Today, you can’t go long without hearing wonderful things about dental implants. While the media is filled with people singing the praises of implants, you might wonder about the few negative things that you hear. Wondering what is the downside of dental implants is natural. After all, the many positive things people say might make this tooth replacement option seem too good to be true. The truth is that there are a few downsides to getting implants. However, each one also tends to come with upsides that make them worth it in the end. Learning about tooth implant pros and cons puts you in the right position to make informed decisions about your oral health.
What Are the Differences Between Dentures Vs Implants?
Before we dive into the pros and cons of dental implants, it helps to fully understand how they differ from dentures. Traditional dentures fit on top of your gums. Typically, they’ll cover a full arch along the top or bottom of your mouth. Some people wear dentures on both arches. Dentures are typically removable. This means that you’ll take them out at night and for regular cleanings. A well-fitted set of dentures is held in your mouth by the natural shape of your mouth and saliva. Some people use special adhesives for additional security. Partial sets of dentures might also be held in your mouth by a clasp that attaches to your other teeth.
Dental implants are placed beneath your gum line. There, the posts are able to fuse with the existing jawbone. On top of the gum line, you’ll see a crown. This is simply a replacement tooth that your dentist carefully shapes to fit the appearance of the rest of your teeth. Once placed, implants are not removable. You’ll brush and floss them much like you do your natural teeth. For most people the biggest factor in their decision of whether dentures vs implants are better is that they prefer that implants don’t move around.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants?
When you meet with the best dental implants specialist in Los Angles, you’ll talk about the various pros and cons of full dental implants. As you do, keep in mind that what you consider a benefit versus a downside can vary according to your overall health, desire for a perfect smile and general comfort with dentistry. Dr. Delaram Hanookai will take their time to make sure that you fully understand what to expect before, during and after the procedure. For now, reading through this list of tooth implant pros and cons will empower you to ask questions during your initial consultation.
Pro: A Dental Implant Can Last a Lifetime
Longevity is one of the biggest benefits of dental implants. A fully-healed dental implant can potentially last for the rest of your life. Since it is fused to your jawbone, it can’t fall out and get broken. Implants are also unable to decay like a natural tooth.
Con: The Visible Crown Can Sometimes Wear Out
One of the cons of dental implants is that the portion of the tooth that is above the gum line can break. The material used to make dental implants is very strong. However, you could break one if you eat extremely hard foods or experience an impact to your mouth. People who play sports will still need to wear a mouthguard to protect their new teeth.
Pro: Implants Function Like Natural Teeth
When you look for dental implants near by, you may be embarrassed by missing teeth. You might also be frustrated by being unable to eat your favorite things. At Southland Dental Care, you’ll find that the implants we place feel similar to your natural teeth. After your healing time is complete, you will likely not even notice a difference in how your new teeth function as you eat and speak.
Con: They Require Enough Jaw Bone to Support Them
The question of what is the downside of dental implants frequently comes down to this one issue. A good candidate for dental implants should have enough jaw bone structure to support the post. However, you may be able to erase this downside from your concerns. The best dental implants specialist in Los Angles is able to use bone grafts in most cases to build up your jaw. After a graft, we can then implant the post with confidence that it will heal normally.
Pro: Implants Are the Most Cost-Effective Tooth Replacement Over Time
Weighing the pros and cons of full dental implants also involves asking about the cost. The cost for this procedure can vary from one person to another. Fortunately, you’ll find that that the cost is comparable to other procedures. Since the implants are meant to be permanent, you can save on having to replace them like you might with dentures.
Con: Getting Implants Does Involve a Higher Initial Cost
One of the few cons of dental implants is the cost. You can often offset this problem by using financial resources to help. For instance, your dental insurance might help to cover a portion of the cost for dental implants. Since the implants help to retain your jaw bone, they can also save you money in the long run.
Pro: You Can Choose to Replace One or Multiple Teeth
Full arch dental implants are an option if the majority of your teeth aren’t in good health. You also have the option of using an implant to replace a single tooth. Some implant candidates opt to do just one arch or one side of an arch. The options are limitless, and we’ll help you decide what works best during your appointment at Southland Dental Care.
Con: Getting Implants Can Take Some Time
The benefits of dental implants are worth it, but the process does require a small time investment. Same day dental implants are an option for some patients. However, many people will need to go through a multi-step procedure. Your estimated dental implants recovery time may involve having an extraction and needing to wait for it to heal. You might also need to give your implant post time to fuse to the jaw bone before the crown goes on it.
Pro: Implants Preserve Your Natural Face Shape
Natural teeth provide stimulation to your jaw that keeps the bones healthy. When you lose one, it is common for the bones to slowly deteriorate. This is why you will sometimes notice that people with dentures have sunken areas of their face. Full arch dental implants have special posts that provide a similar level of stimulation to the jaw bone. Over the years, people with implants are less likely to notice severe changes in their facial structure. Instead, you’ll be able to age gracefully while viewing your smile as one of your best features.
Con: You’ll Need to Remember to Be Mindful Of Your Diet
After your dental implants recovery time is over, you’ll be able to eat just about anything that you want. The pros and cons of dental implants frequently winds up at the fact that you can finally eat a healthier diet that includes fresh vegetables. While this is a great thing, you’ll want to remember that you should still be careful to choose healthy foods. Since your teeth will no longer hurt, you might be tempted to go for too many sweets. Being able to chew sticky foods without your dentures falling out might lead you to reach for those sticky caramels. Remembering to eat things in moderation will preserve your oral health once your diet is no longer limited to certain foods.
How Do You Know If You Should Get Dentures Or Implants?
The best way to figure out whether or not dentures or implants are better for you is to find a specialist who offers dental implants near by. You’ll need a comprehensive exam that provides information about your gum health and how much jaw bone you have left. A dental implants specialist can also help you to identify which teeth need replacing. Following the exam, you’ll be able to discuss each of your options in-depth to make your final decision.
Are you still on the fence about whether you want to get dentures or implants? Give us a call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Delaram Hanookai today. Finding out just how life-changing getting implants is for your life can help you feel more comfortable about choosing them to replace your missing teeth.