Is it worth getting a dental implant?

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone as the root of a missing tooth. The titanium in the implant fuses with the jawbone to prevent slipping, nose, or bone damage. This artificial structure cannot decay similarly to a normal tooth, making it quite durable, and it will not only improve your oral hygiene but acts as a long-lasting solution. iHeart Dental, located in Rincon, GA, offers several dental implant options.

Pros of Dental Implants

• They can last forever: When dental implants are well-cared for, they can last for decades, indicating that there will be a long-term solution for your smile. In most instances, dental implants have an extremely low failure rate, recording a 98% success rate proving to be the most effective treatment in modern dentistry. 
• They mimic natural teeth: Dental implants act as holistic replacements for natural healthy teeth since their designs resemble the natural size and shape of the replaced teeth. This aspect enables them to effectively support the bone and facial tissues for a healthy and youthful appearance. 
• Dental implants enable an individual to eat and chew easily: Unlike full dentures. partial dentures, and dental bridges, implants make eating and chewing easy since they feel identical to natural teeth. 
• Dental implants prevent bone loss: The teeth roots strengthen the jaw bone, but after losing a tooth, the bone surrounding the site might start breaking down, a condition known as periodontitis. However, dental implants prevent this condition since they are anchored into your jaw, just like a real tooth. 

Cons of Dental Implants

• There are specific requirements for dental implants: Whenever you get a dental implant fitting, certain criteria must be attained since the procedure entails anchoring it into the jaw bone. Therefore, if a patient experiences intense bone loss after losing their teeth, they may not be eligible for such implants. A patient also needs to be in good physical health to increase the chances of a full jaw recovery after the surgery. Smokers are also not advised to get these implants since smoking increases failure chances, risking bone loss. 
• The dental implant procedure is lengthy: Dental implant surgeries are not quick fixes since the procedures take several months. If you are replacing an existing damaged tooth, you will need first to remove it, and the dentist will also need time to prepare the tooth site before fitting the implant anchor. After fitting the anchor, you will need to wait several months for it to heal and for the surrounding bone to grow before placing the artificial tooth.
• Dental implants might fail: Regardless of their high success rates, there are 5-10% chances of dental implant failure. Failure can be caused by gum diseases, insufficient jawbone, or other medical conditions, including diabetes, poor dental hygiene, or smoking.

When does someone know they need dental implants?

Some of the outlined signs that a patient requires dental implants are as follows:

• Missing or chipped teeth
• When your dentures are not fitting properly
• There are signs of infection on your tooth (periodontal disease)
• Deteriorating jawbone
• When a patient has a sinking-in face

Book an appointment with us

iHeart Dental will assist in determining your replacement tooth options to boost your confidence and improve your overall health. We prioritize our services on improving a patient’s quality of life and are with you through the entire process. Our dental clinic is in Rincon, GA; please contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Seale. We look forward to working with you!