When is the last time that you smiled with confidence? A missing tooth can affect your psychological health, making it difficult to show off your pearly whites. This can lead to a diminished quality of life.
Tooth loss can also affect your physical health. Missing teeth can cause your other teeth to shift, creating discomfort and changing the shape of your face. It also makes it easier for bacteria to make their way into your gums and cause gum disease.
Dental implants might just be the perfect solution to your dental dilemma. Read on to learn about the different pros and cons of dental implants.
CON: THERE ARE REQUIREMENTS FOR DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE
You have to meet certain health requirements to go through the dental implant procedure. If you have significant bone loss in your jaw, you might not be a good candidate for dental implants. You have to be in good health to make sure your body is up to healing after the procedure.
PRO: DENTAL IMPLANTS FEEL NATURAL
Once you've healed from surgery, your dental implants will look and feel very similar to natural teeth! Dental implants are very secure in your mouth. This means you can talk, chew, and smile without worrying that you might dislodge them.
CON: DENTAL IMPLANTS CAN BE EXPENSIVE
Dental implants can be expensive. You will probably have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket because dental insurance may not cover much of it. If the reason for getting implants is purely cosmetic, you might have to pay for the entire procedure out of pocket. Despite having to pay a lot of money for them, dental implants are cost-effective. Implants, in most cases, will last a lifetime with proper care.
PRO: DENTAL IMPLANTS CAN PREVENT DETERIORATION
Dental implants are a permanent solution for tooth loss. When your jaw no longer has to support a tooth, the bone begins to deteriorate. Missing teeth can compromise the structure of your mouth, while dental implants can prevent bone loss (resorption) related to losing teeth.
CON: AS WITH ANY SURGERY, THERE ARE RISKS OF COMPLICATIONS
Implant surgery is minimally invasive, and the risk of complications is quite low. However, in rare cases, the wound site can become infected or the implant may fail to integrate with the bone. Another potential complication is damage to the nerve in the lower jaw, which can cause numbness in the chin. In our clinic, this potential complication is very unlikely because we use 3D imaging to see precisely where the nerve is located and avoid it.
PROS AND CONS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
After weighing the pros and cons of dental implants, you probably decided that you're ready to repair your smile. Dental implants may be the right solution for you, a consultation with your dentist will help determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Contact My Victoria Dentist in Victoria today to discuss your next step and get some more information on dental implants.