What are dental implants? A dental implant, also known as an endosseous implant, is a surgically placed fixture in the jaw that fuses with your natural bone and becomes the foundation for a replacement tooth.
Dental implants can be used to anchor replacement teeth, including artificial teeth called dentures or partial dentures. However, dental implants aren’t perfect—in fact, there are a few things to be considered before they’re placed in your mouth.
1) Relatively High Cost
The total cost for a dental implant varies from case to case, but it is generally more than $4,000 per tooth in Australia. Along with other costs during the procedure, it could go anywhere between $4,000 and $10,000. So it is more expensive than a denture, though the price difference is reflected in the quality and lifespan of the dental implants.
2) It can be a bit Painful
Patients do report that dental implants are more painful than other treatments. Dental implants can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months to complete, nowadays technology allows less time from the first appointment. If you have a dental implant, there is a good chance that your dentist will prescribe oral painkillers to help you ease the pain. But still, dental implants can be painful for some patients.
3) Not Suitable for Everyone
Dental implants are not suitable for everyone. As mentioned previously, because they stimulate natural tooth development, people with serious gum disease should avoid dental implants unless their gum disease has been treated and resolved through other methods prior to the dental implant.
4) Needs Maintenance (cleaning, etc.)
One of the main reasons that people are interested in getting dental implants is that they believe they will be a one-time expense. While it is true that you will not have to get fillings or crowns again, you do need to maintain them (just like your natural teeth).
With dental implants, however, you’ll want to continue with regular check-ups and cleanings so that your dentist can see how well your gums are healing. You’ll also need to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
5) Need to Remove Teeth Before Inserting the Implants
If you want to get dental implants, it means that at least one tooth may need to be removed. While removing teeth and replacing them with an implant might sound easy in theory, it can be quite complex. If a patient has a single tooth that is badly decayed or damaged, for example, then it may be a good idea to remove this single tooth for implants.
Another reason why you might need to remove some teeth is if there aren’t enough left for anchor points for your dental implants.
6) Can Cause Multiple Complications if Not Done Properly
If you’re going to have a surgical procedure done, you want to make sure that it’s done properly. Dental implant procedures can cause multiple complications and problems if not done properly.
If possible, go to an experienced dental implant surgery so that your chances of experiencing complications are as low as possible. It’s also worth noting that your dentist should be easily available and someone you feel comfortable confiding in throughout all stages of surgery; otherwise, it could cause more stress than it’s worth.
In Summary
A few precautions should be taken before getting dental implants. However, following the instructions and advice from our experienced implant specialists will help mitigate the risks as much as possible.
