Dental implants have the power to change lives, they are no small decision to make. Ultimately, the answer to questions like “are dental implants worth it”, is a personal conclusion; however, there are some considerations you can make as you decide whether dental implants are the right choice for you.
As with any medical procedure, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding. This article explores the benefits and potential drawbacks of dental implants and shares stories from real patients who have gotten dental implants.
Top 5 Reasons Dental Implants are Worth It
A Permanent Solution: If you’re missing teeth or in need of a full mouth restoration, dental implants offer a permanent solution that gets as close as possible to the look and feel of healthy, natural teeth. Other solutions, like dentures, partials, and bridges, are temporary solutions that could result in bone loss and jawbone shrinkage.
If you’re looking for a permanent solution but don’t want to wait for what could be up to 10+ months to get new, permanent teeth, you’re in the right place. You can get new, permanent teeth 24 hours after dental implant surgery with Nuvia. Not only will you have a new smile in 24 hours, you’ll be able to use your new zirconia teeth right away on a soft food diet rather than an all-liquid diet other providers may require.
See if you may be eligible for permanent teeth in 24 hours with this 60-second quiz!
Look and Feel Like Natural Teeth: Dental implants provide a natural look and feel, improving not only your smile but many patients share how it’s improved their confidence as well. Unlike dentures and other temporary solutions, they are designed to fuse with bone, becoming permanent. They also don’t cover the top of your mouth in the same way a denture would. Dentures can often feel unnatural or loose, especially if they haven’t been regularly refitted and the jawbone changes.
Improved Oral and Overall Health: Periodontal disease and missing teeth can lead to more severe health concerns such as cardiovascular disease if not taken care of. Dental implants make it possible to take care of periodontal disease concerns and food restrictions that prevent individuals from eating a nutritious diet.
Convenience and Comfort: Dental implants are permanent so there is never any need to worry about taking them out or using messy solutions to keep them in place. They function like your own teeth and require similar maintenance practices as natural, healthy teeth do.
Eating and Speaking with Ease: Implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain. Temporary solutions can often have limitations or may be prone to breaking with tougher foods. If it’s been too long since you’ve been able to enjoy an apple, steak, or other personal favorite, start the dental implant process by seeing if you may be a candidate with this 60-second quiz.
If you’re wondering “are dental implants worth it?”, keep these benefits in mind and picture a life where you aren’t limited by your teeth.
4 Reasons You Shouldn’t Get Dental Implants
So when is “no” the answer to “are dental implants worth it?”. Here are just a few reasons not to get dental implants.
Compromised Health Conditions: If you are already battling significant health issues like diabetes or chronic infections, getting dental implants might not be the best idea. The implants require your body to welcome a foreign object—a titanium implant. During other health battles, your body might struggle to properly heal around the implants, potentially seeing them as an enemy rather than a helper. This could lead to complications, or even a rejection of the implants.
Insufficient Bone Density: One of the most common hurdles in getting dental implants is the lack of sufficient bone density in the jaw. Without enough bone, implants cannot anchor securely, much like a fence with stakes that are only an inch deep in the ground. Over time, especially for those who have worn dentures for years, jaw bone can deteriorate to the point where even securing dentures becomes a challenge. Although advances in dental technology have made it possible to work around this issue, it remains a significant barrier for many.
Smoking: Smoking can severely hinder the healing process necessary for dental implants to successfully integrate with your bone. The reduced blood flow and lower oxygen levels in the tissues surrounding the implant site that result from smoking can lead to implant failure. So are dental implants worth it if you smoke? Probably not, unless you quit prior to getting your implants placed.
Age Considerations: For younger individuals, particularly teenagers and those in their early twenties, dental implants might not be advisable due to ongoing facial growth and bone development. Implanting too early could lead to complications as the jaw continues to develop.
If cost is a concern for you or a big consideration in whether or not dental implants are worth it, check out the FREE dental implant cost guide. Get information on insurance, payment plans, and find out how affordable dental implants can be.
So Are Dental Implants Worth It?
Ultimately, the answer to “are dental implants worth it?” is personal. Itt depends on your specific circumstances—your oral health, the condition of your jawbone, your general health, and your budget. Dental implants, and especially permanent teeth in 24 hours, offer significant benefits and can dramatically improve quality of life.
Wondering if you’re a candidate? Take this 60-second quiz to see if you may be a candidate for dental implants.
