
Initial Consultation
The journey to getting dental implants begins with a consultation. Dr. Adams will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, including X-rays or 3D images, and discuss your medical history. This step is vital to determine if you are a suitable candidate for implants. Issues like bone density and oral health will be assessed to plan the treatment properly.
Treatment Planning
Based on the initial assessment, Dr. Adams, often in collaboration with other dental specialists, will create a customized treatment plan. This plan considers the number of teeth to be replaced and the condition of your jawbone.
Tooth Extraction (If Necessary)
If the tooth to be replaced is still present and needs to be removed, this will be the next step. To minimize discomfort, tooth extraction may be performed under local anesthesia.
Bone Grafting (If Required)
For patients with insufficient bone to support the implants, a bone graft may be necessary. This process involves placing new bone material into the jaw to strengthen it enough to support an implant. After a bone graft, patients may need several months of healing before the implant procedure can proceed.
Implant Placement
Once your jawbone is prepared or healed, the implant surgery can take place. The implant, a small titanium post, is installed into the bone socket under local anesthesia. Once the implant is installed, it must heal and integrate with the bone, which may take several months. During this period, known as osseointegration, the jawbone grows around the implanted post, anchoring it securely in the jaw.
Abutment Placement
After the implant has bonded with the jawbone, a small connector post, an abutment, is attached to the implant. Then, the gum tissue is allowed to heal around the abutment for several weeks following this procedure.
Placing the Artificial Tooth
Once healing is complete, you’ll return to your dentist to have the new artificial tooth (crown) attached. Impressions of your teeth are taken to create a crown that perfectly matches your natural teeth in shape and color.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
After the entire process, follow-up visits are necessary to ensure the health of the implant and surrounding tissues as well as to check how your implant is integrating. Good hygiene and routine dental visits are essential to the long-term success of dental implants.
Each step in the process of getting dental implants is tailored to the patient’s specific dental needs, ensuring the final result not only looks natural but also restores full functionality to the teeth. With a success rate of over 95%, this procedure is an effective solution for replacing missing teeth.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants at Elite Dental Aesthetics
If you’re considering dental implants, our team at Elite Dental Aesthetics is here to help guide you through the process with personalized care. Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth, designed to look and function like natural teeth. We focus on your comfort, using the latest technology to ensure a seamless experience from consultation to final placement. Whether you’re replacing a single tooth or multiple, we’ll create a treatment plan that meets your specific dental needs and lifestyle.
At Elite Dental Aesthetics, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results for patients across Reno, including South Reno, West Reno, and beyond. Our goal is to help you regain full oral function while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your smile. Ready to explore if dental implants are right for you? Schedule your consultation today by calling (775) 200-1956 or filling out our contact form.