Understandably, losing your adult teeth can be frustrating and negatively impact your self-confidence. Fortunately, dental implants offer a solution to the problem of missing teeth. While there are various benefits to dental implants, some drawbacks may make patients hesitant to undergo this procedure. If you’ve lost teeth due to injury, disease, or injury, you should schedule an appointment with our determined dental implants/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ, who can help you regain confidence in your smile. Please continue reading to learn some of the pros and cons of dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a surgical procedure where an artificial tooth root is placed into your jawbone and supports a prosthetic tooth (crown) or bridge. Essentially, it replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function like real ones. Dental implants can provide a natural alternative to dentures or bridgework tooth replacements. There are two different types of implants: Endosteal and Subperiosteal. Endosteal is the most common implant type, requiring a screwlike post placed into the jawbone. Subperiosteal, on the other hand, is placed on top of the jaw with metal framework posts that protrude through the gum. Dental implants are often feasible for those who have lost one or more teeth.
What Are the Benefits?
Dental implants are highly durable and closely imitate the natural tooth when fitted with a crown. Implants can last longer than alternatives. They typically last for ten years. Besides the durability of an implant, they can also help prevent bone loss. When you lose a tooth, there’s always a potential risk of bone loss because your jawbone is no longer stressed in the area where the tooth is missing. After a period, your body will break down and reabsorb the bone tissue. Implants lower the rate of bone resorption.
In addition, implants keep adjacent teeth stable, preventing surrounding teeth from migrating toward the gap and causing problems with your bite, speech, and ability to chew. Further, it can restore the cosmetic appearance of your face. After losing a tooth, your face may reshape over time due to the jawbone loss.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks?
While there are various benefits to dental implants, there are some drawbacks. Firstly, many people shy away from this option because they are generally more expensive than other treatment options. Another worry is that you’ll have to undergo a surgical procedure, and the implantation process will take multiple dental appointments to achieve optimal results. Further, one of the most significant drawbacks is that some patients require a dental bone graft before installing a dental implant.
The advantages of dental implants typically outweigh the cons. If you’re considering this treatment option, please don’t hesitate to contact Dental Associates of Basking Ridge to schedule an appointment. Our team of highly skilled dentists is prepared to help you restore your smile.
