Dental implants in Houston, TX, are becoming a popular choice for replacing a lost tooth or an alternative to traditional dentures. Even the best solutions come with downsides. When considering a procedure, you’ll need to decide if the benefits outweigh the negative aspects. Knowing the pros and cons can help you decide if implants are the right choice for you. Let Supreme Dentistry guide you through the process to get the oral care best suited to your needs.
The Pros of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great choice for many patients. The pros of dental implants include:
- Better health
- Bone loss prevention
- Functions like original teeth
- Restores your smile
A missing tooth creates a pocket where bacteria can grow, which increases your risk of gum disease. Gum disease and other oral health conditions are associated with an increased risk of stroke and diabetes. The health of your mouth impacts your entire body.
Missing teeth also leads to jawbone loss. The tooth stimulates bone growth. When it’s missing, you will lose bone over time. Bone loss can cause your remaining teeth to become loose or shift, which can cause further tooth loss. It also weakens the facial muscle, which can cause wrinkles to develop.
Since implants are attached to the jawbone, they provide the same stability as your original teeth. Dentures or bridges can leave you unable to eat certain foods, but this isn’t a concern with implants.
If you have a missing tooth, you may be reluctant to smile or self-conscious about your appearance. This can hurt your mental health and self-confidence. Restoring your smile is about more than aesthetics. When you look at your best, you also feel your best. Implants look like natural teeth, so you can smile and eat worry-free.
The Cons of Dental Implant
Dental implants do have their downside. The cons of dental implants include:
- One or more surgical procedures
- Healing time
- Risks
- Cost
No one enjoys having a surgical procedure, even though they are sometimes necessary. Procedures for implants vary, but they all require oral surgery to place the implant posts into your gums. Some require only one surgical procedure, while others may need two or more procedures to complete the process. This can be daunting, but it’s important to note that they should remain for 25 years to a lifetime once your implants are complete.
With any surgical procedure comes healing time. Healing times will vary based on the type of implant and oral health. If you require damaged tooth removal, your gums will have to heal before implants can be placed. After your implants are placed, there will be a healing time before your teeth can be attached to the posts. You may experience swelling, pain, and minor bleeding after a procedure.
There is a risk of infection when implants are placed, but advances in post coatings can reduce this risk. Other risks include nerve damage and damage to surrounding teeth. These are extremely rare and usually minor.
Specialty dental services are usually more expensive than other procedures. The cost is one of the biggest cons of dental implants. However, the upfront cost is offset by how long the implants last. You can think of it as a once in a lifetime investment in your smile and health. Implants last at least 25 years, while dentures need to be replaced every 7-10 years.
Speciality Dental Services at Supreme Dentistry
If you are searching for an implant dentist in Houston, TX, contact Supreme Dentistry. We offer state-of-the-art dentistry in a relaxing spa-like environment. We’ll perform an exam and discuss the pros and cons of implants in your specific situation. Get your smile back. Call us today at
844.966.2333.
