Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Dental implants are getting more popular by the day, with the overall market growth expected to reach 6.8% a year from now until 2024. Research shows this is being driven by the increasing ways these implants can be used to treat various dental conditions, and, particularly in Canada, by the ever-growing geriatric population. As the demand increases, so too does the number of people searching for information on the pros and cons of implants, so as the leading dental clinic in Surrey BC, we’ve listed them here so you can find them easily.

Pros of Dental Implants

The positive aspects of getting dental implants are mostly easy to find. Because they resemble natural teeth so closely, implants can provide an improvement in several areas.

1. Speech

   One of the main purposes of dental implants is to provide you with well-fitting dentures, which don’t slip or move around in your mouth. When you wear regular dentures, they can cause your speech to sound slurred or indistinct, which impacts everything from your career to your relationships. With dental implants, the dentures are attached to posts inserted and cemented in the jawbone, making them rock-solid.

2. Appearance

   Artificial teeth don’t always behave or look like natural teeth. Just ask George Washington, who reportedly wore wooden dentures! Even though modern technology has advanced tremendously since then, regular dentures still are, well – just dentures. Dental implants, however, look and feel like your own teeth, and because they are designed to fuse with the bone they become permanent.

3. Self-esteem

   We all know how important confidence is when it comes to managing work and personal relationships, conducting business and speaking in public. Getting dental implants can help you recover your self-esteem and feel better about yourself, which will, in turn, increase your confidence in your abilities.

4. Comfort

   Because dental implants become part of your oral anatomy, they get rid of the discomfort experienced by so many denture wearers. Since the dentures are not removable, you also get the convenience of never having to take them out of your mouth. Anyone who has ever worn dentures knows how awkward it can be to try and remove them to rinse or clean them when others are around. You’ll no longer need to use those messy dental adhesives, either, just to keep your denture firmly in place.

5. Ability to chew

   A denture that goes slip sliding around in your mouth can make it very difficult to chew food effectively. Because dental implants operate like natural teeth, you can eat your favourite foods confidently and without pain. And since dental implants are very durable and last for many years, you’ll never need to change your diet because of your teeth.

6. Overall oral health

   Keeping your mouth healthy is an important part of your overall health. Dental implants don’t call for your other teeth to be filed down, like tooth-supported bridges do. So, because your other teeth aren’t altered in any way to support the implant, more of them are intact. This improves your oral health over the long term. Having individual implants also enables you to clean between the teeth better, which benefits your oral hygiene.

Cons of Dental Implants

Every good thing has its disadvantages, and dental implants are no exception. We want to be as open as possible with our patients, so we’ve outlined even the negatives here so you can make an informed decision.

1. Cost

   Dental implants cost much more than any other type of artificial teeth, which can make it difficult for patients to get them initially. Insurance usually covers a portion, and the amount varies from one insurer to the next. They last significantly longer than other methods of tooth replacement, however, so it’s important to factor this into your decision. Regular dentures, for example, range from $1200 to $3500 for a full set, and they typically last 3 to 6 years before needing relining and/or replacement. The cost for dental implants is based on your individual situation and requirements, but it’s definitely going to be more than regular dentures.

2. Complications

   Around 40% of all patients experience some minor complications, either during the dental implants procedure or during aftercare, and a 2010 study showed nearly half had an issue over a 16-year period. Even though these are often negligible issues, they usually require at least one visit to the dentist.

3. Time Commitment

   Getting dental implants requires a big time commitment. From the first consultation to the day the implants are completed, you’re looking at a timeline of around 9 months according to the American Academy of Dentistry. During that period, you’ll have to visit your dentist a number of times.

4. It’s Surgery!

   For many people, one of the potential dental implant problems is the need to have surgery. Any type of surgery requires anesthetic, which presents its own risks for patients. Additionally, every surgery has a risk of infection, which could result in other challenges. Surgery is also painful, so before you decide to get implants it’s important to consider whether you’re up to handling it.

   Implants can make a huge difference to your life, both in the short- and long-term, so you need to consider every aspect when you’re making a decision. The implants team at our dental clinic in Surrey BC can provide you with all the information you need to understand the process and determine whether it’s right for you.

   For more information on the pros and cons of getting dental implants in your specific circumstances, please contact us to schedule an appointment.