Teeth have been naturally designed, to last a lifetime. Unfortunately it isn’t so. With the evolution in dentistry, missing teeth can be replaced. In the past, people with missing teeth had limited options namely, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Today, dental implants and implant over dentures offer an alternative cosmetic solution to most people.
Replacement of missing teeth is important to maintain a healthy balance not only in the oral cavity but also to your general health. Loss of teeth not only impairs the chewing ability of the individual, but also other problems like,
* Movement of neighboring teeth, like tipping
* Crowding of teeth
* Shrinkage of gum tissue
* Disturbed occlusion, due to changed tooth positions, which can also lead to food impaction, dental calculus or tartar formation & bad breath
* Collapse of jaw bone.
Missing tooth, also means missing root. Natural tooth root provides support to the jaw bone, and gum tissue. A dental implant replicates the root of the natural tooth, which fuses very well with the jaw bone, and meets the functional demand, similar to a natural root. This prevents further damage.
Lets have a quick glance at the advantages and disadvantages of a dental implant,
ADVANTAGES
After the healing process, the dental implant fuses completely with the jaw bone, forming a single functional unit. This increases the chewing efficiency of the individual.
The appearance, function of a dental implant is as good as your natural tooth.
The site, where the implant is placed, further bone loss, and jaw shrinkage does not take place. The bone volume, and dimensions are maintained.
Denture wearers, always dread, that their dentures, might give way while eating or speaking. This is not the case with implants.
Since implants are placed in sites where, teeth are missing, the adjacent teeth are not touched. Neighboring natural teeth need not be altered, which is the case with bridges. This ensures long term stability, and durability.
Oral hygiene and maintenance with dental implants is easy.
Facial appearance is restored, avoiding a sunken face look.
DISADVANTAGES
Dental implant procedures call for a major investments, which is not free of risks.
The entire treatment regime, is time consuming compared to other modalities, like bridges and dentures.
Frequent and several visits to the dentist is needed.
A well kept follow up routine is necessary for every implant patient.
It is technique sensitive, hence the skill of the practitioner is important.
Other complications are common with any other surgical procedures, like pain, bruising, swelling.
Hence, before deciding to undergo the implant procedure, a close and critical assessment of the pros and cons of the same is important.
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