New Teeth for the New Year

If you’d like to transform your smile in the upcoming year, and you have missing teeth, dental implants are a must to consider. Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. Check out these dental implant pros and cons, and determine if they are right for you.

Pro: Most Durable Option for Missing Teeth

Without a doubt, dental implants are the most durable option for replacing missing teeth. With proper care, a dental implant may even last the rest of your life. So, why are dental implants so durable? Like natural teeth, they use your actual jawbone to support the implant. The titanium fuses to your jawbone to create a strong bond.

On the other hand, dentures simply sit on your gums, so they are hardly secured, making it possible for them to slip and move. Bridges are more durable, but they put excess stress on some of your existing teeth, which can actually become loose. Plus, if bacteria gets under the bridge, the anchor teeth are vulnerable with no enamel, and/or the bonding cement may be compromised, causing the bridge to fall out.

Pro: Replace One or More Teeth

An implant is a great option no matter how many teeth you are replacing. If you have one missing tooth, the dentist will use a single dental implant. If you have a few teeth in a row missing, the dentist can use an implant-supported bridge. It’s the same as a standard bridge, but it uses dental implants instead of teeth as anchors. Last, if you have all of your teeth missing, you can get implant-supported dentures. A few titanium implants hold your dentures in place. They are removable, but they snap into place, making them secure.

The disadvantage of bridges is that if you have several teeth missing in a row, a bridge may not be successful. There may be too much stain on the teeth. So, without an implant-supported bridge, your only other option is a partial denture.

Con: The Most Expensive Option for Missing Teeth

There’s no denying the strength of an implant, but do keep in mind that they are the most expensive option for replacing missing teeth. Expect to pay in the ballpark of $4000 for a single implant. This price increases if you need a bone graft to support the implant. And, of course, if you get multiple implants, such as a bridge or dentures, the price increases.

Bridges and dentures are a much more affordable option. Plus, insurance typically pays for some of the costs, reducing your cost even more. Even if your insurance pays for some of your implant, you’ll still have to fork out a lot of out-of-pocket expenses.

However, because implants are titanium, it’s impossible to get a cavity on this tooth. The teeth underneath a bridge are still susceptible to cavities and if this happens, the bridge option will be more expensive than the implant if it has to be replaced.

Con: Not a Good Option for People with Gum Disease

Gum disease often causes tooth loss, so if you have gum disease, you may be thinking about getting an implant. Unfortunately, if you have uncontrolled gum disease, a dentist may not recommend implants or even a bridge. You need a strong jaw to support a dental implant, which you don’t have if you suffer from severe gum disease. Also, you could develop gum disease around the implant, which exposes the titanium root.

If you have uncontrolled gum disease, you can still get dentures. However, the best option is to work with your dentist to improve your gum disease, so you can get implants.

If you have missing teeth, talk to your dentist about an implant. They are sure to give you a breathtaking smile. For more information, contact Landmark Dental Group today.