Dental Implants Surgery: The Pros And Cons

Missing teeth can be caused by a variety of things, such as trauma to the mouth or severe gum disease. Whatever the cause, missing teeth can have a major impact on your life. Dental implants are one option to restore the function and look of natural teeth.

Indications for Dental Implants

If you are an adult who has lost a tooth, you are not alone. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, almost 70 percent of adults, ages 35 to 44 have lost a tooth. Some have lost more than one.

Plaque, which forms on the teeth, contains bacteria. If plaque is not properly removed and builds up, so does bacteria. The bacteria can lead to inflammation of the tissue around the teeth, which may cause tooth decay and eventually tooth loss. Injury or trauma to the mouth can also lead to tooth loss.

But confidence levels are not the only thing which is affected by missing teeth. Missing teeth can also interfere with your ability to chew. Having one missing tooth can also cause a ripple effect. Due to the space left by a lost tooth, problems with the other teeth may develop.

In addition, when teeth are missing, it can alter the shape of the face. The face can appear to sag or look sunken in. Replacing lost teeth helps restore the natural appearance of the face.

Dental implants can be used on one or multiple teeth. Implants can be used on adults of any age. Teens who have stopped growing and have a missing tooth may also be appropriate candidates for dental implants.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

There are both pros and cons of getting dental implants. Other methods of replacing lost teeth are available, such as a dental bridge and dentures. But in some cases, dental implants may be a better choice. For example, if you use a bridge to replace a lost tooth, the adjacent teeth are also prepared. This means teeth on both sides of the missing tooth are drilled and prepared for crowns, which will anchor the bridge. Even if the adjacent teeth are healthy, they still need to be prepared for the bridge. With a dental implant, the other teeth do not need to be cut down or drilled.

See Also: Dental Implants as a Solution to Missing Teeth

With dentures and dental bridges, a replacement tooth sits on top of the gums. But dental implants are inserted into the bone, which strengthens it. When a tooth is missing, the bone that supported it can start to deteriorate. Since the implant is fused to the bone, it prevents the deterioration.  

Just as there are advantages to having dental implants placed, there are also some possible disadvantages. Cost can be a big factor. Dental implants are almost always more expensive than a bridge or dentures. Also, dental implant surgery is not a quick fix. In fact, the process often takes several months and is completed in stages. The surgery to have implants inserted is invasive. As with all types of surgery there are risks.

The Process Of Getting Dental Implants

The length of time it takes to have dental implants inserted depends on a few factors. The number of teeth you are having replaced as well as individual healing time affects the process.

Surgery is the First Step

If you have thought it over and weighed the pros and cons and want to have dental implant surgery, your dentist must determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. People who smoke may be asked to quit prior to having the surgery since smoking can slow the healing process.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, good candidates for dental implant surgery need to have enough healthy tissue in the jawbone to support the implant.  

After determining a patient is an appropriate candidate for the surgery, the first part of the procedure can get underway. The first step involves surgically inserting a post, which is usually made of titanium, into the jawbone. The bone is given time to heal before the next step in the process.

Because the bone and implant fuse, it creates a strong foundation for the replacement tooth. Although the length of time it takes for the bone and implant to fuse and for the tissue to heal varies, it often takes at least a few months. During that time, patients so not have restrictions on foods they can eat or activities.

The next phase of the dental implant process is placing a connector, which is called an abutment, onto the post. Lastly, the prosthetic tooth, referred to as a crown, is attached to the abutment.  

Complications of Dental Implants

Although dental implant surgery is considered safe, there are risks and possible complications, which can develop. Infections are always a possibility with any type of surgery and dental implant surgery is no different. Excess bleeding may also occur in rare cases.

Additionally, while the implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone, damage to the surrounding tissues and blood vessels can occur. The nerves can also be damaged during the process.

This means the implant does not fuse to the jawbone. If a patient has a very swallow jawbone, there may not be enough bone for the fusing to take place. Bone grafting prior to dental implant surgery can increase the chances of success for some people.

Grafting involves taking bone from another part of the patient’s body and transplanting it into the jaw. The amount of bone needed is very small. Bone may also be used from donors. The bone is processed in order to prepare it for the grafting process.  

See Also: Dental Implant Prostheses: What Is The Best Choice?

In most cases, complications are not common. But patients should still be aware of the risks so they can make an informed decision. In addition, being a good candidate decreases your risks of complications. Following post-operative instructions also reduces the likelihood of complications.  

It is also critical patients who have dental implant surgery take care of their implant the same way they care for their natural teeth. Brushing and flossing is still needed. Gum disease can develop around the implant, which can lead to future problems.