Dentures used to be the best option for getting a perfect smile despite having a few lost teeth. Dentures are removable, but permanent fittings – dental implants – have become an incredibly popular option in cosmetic dentistry.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of dental implants to help you decide whether it may be a viable option for your lost teeth:
Benefits of a Dental Implant
Stability
Implanted teeth are prosthetics that are fastened into your jawbone, so they won’t slip like dentures can. This can save you from experiencing embarrassing moments in front of your peers and loved ones.
Normal Oral Maintenance
You don’t remove dental implants every night to clean and soak them like you would for dentures. Instead, you simply brush and floss them like you do for your regular teeth.
Excellent Fit
While most people who have removable false teeth still come in for a periodic re-fitting, dentures don’t always fit as well as dental implants do. Implants – which are sometimes referred to as “permanent dentures” – are custom-made to fit into, not just around, your mouth.
Because you don’t take them out to clean and soak them overnight, your mouth never adjusts to being without them as can happen with removable dentures. Therefore, dental implants are less likely to change form over time. You’ll need fewer adjustments, and they’ll look and feel more natural.
Comfortable
Dental implants are attached directly into your jawbone, so there’s no painful or awkward metal that goes into your mouth to hold your false teeth like with dentures. Because they typically fit your mouth better, implants enable you to speak and eat more efficiently. These prosthetic teeth also allow for a more evenly distributed biting force.
Cons of Dental Implants
Cost
If you’re considering getting dental implants, keep in mind that they’re significantly more expensive at the outset than removable dentures are. That said, implants may be able to save you money in the long run since you won’t have to change them or have them adjusted as often.
Surgery Is Required
If you want to steer clear of operations, dental implants are not for you. Even though implant surgery is not very invasive, surgery is still required to attach the teeth into your mouth.
If you have issues with bleeding or clotting and have been told to avoid surgical procedures as much as possible, this elective surgery should actually be avoided. It would be better to get dentures or bridges to replace your missing teeth.
Expert Dentist in St. Paul
If you’re intrigued about dental implants, talk to an experienced dentist to find out whether it’s the best option for you. There are many types of cosmetic dentistry now available to help you achieve the perfect smile you want, from laminates to implants to whitening and more.
Call us today at (651) 646-2392 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Steven Hagerman at Hagerman Dental Care. If you prefer, you can fill out our appointment request form right now. We look forward to serving you with a smile!