ost dentists will tell you to get dental implants if you’re missing a tooth or teeth. Not because they want to make money off of you, but because it’s the best solution. Implants are metal posts that anchor a false tooth or crown. Because they are designed to fuse with bone, implants are incredibly secure. You don’t have to worry about losing your false teeth, and you can eat anything you want. Dental implants even prevent loss of bone density. It’s just like getting your natural tooth back.
Dental implants are awesome, but not everyone is a good candidate. The procedure is complicated and can take several months. You need good bone volume and quality, healthy gums and teeth and good overall health. An important consideration is your body’s ability to heal. If you have bone disease or diabetes that prevents fast wound healing, your dentist may recommend another procedure. But in general, anyone who can undergo root canal therapy or dental extraction can get dental implants.
The risks are minimal if you’re in great shape, and implant failure and problems are rare. Some uncommon problems you can expect:
- Nerve damage
- Bleeding, injury or numbness to the sinuses and surrounding areas
- Infection if the implant breaks
- Loose crown
Dental Implant Pros
- Permanent
- Durable
- Long-lasting (can last 20 years or more)
- Cost-effective in the long run
- Low-maintenance
- Look and function just like natural teeth
- Comfortable
- More than 95% success rate (for the front part of the lower jaw)
Dental Implant Cons
- Expensive
- Bone may reject the implant
- Pain and bleeding after surgery
- Nerve damage
- Infection if the implant breaks
The best way to know if implants are right for you is to come in for a consultation today. New Albany implant dentist Dr. Ron Receveur offers many solutions to missing teeth, including snap-ons, mini implants and conventional dental implants.