A Closer Look at Dental Implants Benefits and Risks

The Many Benefits of Dental Implants

Because they are made out of titanium, a substance that the human body does not recognize as foreign, dental implants integrate with the surrounding bone tissues after they are surgically embedded into the jaw. This allows the implants to act as artificial tooth roots for dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, providing a unmatched level of stability and durability. Dental implants offer a number of functional, health, and cosmetic benefits that other restorations cannot match, making them an increasingly popular restorative treatment.

Functional Advantages of Implants

With dental implants, patients can bite, chew, speak, and laugh with the full confidence that their dentures will not slip out of place. Since they are so stable, you can eat foods such as apples and steaks without concern that your dental work will be compromised. Dental implants are also incredibly durable, offering a lifetime of support with the proper care. Most notably, dental implants offer an advantage that no other type of tooth support can: by serving the purpose of a tooth root, dental implants prevent jawbone loss that occurs when a tooth root has been missing for an extended period of time.

Implants Promote Good Oral Health

For years patients missing one or more consecutive teeth had to rely on a traditional dental bridge to fill in the gaps. Placing a traditional bridge requires the alteration of the healthy teeth adjacent to the missing ones. Removing healthy tooth structure can increase risk for decay and damage. Alternatively, placing an implant-supported bridge does not require making any changes to healthy teeth.

Implants Are Convenient

If you currently wear a removable restoration, you know that your artificial teeth can be difficult or inconvenient to care for. Specialized routines and cleaning solutions can be a hassle, especially if you are traveling. Because implant-supported restorations are fixed in your mouth, they essentially require the same care as natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing, and routine dental visits should be enough to keep your restorations looking and feeling their best.

Cosmetic Benefits of Implants

Missing teeth can affect your appearance dramatically. Gaps in your smile can take away your facial appearance and sense of self. What’s more, jawbone loss due to a long-missing tooth root can create a withdrawn, older appearance. Dental implants can support the artificial teeth that fill in your smile, while also halting jawbone loss. The implant-retained restorations will rest right along your gum line in a very natural way. In all, this method of tooth replacement is considered the most lifelike in feel and appearance.

The Risks of Dental Implants

As with any surgery, placing dental implants presents some health risks. Problems are rare, and when they do occur, are typically easily treatable. Complications relating to dental implants can include:

• Injury or damage to the surrounding teeth, blood vessels, nerves, or jaw
• Infection at the surgical site
• Sinus problems (when implants are improperly placed in the upper jaw)
• Implant rejection

These already low risks can be substantially reduced when your dental implants procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon. By properly preparing the treatment site and precisely placing the implants, your surgeon can also minimize trauma to the area and ease your recovery period.

Contact Us Today to Learn More

If you are considering dental implants to help restore your oral health, reach out to our practice today to learn more about our expertise in this procedure.