What is the Downside of Dental Implants?
The advantages of dental implants make them the go-to choice for replacing missing teeth. But are there common dental implant disadvantages you need to be aware of? At Archpoint Implant Dentistry, we believe it’s important to be honest and upfront with our patients about what’s best for their smiles. If you’re considering a consultation, understanding these common dental implant “disadvantages” and how they may impact your plans can help you feel better prepared.
Cost of Dental Implants
Probably the most concerning of dental implant disadvantages is the cost involved. Unlike budget-type restorations, dental implants do not come cheap. They typically require a modest investment per tooth, regardless of how many teeth are missing.
However…compared to dentures, bridges, and other tooth replacement options, dental implants provide the best return on investment. So any disadvantages related to pricing are simply temporary. Since implants are known for lasting decades — and often the life of the patient — they don’t have to be changed out or updated on a frequent basis like dentures. In the overall scheme of things, the math works out to show that implants are one of the smartest investments you can make. Even if they do seem to cost more upfront. That’s why we work with your insurance to maximize your benefits, as well as provide low or 0% interest financing options for affordable monthly payments.
Keep in mind that dental implant costs are variable. If you’re planning to select a specific type of restoration or elect to add on something like sedation, all of those factors will in turn impact the overall price of treatment.
Dental Implant Disadvantages: Time Required
Be wary of “dental implants in a day” or “teeth in a day” claims. One of the dental implant disadvantages people must know about is that the process isn’t one that should be rushed. Hasty treatments often lead to lengthier recovery times, compromised results, and unmet expectations.
Does that mean you’ll have to go months with missing teeth, though? Absolutely not. Although the overall time for a successful implant case can last 3-6 months or so, our implant specialists can still fit you with an interim appliance to wear while you’re waiting. So if teeth need to be extracted or we’re waiting on your implants to fully integrate (where new bone forms to anchor them in place) you can still go about your day with confidence.
However, if you’re looking for a same-day or single-visit treatment to permanently replace all of your teeth with implants, make sure you talk to a specialist. It’s unlikely that such rushed types of treatment are safe for the long-term success of your oral health. This dental implant disadvantage is actually only a minor pause in assuring the best outcome possible.
Dental Implant Disadvantages: Not Everyone Qualifies
Sadly, the biggest dental implant disadvantage is that not everyone is a candidate for this revolutionary treatment. For instance, if you have extensive bone loss, underlying disease, or a frequent history of hospitalizations, implant therapy may not be best. The biggest factor that disqualifies implant patients is that of the bone loss (which is a common side effect of tooth loss.) Without adequate bone, you simply do not have enough support to anchor the implants into place.
Fortunately, there are now some ways of managing bone loss. For instance, your implant provider can utilize 3D imaging for the computerized placement of your implants, maximizing the integrity of the bone anatomy in different places throughout your mouth. Or something like a sinus lift and bone graft can rebuild areas of bone loss to provide a safe implant installation space. With all of those options available, you may qualify for dental implants even though someone in the past told you that you didn’t.
Along the lines of qualification are things like whether an implant can be placed in a specific location. For instance, maybe there is a particularly narrow area (like a lower front missing tooth) or compromised space (due to tilted teeth) that may not support a full-sized dental implant. Or perhaps you’ve suffered from tooth loss because of corresponding gum disease, but implants can’t be placed in areas with active infections. Does that mean you have to rule out implants altogether? Not necessarily. Much of it will depend on the comprehensive treatment approach and the…
The Skill of Your Implant Provider
If you have your heart set on dental implants but your dentist isn’t experienced with similar cases, even the possible may be impossible. Dental implant disadvantages also take into account the experience and training of your provider. Working with a specialist whose expertise is implant therapy will ensure the best potential outcome, regardless of the circumstances you’re working with.
The better equipped your implant dentist is, the more confident you can be moving forward with treatment. Often people just need the reassurance of knowing their specialist is able to provide the best care possible. Or, knowing they’ll be honest with them if there’s a better option out there.
At Archpoint Implant Dentistry, our implant specialists will discuss the pros and cons of various treatment methods as they relate to your situation. We truly feel the better educated our patients are, the better equipped they will be to make informed decisions about their care. When you feel confident in entrusting your smile to us, we can offer you the peace of mind that other implant providers may not be able to.
DFW Dental Implant Specialists
Archpoint Implant Dentistry is your preferred dental implant provider in Dallas and Fort Worth. Whether you’re hoping to replace just a couple of missing teeth or need to restore your entire smile, you’ll find the advantages and perks far outweigh any dental implant disadvantages. Our attentive providers work by your side to ensure a successful, comfortable experience from start to finish.
Call one of our convenient DFW implant locations today to reserve your zero-pressure consultation. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have!
