At ARCHPOINT, we believe our dental implant clients deserve the absolute truth when it comes to restoring their smiles. Our specialists are completely open books when it comes to helping our clients plan their smile reconstruction. And that means being honest when it comes to the PROS and CONS of dental implants in DFW.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the modern-day artificial tooth root used for replacing missing teeth. They can be used for single, multiple, or full-mouth tooth replacement, depending on how many teeth need to be restored. They’re biocompatible, hypoallergenic, and made to outperform nearly every other tooth-replacement option in dentistry today.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
The ideal candidate for dental implants is someone with missing teeth and healthy bone to support the implant restorations. Every potential candidate will need to be screened beforehand to ensure they have adequate space for the implants. It’s also important to share your medical history to discuss whether there are any pre-existing conditions or medications that need to be considered.
The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Here are some of the most notable advantages and disadvantages of getting dental implants. Really!
PRO: Dental Implants Last a Long Time
A well-maintained dental implant really can last for the rest of your life. No other restoration is able to do that. Once it’s placed properly and you care for it as directed, this investment is one that’s with you for the long haul. In the majority of cases, our implant patients can expect to have it for the rest of their lives.
CON: The Dental Implant Procedure is Usually Longer
Rarely is it possible to place and restore dental implants in one day. And even if you do, there are follow-up treatments required. The typical dental implant procedure spans 3-6 months or more, depending on the individual. This time allows your implants to integrate. But when they do, they can last for life! Never rush perfection.
PRO: Dental Implants Look and Feel Like Real Teeth
The stand-alone design of implants makes them fully independent of the rest of your smile. Their design is modeled after anatomical teeth, so they look and feel natural. Each restoration is crafted for optimal aesthetics and a natural shape so that you can smile with confidence. Even your everyday home care routine is like having real teeth all over again.
CON: You Get What You Pay For
When you see cheap same-day dental implants, remember, “buyer beware.” Many of these implant prosthetics are temporary or made from off-market providers, where you can’t easily maintain them. They almost always require additional investments and hidden costs. Thankfully, that’s not the case when you work with our DFW specialists.
PRO: Implants Offer the Best Return on Investment
When you compare the cost to the outcome of dental implants and other tooth replacements, implants are the clear winner. They’re a one-time investment that you pay for and don’t have to worry about re-paying for every ten years because they don’t wear out.
CON: The Cost of Dental Implants is Higher Than Other Options
Yes, dental implant prices are higher than dentures, bridges, or other tooth replacements. Thankfully, you normally only pay for them once instead of replacing them every so many years. On top of that, flexible financing makes them easy to budget so that you don’t have to wait to get them.
PRO: You Can Eat Whatever You Want With Dental Implants
The strength and integrity of dental implants mean none of your favorite foods are off-limits. Unlike dentures, you can bite right into corn on the cob, eat steak, or even chew gum if you want to. You won’t have to cut things up into small pieces or eat soft foods. Implants are stronger than teeth.
CON: Not Everyone Qualifies for Dental Implant Treatment
There are specific criteria—such as dense bone and healthy gum tissue—required to be able to get a dental implant. Even certain medications may disqualify you; fortunately, those are fairly less common. And for people whose mouths aren’t healthy enough for dental implants, other types of implant designs may still be available.
Alternatives to Dental implants
Maybe you feel like the CONS of dental implants outweigh the PROS. If that’s the case—and you’re still struggling with selecting the best tooth replacement—don’t worry. ARCHPOINT still offers other alternative types of dental implant treatments for people who might not otherwise fit the “traditional” profile of an implant patient.
For instance, you could consider:
Zygomatic Dental Implants
Someone who doesn’t have enough bone to support traditional dental implants can still get dental implants! That’s exactly why zygomatic implants exist. These alternative implant designs are specifically used in scenarios where there’s extensive bone loss, preventing the need for bone grafting or sinus lifts. Their longer design allows them to be placed at an angle, using the natural cheekbone above and adjacent to the teeth for support.
Snap-on Overdentures/Implant Stabilized Dentures
This specific implant appliance is like common ground between a traditional denture and All-on-4 implants. In this case, it’s an implant-supported denture (that looks and feels like a regular denture), but it has special attachments underneath. These locators clip or snap onto 2-4 corresponding dental implants in your mouth. Overdentures can sometimes be a same-day treatment option, and they’re much more budget savvy than permanent full-arch appliances.
Dental implants in Dallas & Fort Worth
Still struggling to decide whether the PROS outweigh the CONS of dental implants in your situation? Our dental implant specialists in Dallas & Fort Worth are open and honest with you when it comes to whether or not implants are right for you. We’re happy to explain how the treatment works in your specific situation and whether or not any alternative dental implant options are available. Don’t forget to ask about our flexible 0% and low-interest payment options.
Request your no-obligation consultation at ARCHPOINT today to get started.
