Dental implants are a popular choice for people that want to replace lost or broken teeth. There are several ways that a person can deal with this issue. They can live without the teeth that have been lost. This may not be the best choice as it can affect the appearance of an individual and it can affect the way they chew and eat. Another option is the use of dentures or partial dentures. These can provide a better appearance for individuals, but there are limitations to this choice. A third option is the use of dental bonding where a resin is used to fix broken teeth and gaps in the teeth. This option is usually a temporary fix.
Instead of turning to these options, there is a choice that is becoming very popular. Dental implants are a restorative procedure that can produce great results. Dental implants have many advantages that make them a good choice. There are also some disadvantages that are important to consider when choosing this procedure. Considering that 40% of adults between the ages of 35 to 44 have lost at least one tooth, it is worth looking at the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants to make a good decision.
Advantages of Dental Implants
- Appearance – The dental implants will give a person the most natural-looking replacement for teeth that have been lost. They can match the color of the natural teeth and they do not have the metal hooks that are used to keep dentures in place.
- Damage – When you use dentures or dental bonding, it is possible to not only damage the dentures and the bonded teeth, it is also possible to break, fracture or otherwise damage the surrounding teeth. Dental implants will not damage the neighboring teeth any more than natural teeth would.
- Longevity – Dental implants will last longer than other restorative procedures. There is a 98% success rate for dental implants and even after 10 years in place, there is a 95% success rate for the implants. Dental bonding will last a year or two and dentures start to lose their ability to work properly within 5 years.
- Bite strength – The dental implants will give a person the same bite strength as natural teeth. They will not cause the bone to erode over time. Dentures give a person only half the bite strength of natural teeth and they lose that strength over time.
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
- Cost – Dental implants are expensive. The cost of a single implant can be between $3,000 and $5,000. Dental bonding will cost between $300 and $600 and a partial denture will run between $1,000 and $2,000.
- Surgery – Dental implants are a surgical procedure and any surgery carries some risk. There is a possibility of swelling or pain after getting a dental implant, although this should not last more than a few days.
- Replacing the Crown – The top part or false tooth of the implant is called the crown. It will have to be replaced after 10 or 15 years, although the implant itself will last longer.
- Quality – The quality of implants can vary depending on the dental professional that does it. It is important to take the time to find the right dentist for dental implants.
Last Reviewed By Dr. Eli Friedman on December 18, 2020
