Advantages
The following are some of the main reasons why dental implants are generally
considered to be the best way of replacing missing teeth.
Aesthetic
Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. Since dental implants
integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and
gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures. When teeth are
lost, there is ongoing shrinkage of the jawbone, which may make your face
look older. Dental implants stimulate the bone and prevent bone resorption.
No one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth/teeth.
Tooth-saving
Dental implants do not sacrifice the quantity or quality of your adjacent
teeth like a bridge does, because neighbouring teeth are not altered to
support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant
long-term benefit to your oral health! Implants are also very beneficial
for stabilizing teeth loosened from periodontal disease.
Confidence
Loose dentures and metal clasps can cause embarrassment, pain, and difficulties
with eating and speech. Implant supported replacement teeth are like natural
teeth because they are anchored securely to your jawbone. Dental implants
restore the chewing power lost with missing teeth. Dental implants will
allow you to once again smile, speak, laugh and eat with comfort and confidence.
They are secure and allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced
dentures and messy pastes and glues.
Reliable
The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable, with success
rates between 98% and 100%. They are considered an excellent option for
tooth replacement. Research shows that the average lifespan of a bridge
is 7-10 years. If you are in your 40's, you may have to change your bridge
at least 3-4 more times!
Prevents problems associated with jawbone shrinkage
Since dentures sit on top of the jawbone and gums, continuous shrinkage
of the jawbone alters the fit of the denture resulting in slipping or rocking.
Exposed nerves and irritation of the gum tissue may add to the discomfort.
Implants help by minimizing the erosion of jawbone that occurs when teeth
are lost or removed.
Whatever your particular circumstances, dental implants can provide a sense
of security and well being by providing comfort, function and appearance.
Disadvantages
There are very few disadvantages to dental implants.
Dental
Implants can only be placed if there is enough bone present in the jaw
When teeth are lost, the bone that supported the teeth gradually disappears.
That is way it is so important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible
after extraction. We prefer to replace failing teeth immediately after removal.
See Immediate implant placement. Careful evaluation and x-ray studies will
help us determine if you have enough bone or whether it may be possible
to re-grow the lost bone. See Bone Grafting.
Your oral health
affects implant success
Implants survive best in a healthy environment. Good oral hygiene and normal
wound healing are essential for implant success. Implants can fail due to
gum disease, just as teeth do. Success may be improved with your diligent
attention to oral hygiene. Before implantation, natural teeth must be rehabilitated
and any gum disease treated and eliminated.
Your systemic health
affects implant success
Systemic conditions that impair your body's ability to heal, such as uncontrolled
diabetes, are contraindications to implant therapy. In addition, both smoking
and heavy alcohol consumption reduce the survival of implants (and teeth).
If you think that either of these two habits could be a problem for you
and your implants, it may be advisable to avoid this form of dental treatment
or accept the higher risk of implant failure.
Financial investment
Due to the complexity of treatment and the high cost of materials, dental
implant treatment requires a substantial financial investment. However,
the beauty of implants is its "upgradeable" nature.
In some instances, you may consider placing a few implants now and use them
for a while. In the future, you may be able to add more implants and improve
your prosthesis. For example, a patient with no teeth in the lower jaw may
have two implants placed to stabilize their denture.
Later on, if adequate bone is present, more implants may be placed and a
fixed bridge may be supported on the implants, eliminating the denture altogether.
Contact us today to request additional
information about dental implants or to make an appointment with one of
our specialists.
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