While it is true that dental implants have been touted as the most significant advancement in dental history, they do still have both advantages and disadvantages. It is important that all patients who are interested in dental implants compare the pros and cons of this tooth replacement option and compare them against other options that are available to them.
The most significant disadvantage of dental implants is certainly the cost. Dental implants are an invasive dental procedure that requires surgery, healing time, often bone grafts, dental crowns, and more. All of these together cost a pretty penny, and they are a high price to pay to improve one’s smile. While some people feel that the cost is worth the reward, others with budget constraints may not have the means for this tooth replacement option. Of course, the cost does vary from person to person depending on the difficult or ease of his or her unique situation.
Another disadvantage of dental implants is that dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of the procedure. Some coverage plans will cover a part of the cost, but that usually does not go very far. While this is ridiculous since the importance of replacing missing teeth for the health and integrity of the entire mouth is well cited, dental insurance will still not cover much of the cost.
Dental implants require surgery, and surgery requires downtime and healing. Because the entire procedure for dental implant surgery is an invasive procedure, patients will undergo time in which they must recover. It is important that patients are able to take time off from work or other responsibilities in order to compensate for the downtime that is required.
Dental implants also require bone integration for them to become stable structures within the mouth. This means that while the actual implant anchor is healing and integrating with the jaw bone, a hole will be left inside the mouth where the crown is still missing. A crown cannot be placed until the anchor has properly integrated.
While dental implants are known to be a permanent solution for tooth replacement, the crown will probably need to be replaced some day. Just like with natural teeth, porcelain crowns can also chip, break, and require replacement.
At Georgia Denture & Implant Specialists, we are the trusted source for dental implants and tooth replacement options. We will help you decide whether the cons outweigh the pros in your situation so that you make the best choice possible.
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