The Pros & Cons of Dental Implants

Dental implants are a longer-lasting, more permanent alternative to dentures, designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They look and feel just like real teeth, and they stay in place better than dentures. They can improve the ability to chew/eat, visual appearance, and prevent other teeth from shifting. Though they come with many plus-sides, not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure.

If you are missing one or more of your teeth, Cigno Dental of Greenfield, WI can help! Dr. Cigno offers a wide range of dental implant solutions, including single implants - and even cutting-edge All-on-4® implants. Call today to schedule your consultation!

Pros

  • Improved physical appearance
  • Improved eating/chewing
  • Look and feel like natural teeth
  • Prevent other teeth from shifting 
  • Stay in place better than dentures 
  • Can replace one or more missing teeth
  • Reduce/eliminate tooth pain or dental decay
  • 95% success rate
  • Last 20 years or longer 

Improved Physical Appearance

Looking and feeling your best is important. When teeth are missing or they have signs of decay, it can help a person's self-esteem. It can make them embarrassed to talk or to smile. Dental problems can lead to chronic bad breath, making it hard to be too close to others without feeling embarrassed. Dental implants help to improve physical appearance. It can help a person gain their confidence back and smile often!

Replace One or More Missing Teeth

There is overall versatility with dental implants. They can be used for one or more missing teeth. Sometimes, the decision is made to remove several teeth due to gum disease, brittle teeth, or decay. The posts inserted into the gum line can hold more than one tooth. There are various strategies used to help achieve the right outcome for each patient.

Prevent Teeth from Shifting

When a tooth is missing, the ones next to it lack the support they used to have. They can start to move into that space. Such movement will affect a person's bite. It also causes teeth to become crocked and become loose. This can be the onset of one tooth after another being lost if action isn't taken to prevent them from shifting.

Improves Eating/Chewing

It is hard to eat properly when teeth are missing, broken, or have signs of decay. It can be painful to eat and hard to chew. Many patients with dental problems can consume raw fruits or vegetables. They have a hard time with meat. Their diet is limited and it often doesn't give them adequate nutritional value. Dental implants can improve eating and chewing.

Stay in Place Better than Dentures

Since the implants are locked in place, you never have to worry about them coming loose. That is a common problem with dentures. They can come loose when you eat, and food gets lodges underneath them. You may have to excuse yourself from the table to go apply adhesive to the denture and put it back in place.

Look and Feel like Natural Teeth

Most patients report that dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They don't feel uneasy about them. They can choose to share with others they have them or keep it private. The color and shape of them blend with their natural teeth. 

Reduce/Eliminate Tooth Pain or Dental Decay

Suffering from pain due to broken teeth or decaying teeth is hard. It can cause a person to be irritable. It can make it hard for them to focus on anything else. Many have trouble sleeping so they go through the day tired. Dental implants can reduce and eliminate tooth pain. It is nice to no longer deal with that! 

95% Success Rate

Overall, dental implants have a success rate of 95%! This is very encouraging! Those that did have problems with them often had underlying health issues such as diabetes. In other scenarios, the patients didn't follow the instructions of the professional or they failed to keep all scheduled appointments. A small number of patients had issues due to the lack of experience of the professional.

Last 20 Years or Longer

Since dental implants are built to last, they are a good investment. Additionally, they don't require ongoing maintenance. You never have to worry about them getting lost or dropping them. With dentures, they sometimes get tossed in the trash by accident. Other patients are devastated because they dropped them while cleaning them and they broke.

Cons

  • Bone loss will require bone grafts
  • Several appointments necessary to complete the steps
  • The procedure involves surgery on the gums
  • Time-consuming visits
  • Healing time can vary for each patient 
  • More expensive than dentures
  • Most insurances don't cover the cost of the implants 

May Require Bone Grafting

If you have bone loss, you may need bone grafting before the actual dental implant procedure. This involves adding bone in the gum line. Once that heals then the process of inserting the posts into the gums can take place. 

Several Appointments Necessary

The process of dental implants requires more appointments than dentures. However, the outcome is going to be worth it! If you have a busy schedule, it can be hard to get it all scheduled. Plan in advance so you can keep all necessary appointments. Each of the appointments can be lengthy so make sure you carve out plenty of time to get it done. Try to schedule later in the day so you don't have to return to work and you can go home to rest.

Surgery of the Gums Involved

The dental implants will require surgery of the gums. They have to be opened up for the posts to be inserted. This will be done under anesthesia. You will need someone with you at this appointment so they can drive you home. It will take time for the gums to heal. Following a diet of soft foods and excellent oral hygiene are essential. This will lower the risk of infection.

Healing Time Varies

While your dental provider will give you a timeline for the steps in the procedure, healing times vary. The procedure can't be rushed alone. If the healing is taking longer, the next steps will have to be pushed back. Everyone heals at a different rate and that has to be evaluated along the way.

More Expensive than Dentures

Dental implants cost more than dentures but don't let that discourage you. The prices have dropped significantly since this procedure was first introduced. The methods continue to get better and faster, reducing the cost involved. Look at options available for your own needs and see how you can budget for them. Look at the financing options the dental office shares with you. They can help you get the procedure done now and pay for it over time.

Since dental implants last 20 years or longer, the cost over that span of time is worth it. Dentures will have to be repaired and replaced during that amount of time. The cost of dental implants may be more upfront, but you won't have the other maintenance costs down the road you get with dentures.

Insurance Doesn't Cover Implants

Very few insurance companies cover dental implants but they will pay for dentures. This can be discouraging to patients. However, your dental insurance may pay for more than you think. For example, they may pay for any teeth extractions necessary before the implants. They may pay for the bone grafting. They often pay for anesthesia and other steps in the process. Out of pocket, it may be just the actual implants and hardware you need to cover on your own.

Consultation

If you are interested in dental implants, gather information to help you make an informed decision. Some dental offices have presentations you can attend or view online. There is no pressure with them, they are designed to give you an overview of what to expect from the process. 

Many consumers feel it is one of the best investments they have made for themselves. The work should be completed by a qualified professional. Verify their experience; look at before and after images, and find out what the procedure will entail for your specific needs. 

Don't let the fear of the procedures hold you back. Most patients have some discomfort during the healing, but not severe pain. Many of them report less discomfort than they did when they were suffering from broken or decayed teeth in their mouth, and generally, feel better with the implants in place. 

Dr. Cigno Is Here For You!

The caring team at Cigno Dental is here to help you carefully evaluate your candidacy for dental implants. Call our Greenfield, WI dental office today to schedule your appointment!

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