Are Dental Implants Worth It?

There are a number of procedures and treatments for missing, broken, or decaying teeth. 

Dental implants are a long-term solution for restoring your smile. It’s a procedure involving the replacement of tooth roots with screw-like metal posts that fuse to the jawbone, then replacing the damaged or missing teeth with artificial — yet realistic — teeth.  

Keep reading to learn more about how dental implants can restore your smile and keep your mouth healthy for years to come. 

The benefits of dental implants

The advantages of dental implants are plentiful. From aesthetic improvements to better dental health, they are the chosen treatment for many with damaged or missing teeth.

Dental implants improve your confidence

Those with cracked or missing teeth may be self-conscious and shy away from social and professional situations. Dental implants will give you a smile you can’t wait to show off! You won’t look like a different person — you’ll just look like the best version of yourself. 

Dental implants make eating easier

Missing or decaying teeth can lead to discomfort and difficulty eating. Dentures or other appliances used to replace teeth may also slip or shift after a meal. Dental implants feel and act just like natural teeth, allowing you to regain full functionality of your mouth and chew normally. 

Dental implants prevent bone loss

Bone loss can weaken the jaw and even cause changes in your facial structure and overall appearance. Since the implant becomes part of your jawbone, it also helps to preserve the health of the surrounding bone and gums.   

Dental implants keep adjacent teeth stable

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may start to shift to fill the gap. In filling the gap with a dental implant, nearby teeth don’t need to be altered to support it like they do with a bridge, so adjacent teeth stay in place and are left intact. This improves long-term oral health. 

Dental implants can last a lifetime

Yes, you read that right. With proper oral care, it’s possible for implants to last decades. And where fillings, crowns and bridges can fall out or wear over time, implants fuse with the jawbone, serving as a far more permanent solution. 

Dental implants are cost-effective

The price tag of a set of implants may leave your jaw on the floor — but remember, these implants are permanent and can last decades. They also don’t require tools, adhesives, special cleaning products, or adjustments to maintain; you treat the implants as natural teeth. Considering the convenience and the fact that you may never have to replace dental implants, they are well worth it.

The potential risks of dental implants

As with any medical treatment, there are possible risks associated with dental implants, and it’s our responsibility to mention them so you’re as informed as possible. However, keep in mind that most dental implant procedures are done without issue. 

Sinus damage

In extremely rare cases, dental implants placed improperly in the upper jaw can protrude into the sinus cavity. While it may not cause problems, it will likely require a sinus lift procedure, which involves adding some bone into the sinus cavity to keep the implant stable. 

Infections

There is a minute risk of getting an infection at the implant site. Symptoms of infection include bad breath that doesn’t go away, loose teeth or new gaps between teeth, swollen gums or pus.

Nerve damage

In the process of the implants being placed, there’s a small chance that they can injure nerves that connect to the face and gums. If you notice pain, numbness or tingling, contact your dental professional right away. This can cause issues for your gums, lips, chin or other natural teeth.

What happens if you don’t get dental implants?

A greater risk for health complications comes from choosing not to get dental implant treatment. By leaving one or more missing or damaged teeth, you’ll potentially experience one or more of the following:

• Bone loss
• Bite alignment issues
• Diminished ability to chew
• Decay of adjacent teeth
• Feelings of insecurity and hiding your smile

The verdict: yes, dental implants are worth it

Life-changing benefits; a small risk for complications; results that last a lifetime. If that’s not enough to convince you dental implants are worth it, we don’t know what is!

If you’re still concerned with cost, there are dental plans available that provide some coverage for an implant procedure. Find the right dental plan for your needs and reach out to us today for dental implant insurance.with Spirit Dental.