Pros & Cons of Dental Implants

There’s no question that implant dentistry has come a long way. Patients who have lost one or more teeth no longer have to be embarrassed about their incomplete smiles. Instead, with the help of dental implants, they can show off new teeth that look and function just like the ones they were born with!

Here at Mentor Smiles, we’re dedicated to making sure that all patients who are candidates for implant dentistry can enjoy the benefits of this revolutionary procedure. To help you determine if dental implants might be a good fit for you, we’ve laid out the pros and cons below.

THE PROS

 1.  Easier Chewing & Speaking

Trying to chew or speak clearly when you are missing one or more teeth is not easy. In fact, it can be downright impossible in some circumstances. With a dental implant, though, you’ll have a replacement for that missing tooth that feels and functions just like the real thing. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite foods and attempt those tongue-twisters with no problem!

 2.  Jawbone Preservation

Jawbone is one of those “use it or lose it” things in life. If you do not have a full smile, part of your jawbone may start to be reabsorbed into the body. By placing an implant, we signal to your body that the jawbone is still needed, so it’s not reabsorbed. (This is why it’s better to get implants sooner rather than later.)
 

 3.  A Full Smile

Forget about being embarrassed over the appearance of your smile! Once you have your dental implant put in and topped with an appropriate crown, very few people will be able to tell the difference between an implant and a natural tooth. You’ll be able to smile wide for the camera and show off your smile whenever and wherever you want.

THE CONS

 1.  The Cost

There’s no question that dental implant costs can be a barrier for many patients. We can’t give a general cost range here, as so much depends on the patient’s insurance coverage and individual circumstances. What we can do is say that we are committed to working with patients and their insurance companies to make sure that patients who need dental implants can get them.
 

 2.  The Time

The dental implant process can be a lengthy one, taking as many as 3-6 months and numerous appointments before the implant has fused to the jawbone and can be crowned. That’s why we’re now offering one-day implants for patients who qualify. Depending on your personal circumstances, we might be able to place and cap implants in just one day!

 3.  Candidacy

While dental implants are a necessary treatment for many patients, the truth is that not all patients are candidates for them. If you’ve already lost significant portions of your jawbone or are missing many teeth, dental implants might not be a practical solution. However, rest assured that Mentor Smiles will work with you to find a treatment that gives you the full smile you need and deserve.

Obviously, there’s only so much we can cover in a single blog post. If you have more questions about dental implants or want to discover if you’re a candidate, just get in touch with us! We’d be happy to schedule an appointment for a consultation and help you find the right treatment for your smile. Call us today to get started!