For anything in life to be worth doing, the benefits need to outweigh the disadvantages. This applies to the question of dental implants as much as any other lifestyle choice. We decided to present the benefits and disadvantages so you can decide for yourself whether it’s worth it or not. And since our office of dentists in Surrey BC believe there are more benefits than disadvantages, so we decided to start with the positive aspects.
Benefits of Dental Implants
We’ve written on our dental blog before about the reasons why you should always replace missing teeth, with tooth restoration options ranging from crowns and bridges through to dentures. Dental implants, however, are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, whether you need a single tooth or a whole mouthful.
The main benefits of getting dental implant surgery are:
- Appearances: When you want an Instagram selfie-ready smile, dental implants offer you just that. They look and feel just like regular teeth, and there’s never any risk of them shifting while you speak or getting lost while you’re ziplining or water-skiing.
- Bone health: When you have a dental implants procedure done, the implant effectively replaces the root of your missing tooth. This prevents the bone loss that takes place when you leave a tooth gap unfilled, which supports the bones of your jaw and face structure. You look better, and your bones are stronger.
- Durability: One of the best things about dental implants is that they are a permanent solution. Once the implants are fused to your jaw bone they’re very stable. As long as you take good care of them, you can expect them to be just as (if not more) durable than your natural teeth. Since dentures usually only last 5 to 8 years before you need to have a new set made, dental implants are a good choice for anyone looking for a long-term option.
- Practical benefits: Dental implants aren’t just for people who want picture-perfect smiles. Because the implant’s titanium post is fused to your jaw, the implants remain in position. As a result, you won’t notice any effects on your eating or speaking.
All these points make it seem like implants have everything going for them, but since we like to present a balanced viewpoint, we’re going to tell you about the disadvantages, too.
Challenges You’ll Have to Live With
As with anything, getting dental implants has a few challenges. In most cases, these aren’t deal-breakers, though. They’re just things you should know upfront so you can plan how you’re going to deal with them when they occur.
- It takes time: Getting your dental implants fitted and comfortable in your mouth can take what feels like a long time from start to finish. You and your dentist will go through several different steps, and you’ll need to wait up to 6 months for the implants to fuse with your jawbone.
- There’s a risk of infection: Although dental implant complications are rare, it’s possible to develop a gum infection, especially if you aren’t diligent about your oral health. These types of complications can cause periodontal disease and lead to bone loss.
- You might need additional procedures: In some instances, dental implant patients might require additional procedures. For example, if you don’t have enough bone mass to support the implants, you might need a bone graft. If your sinuses are located close to the jawbone, you could be a candidate for a sinus lift. These are additional surgeries that will not only increase your wait time for implants, but increase the dental implants cost as well.
- Cost: It’s important to keep in mind that even if your insurance covers dental implants, it usually only pays for a portion of the costs. Check out our blog post on insurance for or review your plan for specific values.
And the winner is…
So, is dental implant surgery worth the cost and effort? Because of their durability, appearance, and functionality, dental implants are probably the best option for replacing missing teeth with a long-term option that can last for the rest of your life.
For more information on whether dental implants are worth it, please book an appointment with our dentist in Surrey BC to discuss your options.
