Dental implants are one of the most effective ways to replace a missing tooth. If you’re thinking about getting implants at West Allen Dental or any other practice in the Allen, TX area, you likely have lots of questions.
Keep on reading to discover the top pros and cons of single-tooth implants, and determine if they’re the right solution for you!
The Advantages of Single-Tooth Implants
A single dental implant can have the following pros:
- Natural look and feel: Dental implants look and feel just like a natural tooth. Nobody will be able to tell that you have an artificial tooth unless you tell them. As for feel, while it’s natural to feel some initial tightness, this sensation goes away in just 1-2 days, and the implant will feel like it was always part of your mouth;
- Lasts a lifetime: An implant is a permanent replacement. The crown can last up to 15 years or so, but you won’t need to replace the other two components, the abutment or metal post which sits inside the bone;
- Cost-effective: Dental implants pay for themselves in the long run since you don’t have to replace them every few years like bridges;
- Support bone health: The metal post inserted into the jaw helps stimulate the bone and keep it from shrinking. Dental implants are effective at supporting your long-term oral health;
- Simple maintenance: Caring for an implant is identical to caring for a natural tooth. You need good oral hygiene and routine visits to the dentist for check-ups and professional cleanings, and that’s it!
The Disadvantages of Single-Tooth Implants
Some cons of single-tooth dental implants include:
- Higher initial cost: While cost-effective in the long run, dental implants require a higher initial investment than other tooth replacement options. Sometimes, you may cover at least part of the cost through dental insurance;
- Stricter eligibility criteria: Dental implants are not for everyone. You need a certain amount of healthy bone mass, to have generally good oral health, and not suffer from certain medical conditions such as a titanium allergy. A dentist will carefully vet your case to determine if you’re a good candidate for implants;
- Long healing timeline: The road toward a completed dental implant is long. After the metal post is inserted into your bone, the body begins a process called osseointegration, where all the tissues fuse to the post. It can take patients around 6 months before they can move on to the next stages of their treatment, which are getting their abutment and dental crown.
Find Out If Dental Implants Are Right for You
Dr. Navaneetha Brindha Natchimuthu would be happy to look over your case and help you find out if dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you - or recommend a better alternative.
Schedule a consultation at West Allen Dental online or call (469) 242-9500.
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