Dental implants are an incredibly convenient option for missing teeth replacement. Sometimes performed in just a single appointment, the process typically offers successful results. It’s a great way to improve teeth functionality, decrease your chances of jawbone loss while promoting a natural-looking smile.
The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
If you are contemplating getting dental implants as a permanent solution to replacing your missing teeth, you should be aware of the procedure’s advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Some notable advantages of dental implants include:
- Dental implants are permanent, and if you care for them as recommended by your dentist, these implants can last a lifetime. Unlike dentures, you typically will not have to replace them after a few years
- Dental bridges require adjacent teeth for support. In contrast, dental implants are affixed to your jawbone, protecting the rest of your teeth from strain or damage
- Caring for these prosthetics is easy as you have to follow the same oral hygiene and care for natural teeth, including regular dental visits and daily brushing, flossing
- Implant’s function and look like natural teeth, without any speaking and chewing difficulties or clicking noises that are commonplace with dentures.
- Dental implants are a modern procedure that enables you to continue with your regular eating habits, which also helps, you maintain your overall health.
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
Certain disadvantages of dental implants include:
- The dental implant procedure can’t always be completed in a single visit. Waiting for the titanium implant to fuse properly with your jawbone can take some time. During this period, the orthodontist will place a temporary tooth over the area where the implant is.
- Implants need a specific bone volume, and density and some patients may require additional bone augmentation. Modern-day bone augmentation techniques are far less painful and less invasive than ones used in the past. However, not every person is a candidate for dental implants.
- Dental implants are a modern surgical procedure considered safe; however, like all other procedures, complications can sometimes arise. Risks include infection, bleeding, and nerve injuries. Factors such as smoking and poor dental hygiene can increase infection risks.
Some Things to Focus On
You need to take utmost care during the healing period, and here are some rules to follow:
- In the first few days post-implant surgery, you must take the medication your dentist has prescribed. It will help alleviate any discomfort and pain once the anesthetic wears off.
- Post-surgery you must stick to softer foods that don’t need too much chewing. Foods like eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups are ideal. You can slowly introduce harder foods once the implant site heals but check this with your dentist first.
- Take things easy after your oral surgery, and do not try to start on your routine too soon. Wait until you are totally healed before beginning any strenuous exercise.
- Smoking or even tobacco products harm the body’s ability to heal, and it extends the healing time significantly. It can also increase the risk of dental implant failure. It’s best to avoid smoking before this procedure and until after the site has healed completely to prevent these complications. It’s even better to quit for good.
You will have to visit your dentist for progress checks during the healing period, and you must keep up with these appointments. If you have any problems or feel any discomfort between appointments, call your dentist immediately for a checkup. This approach and timely treatment will help prevent complications while the implant site is healing, which is crucial for a successful outcome.