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Dental Implant Surgery Pros & Cons

Are you considering dental implants?

Thanks to advances in the techniques and materials used today, this surgery is a safe and effective method of restoring missing teeth. And for most patients, the benefits of implants clearly outweigh any potential drawbacks.

dental implant surgery

To help you decide if dental implants are for you, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this revolutionary approach to tooth restoration.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Oral surgeons and patients alike consider implants to be the best method of tooth replacement (restoration) for three reasons: feel, functionality and appearance.

To the patient, implants feel like real teeth. They fit just as securely in the gums, so they are much more comfortable than bridges and dentures.

Once healing is complete, the replacement teeth function exactly like natural teeth, so patients can speak, bite and chew normally. Some foods are off-limits with dentures and bridges, but with implants you can enjoy any food you could eat with your natural teeth.

Finally, implants offer an exceptional aesthetic benefit. Unlike other tooth replacement options, no one will ever know that you have replacement teeth.

Drawbacks of Dental Implant Surgery

Patients who decide against this procedure typically do so for one of two reasons — cost or complexity.

Implants may not be covered by some dental insurance plans, or only partially covered. In that case, out-of-pocket costs can seem daunting, particularly for patients who need multiple replacement teeth.

However, as they can last a lifetime with the proper care, implants are a one-time expense. And because they are placed in the gums much like the natural tooth roots, implants help guard against bone loss in the jaw. Dentures and bridges do not, and the subsequent bone loss means that these restorations frequently require adjustment or replacement.

Complexity is another reason some patients to choose to forego implant surgery. Some patients require extensive co-procedures before implants can be successfully placed, which raise both the cost and time investment in tooth replacement.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Most patients are excellent candidates for dental implants. As long as you are healthy enough for a routine dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction or filling, you are likely a good candidate for implant surgery.

Some health conditions can influence your options for tooth replacement. Patients with cancer, degenerative bone disease and certain chronic illnesses may have difficulties with the healing process. Smoking is also a factor, as it can slow healing and increase the risk of implant failure.

The experienced professionals at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah can explain all of your options for restoring missing teeth. Contact one of our three convenient Salt Lake City area offices today to schedule your dental implant surgery consultation.

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