A Root Canal

Choosing Dental Implants: The Pros And Cons

When it comes to replacing decayed, missing, or otherwise damaged teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming the most popular option that dentists have to offer. However, implants will not be the right choice for everyone. Taking the time to consider both the pros and cons of this cosmetic dentistry procedure can help you to determine if implants are right for you.

The Pros Of Choosing Dental Implants

  1. Long Lasting - Dental implants offer an extremely impressive lifespan. In fact, for most people, dental implants will last them the rest of their life. 
  2. Strong - Other tooth replacement options will often fail to provide the same strength as a natural tooth. Consequently, individuals who have suffered from tooth loss will find that they are unable to enjoy many of the foods they once did. This is not the case with dental implants since these implants offer the same level of strength as a natural, healthy tooth.
  3. Natural Looking - In addition to acting and feeling like a natural tooth, dental implants also look like real teeth. This is because the crowns that are placed on top of the implant are actually made from molds of your real teeth. 

The Cons Of Choosing Dental Implants

  1. May Require Bone Grafts - In order to provide the high level of strength that implants are known for, these implants must be secured in a strong, healthy jawbone. If your jawbone has been worn down over the years, you may require bone grafts before the implants can be surgically placed in the bone.
  2. Multi-Step Process - Getting implants is a process that can take several trips to the dentist over the course of several months. During this time you may need to use other tooth replacement options such as partial dentures since your natural teeth will need to be extracted pretty early on in the process in order to allow for adequate healing time before the implants can be surgically placed. 
  3. May Not Be Covered By Insurance - While more and more dental insurance plans are beginning to offer coverage for dental implants, not all policies will cover this option. This is because some insurance companies still consider implants to be purely cosmetic surgery rather than a medical need. 

The Bottom Line

Dental implants offer a great way to replace missing teeth if you are looking for a long-term solution to tooth loss that allows you to still enjoy the look and feel of natural teeth. However, enjoying these benefits may require a significant upfront investment if your insurance does not cover the procedure. You must also be willing to commit to a series of dental appointments, as this procedure cannot completed in a single day. For more information on dental implants or the other tooth replacement options that are available for you to choose from, be sure to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. 


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