Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Loss of tooth from decay failed root canals, gum disease or accidents is quite common. The fact is, by age 74, one in four adults lose all their permanent teeth. Initially, fixed bridgework and dentures were the only standard options for filling the gaps, but in recent years, dental implants in Springfield have become popular due to their more natural look.

Pros

A dental implant is a framework or screw that is made of titanium and other materials that helps in supporting a replacement tooth. Typically implantation is formed in multiple steps. Firstly, a maxillofacial and oral surgeon helps in anchoring the implant into the jawbone where the new tooth needs to be placed. After 3 to 6 months, when the screw has fused fully with the bone, a reconstructive will be attaching a replacement tooth to a small metal post that protrudes from the implant.

•  Just like bridges, implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for any support that helps in protecting other teeth from damage. Unlike dentures, loss of bone can be avoided as dental implants replace the tooth as well as its root.

•  Dental implants in Springfield function and look like real teeth with no clicking sound or chewing and speaking difficulties that occur with dentures. People having good health have the highest chance for successful implants, but patients with health problems do not prevent them from getting implants. Those who are smokers and have diabetes, success rates are low and can delay healing. The implants are always considered as long-term replacements that last for your entire life, while removable dentures and bridges need replacing every 7 to 10 years.

•  The care is the same, just like real teeth with regular visits to your dentist and proper oral hygiene.

The Cons

Generally, dental implants are considered safe, but just like any surgery, complications can occur like infection, bleeding, sinus, nerve or nasal cavity injuries. Here are a few more points that you should keep in mind.

•  Dental implants in Springfield are not a quick fix for your dental problems. It includes a waiting period for six months so that the implant can fuse with the jawbone, a procedure referred to as Osseointegration. A temporary tooth can be worn over the implant area.

•  You will be prone to infections. The gum around the implant can get infected by bacteria that lead to peri-implantitis, a type of periodontal disease that results in loss of bone.

•  Some extra dental work can be required depending upon the situation. If your jawbone gets weakened by osteoporosis, for example, the surgeon will be grafting bone in the weakened site. The sinus cavity needs to be lifted if it has become larger and pushing into the area that requires a bone graft.

•  You need to keep in mind getting dental implants is a costly treatment. Moreover, insurance firms do not cover implants. Ready to pay a few thousand dollars for a single implant, and for multiple teeth, you need to pay a huge amount.