Dental implants are permanent, artificial teeth inserted directly into your jawbone to replace missing teeth. Implants are often considered one of the best options for tooth replacement, whether that be a single tooth or multiple.
As your Atlanta cosmetic dentist, we understand that dental implants are an intensive dental treatment, so it is essential that you thoroughly weigh the pros and cons of the procedure before deciding if they are right for you.
Advantages of Dental Implants
1. Restored Functionality
Missing teeth can cause plenty of issues when it comes to the normal function of your mouth, affecting daily activities such as talking and eating. With a permanently fixed, full set of teeth, you can maintain a regular diet and speak with ease. Dental implants mimic your natural teeth, so maintenance is as simple as keeping up with your usual oral hygiene routine.
2. Improved Oral Health
Even a single missing tooth can lead to your surrounding teeth falling out, as well. Because dental implants are fixed directly to the root of the missing tooth in question, they won’t put any pressure on the surrounding teeth, preventing your healthy teeth from sustaining damage.
3. Natural Look
Removable dentures can often look fake. Dental implants, however, are customized to the individual in size, shape, and color to match the aesthetic of the rest of your teeth. With a new smile that’s truly yours, you can grin with confidence again.
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
1. Lengthy Healing Process
Though dental implants will completely restore the function of your mouth, you won’t be able to experience the full benefits right away. Implants can take between three to six months for them to become totally fixed with your bone tissue, so you’ll need to be careful about your oral habits throughout the healing period.
2. Expensive Treatment
Just one dental implant can range from $3,000 to $5,000, so if you have multiple teeth that require replacement, treatment costs stack up quickly. Some candidates may also need bone grafting before the dental implant placement, further increasing overall costs.
3. Surgery Required
Dental implants are a surgical procedure, and any surgery has associated risks. Patients will also need to have good enough overall health to undergo surgery, so not everyone will be an ideal candidate for implants.
Whether or not dental implants are right for you, replacing missing teeth is crucial for your oral health. During your cosmetic consultation, Dr. Ashish Patel will assess whether you are a candidate for dental implants and help you weigh your options. Schedule an appointment with your Atlanta cosmetic dentist today to revitalize your smile.
