You can lose a tooth as a result of unsuccessful root canals, tooth decays, gum disease or accidents. Sometimes people lose their teeth because of the aging factor. Before dental implants were invented, bridges and dentures were used to fill the gap left. However, they were not very effective. This is why the dentist introduced dental implants to help achieve a natural look by replacing the lost teeth.
Once you lose a tooth, it can affect the jaw structure, which in turn affects the structure of your face. Living with a gap is dangerous because it leaves the jaw vulnerable to disintegrate. Teeth help to protect the jaws and minimize the risk of wearing out. This is because the open jaw will be having friction with the food that you eat causing it to wear out. Without teeth, your diet is limited to soft foods. This is why you need to replace your lost teeth. Here at Dental Singapore we have trained dentists who can do dental implants surgery.
Dental implants are the best solution once you lose your teeth or tooth. They are a long-term solution, unlike bridges and dentures. Here is everything you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants appear like natural teeth
One can hardly tell if you have had a dental implant because it looks like the natural tooth. People cannot tell the difference when you are talking or smiling. You will be able to eat and chew food comfortable just like when you have the natural teeth. The implant is anchored well in the jaw and it will be as stable as the existing teeth.
Dental implants are durable
Are you looking for a lifetime solution? Dental implants are the solution for you because they are permanent and operate like natural teeth. If you have crowns, they will need a replacement after every 10 years and you are more likely to forget to keep the track. If they stay for long without being replaced, it can affect your gum and existing teeth.
With dental implants, you will need to maintain oral hygiene and avoid habits such as smoking because it affects the longevity of the implants.
Normal chewing is maintained
You can experience chewing limitations when you have bridges and dentures. With dental implants, you will not experience the difference because they are similar to your natural teeth. You can eat both crunchy snacks, hot or cold drinks, and chew comfortably with no concern. However, you need not overdo sugary snacks.
Protect the jaw bone from deteriorating
Your jawbone is strengthened by the roots of the teeth. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone starts wearing out. This process is called periodontitis. To prevent this from happening, you can consider having a dental implant to protect your jawbone from wearing out. The screw-like root remains in the jawbone and prevents it from wearing out just like the natural root.
Easy maintenance
You take care of the dental implants just like your natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing help to keep the teeth clean and the dental implants as well. You need to have a healthy daily diet to have good oral health.
Cost-effective
The dental implants are cost-effective because they provide a lifetime solution to lost teeth. Once the implants are fitted in your jawbone, you do not pay for them again. It is a one-time cost for a lifetime.
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
Set requirements have to be met
For a dental implant to be performed, the dentist has to check the strength of your jaw and the condition. If the jawbone is not strong enough or it is worn out, you might need jaw grafting prior to the implant. This means that the jawbone is given time to recover if grafting is done.
Smokers are limited
Smokers are discouraged to have dental implants because it can lead to failure of the implant.
The dental implant procedure is lengthy
The healing period after the implant is lengthy unlike having dentures or bridges. You are required to commit yourself for several months and has several clinical visits.