Are Dental Implants Worth It
Many people consider dental implants when they face tooth loss or multiple teeth. Dental implants become a popular and effective solution for restoring a natural-looking smile and maintaining oral health. However, they are costly, making many wonder whether dental implants are worth it. So, considering dental implants, you must know the pros and cons when making this important decision. Let’s find out in this article.
Reasons Why You Should Get Dental Implants?
Here are the five reasons why you should get dental implants.
They Look and Feel like Natural Teeth.
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. A tooth loss can be a traumatic experience, and it negatively impacts emotionally and physically. Many people choose uncomfortable dentures that tend to slip and don’t look like natural teeth. However, dental implants are securely anchored into your jawbone and help you confidently speak and eat. The best thing about dental implants is that they are crafted to match your teeth’ colour, size, and shape.
Dental Implants Can Last a Lifetime
When putting money into your smile, we all want to pay off in the long run. Dental implants are long-term investments that can last a lifetime, which is another reason they are worth considering. Dental implants can last for a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Dental implants are made from titanium, the world’s strongest and most durable metal. The best thing about titanium is that it is biocompatible, and the body will not reject it. This is crucial for healing and bonding with your jawbone. Dental implants are directly placed into your jawbone, which gives stability and support and helps to prevent jawbone or tooth damage.
You Can Eat and Chew with Ease.
The main concern when considering dental implants or dentures is that they can easily bite and chew food. Because when you lose a tooth, it is difficult to chew your food properly. Dental implants can fill the gaps caused by missing teeth and help you bite and chew easily. When you lose one or more teeth, the bone that supports your tooth starts to deteriorate. Dental implants help prevent this, provide a new root for your replacement tooth, and maintain the integrity of your jawbone.
Dental Implant Helps To Prevent Bone Loss.
Dental implants can help preserve jawbone, making it an excellent option. They are fused with your jawbone, while other dental replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, rest on top of your gums. Jawbone loss can cause tooth loss and a change in your face appearance. Jawbone loss is often gradual and shows no signs in the initial state. However, a few signs can help to diagnose it, such as receding gums, increased gap between your teeth, loose teeth, a collapsing bite, a change in the fit of your dentures, and visible changes in your face shape.
Your jawbone loses stimulation when you lose a tooth. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone when you speak or chew. Dental implants act as artificial roots and help to prevent jawbone loss. Also, dental implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses to the jawbone over time. This process, called osseointegration, helps support the implant and preserve the jawbone. When you lose teeth, your jawbone can shrink and change your face’s shape, making you look older than you really are. Dental implants also preserve your facial structure as they are directly placed into your jawbone.
Dental Implants Don’t Require Special Care.
Dental implants are easy to look after; you just need regular brushing and flossing. It is easy to maintain and keep in good shape for years. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t require any care. Here are a few tips to help make dental implants last a lifetime.
Brush twice a day and floss regularly. Brush your dental implants twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush like your natural teeth. Use gentle toothpaste, and remember to floss at least once a day.
Avoid hard and sticky foods. After you get dental implants, avoid hard and sticky foods until your mouth is healed completely. You can go back to your regular diet when you feel better. Still, you should avoid chewing directly on the implant sites and biting into hard foods such as unpopped popcorn kernels or bones. Also, cut sticky foods like caramel candy into small pieces before eating them.
See your dentist regularly. Visit your dentist or oral surgeon regularly after getting dental implants. Especially in the first year, check healing and ensure implants function properly. With regular checkups, dental implants should last many years, even a lifetime!
Avoiding bad habits. Smoking or using chewing tobacco can damage your dental implants. You should avoid these habits, which can cause gum disease and damage the implant site. Other bad habits, such as biting your nails or eating hard foods like ice cubes, can chip or crack your implants. You also may avoid using your teeth as tools (to open a bottle). It might damage the implant site or loosen the false teeth.
Know when to call the dentist. Despite your efforts, sometimes, problems arise with your dental implants. Call your doctor if you experience any unexpected pain or swelling around your implant site.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get Dental Implants?
Although dental implants have many pros, there are also some cons.
Dental Implants Are Expensive
Dental implants are long-term investments because they can last a lifetime. However, one of the biggest drawbacks to getting dental implants is their cost. In the UK, the upfront cost of the procedure is high. The cost of a single dental implant, including the crown, typically ranges from £1,800 to £3,000. This cost will be increased if something goes wrong. The cost for full mouth replacements or multiple implants can significantly increase, reaching up to £30,000 or more. However, many other factors can affect the cost of dental implants, such as:
- The number of implants being placed.
- You may need a bone graft if your jawbone is too soft or thin to support an implant.
- More highly trained and experienced dentists, periodontists, or oral surgeons will often charge higher prices.
- Dental implant procedures performed in major metropolitan cities are more expensive than those performed in rural areas.
- The type of dental implant being used.
- The brand of dental implant.
- Insurance coverage: Some insurance plans may cover all the cost or part of your dental implants.
- Any additional procedures if needed.
Unhealthy Lifestyle and Bad Habits Can Damage the Dental Implants
An unhealthy lifestyle and bad dental hygiene habits can damage your dental implants. So, if you are considering dental implants, having a new healthy lifestyle and avoiding bad habits is important. Here are other reasons dental implants might not be ideal for you.
If you smoke heavily. Smoking cigarettes can increase your risk for gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Quit smoking before getting dental implants to be a good candidate for dental implants.
If you excessively drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can reduce blood flow to the gums and delay healing after surgery. Also, it causes dehydration, making your gums more prone to infection.
If you have poor oral hygiene. Dental implants require good oral hygiene, which means brushing twice, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. Develop good oral hygiene habits before getting dental implants to prevent an infection that causes the implant to fail.
If you take certain medications. Certain medications, such as steroids, can suppress the immune system, which can make it difficult for the body to heal. They can increase the risk of infection and delayed healing, which leads to dental implant failure.
If you have an unhealthy diet. Eating acidic and sugary foods can cause tooth decay, leading to gum disease. Eat a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains if you consider dental implants.
Dental Implants Require a Healthy Mouth.
Dental implants are not suitable for everyone. You may not be a good candidate for dental implants if you have gum disease or other oral health problems. Dental implants also require a strong jawbone; if your jawbone is not dense enough, the implants do not fuse or loosen and fall out. People with chronic health conditions such as cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus can increase the risk of dental implant failure. These chronic illnesses, or conditions that affect their healing ability may not be ideal candidates for dental implants.
Multiple Appointments and Long Waiting Periods
Dental implants involve multiple appointments and a long waiting period, as the implant takes time to fuse with the jawbone. In some cases, the implant may take twelve months to heal fully. Unlike dentures or crowns, dental implants are not placed in your mouth in one visit. It is a multi-step process that requires multiple appointments over several months. The first appointment is a consultation to develop a treatment plan. The following few appointments for the surgery.
Once your dentist places the implant posts, your jawbone may take 3-6 months to heal and fuse around it. In the second appointment, the abutment is placed. The abutment is a small metal piece that attaches the implant to the dental crown. Once this is placed, it may take days up to two weeks. Then, you will return to the clinic for the final step: having your dental crown placed. It can be frustrating to wait several months between appointments.
Dental Implants Require Surgery.
Dental implants require surgery for placement, which carries certain risks, such as infection, nerve damage, and sinus problems. Like any surgery, it carries a risk of infection, and dental implants are no exception. Although it is a rare complication, knowing about infection before surgery is important. In most cases, antibiotics can easily treat infections. However, in very rare cases, an infection can cause serious complications such as tissue death or bone loss. The chances of developing an infection after dental implant surgery are very low if you practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Any medical conditions may also increase your risk for infection, such as diabetes. So, let your dentist know if you have any medical conditions.
Nerve damage is another rare complication of dental implant surgery. It can cause tingling or numbness in the gums, chin, or lips. Nerve damage is temporary and will go away on its own; however, sometimes, it may be permanent. In some people, dental implants can also cause sinus problems. The sinuses are air-filled empty spaces located above the teeth. Sometimes, dental implants can interfere with the sinuses when placed in the upper jawbone. It can cause congestion and inflammation in the sinuses. Once the implant heals, sinus problems will resolve on their own.
Get Dental Implants with Confidence at Mint Dental Centre
If you’re considering dental implants, you may wonder where to go for treatment in London. Look no further; visit Mint Dental Centre, the leading name in Cosmetic Dentistry in London. We have a highly skilled team of professionals at Mint Dental Centre who can perform dental implants at affordable rates. We offer flexible scheduling options as we understand that our clients lead busy lives. We make it easy for you whether you need early morning or evening appointments. We offer diverse implant options and use the latest technology and techniques to restore your beautiful smile with long-lasting results. Call us today to book a free consultation!