
Dental implants are worth the time and expense if you need to replace a missing tooth. Implants provide a strong foundation for permanent or removable teeth and can be made to look like your natural teeth.
Tooth loss can occur due to decay, cavities, periodontal disease, or injury. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants replace both the tooth and the root. This can help prevent a gap from causing your other teeth to shift.
What are the pros of dental implants?
- Appearance: Implants serve a cosmetic purpose by looking like your natural teeth.
- Speech: Dentures can slip from the teeth sockets and cause you to slur or mumble. Since dental implants are fused to your bone, you don’t have to worry about this problem.
- Eating: When dentures are poorly fitted, chewing can be difficult. Since implants work like your own teeth, you can eat normally.
- Self-esteem: If you are missing a tooth, it can prevent you from smiling in public. Implants can give you confidence in your smile.
- Durability: When cared for properly, dental implants can last for years and don’t require much maintenance other than practicing good oral hygiene.
- Convenience: Since permanent dental implants don’t need to be removed or kept in place with adhesives, they are more convenient than dentures.
- Safety: In most cases, the procedure is safe and relatively painless. Some people may experience mild discomfort and irritation in the gums after the surgery, which appropriate medications can help with.
Who can get dental implants?
Most healthy people are eligible for dental implant surgery. Requirements include:
- Healthy gums with enough bone to hold the implant
- Good oral hygiene
- No comorbidities such as uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension
- No heavy smoking
In the past, people with diabetes were recommended not to get dental implants. However, current guidelines state that those whose blood sugar levels are under control can undergo the procedure.
Before making a decision regarding implants, you should consult your dentist.
How are dental implants done?
Dental implant surgery is a complex procedure that involves a team of skilled dental surgeons. Treatment plans are tailored to the needs of each patient.
- A titanium root implant is prepared and placed in the tooth socket. The gums surrounding the new root heal after 12 weeks and secure it in place.
- After this, a connecting post called an abutment is attached to the root. This anchors the new tooth to the root.
- An artificial tooth that resembles the original tooth is fixed to the root.

SLIDESHOW
Mouth Problems: TMJ, Canker Sores, Painful Gums and More See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
WebMD. Dental Implants. https://webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants
Top Are Dental Implants Worth It Related Articles
Can You Fix Tooth Decay?
While tooth decay can be prevented, once it starts it can only be stopped from progressing further. It can’t be reversed.Caring for Your Dentures
Dentures must be brushed daily, just like natural teeth. A denture cleanser, hand soap, or mild dishwashing liquid may be used to clean your dentures. If your dentures don't have metal attachments, they should be stored in a denture cleansing soaking solution or water when not being used.Dental Bonding
Dental bonding involves the application of resin on teeth to restore or improve one's smile. The bonding material may not resist stains or last as long as crowns, veneers, or fillings. Bonding typically lasts for 3 to 10 years before needing to be touched up or replaced.Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that encase the tooth with the purpose of restoring the size, shape, strength or appearance of the tooth. Crowns may be temporary or permanent and may be made out of materials such as porcelain, resin, or metal.Dental Problems: Tooth Decay, TMJ, Mouth Pain Causes & Treatments
Do you have a toothache? What is oral cancer? Symptoms like mouth pain and sensitive teeth can indicate dental problems. Learn the causes of painful problems in your mouth like tooth decay, TMJ, and dry mouth. See how bad breath starts, and how to fight bad breath with dental treatments that work.Dental Implants
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that are anchored into the jawbone in order to secure and provide a foundation for replacement teeth. Implants look and feel like your own teeth, and they become permanent because they are designed to fuse with bone. Dental implants require the same care as reel teeth.
Dental Health Quiz
Take the Dental Health Quiz to test your IQ of oral hygiene, cavities, and common tongue and gum diseases. This quiz covers healthy mouths and teeth from brushing to flossing and everything in between check-ups!Dental Sealants
Dental sealants protect teeth from tooth decay by coating the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Sealants are thin coats of plastic that are typically applied to the back teeth. Sealants may last for up to 10 years.Dental X-Rays
There are two types of dental X-rays: intraoral and extraoral. Intraoral X-rays include bite-wing, periapical, and occlusal X-rays. Extraoral X-rays include panoramic, tomograms, cephalometric projections, sialography, and CT scanning.Dentures
Dentures, removable replacements for missing teeth, come in two types: partial and complete dentures. Dental implants and bridges are suitable alternatives to dentures. Though it usually takes a while to get used to eating and speaking with new dentures, denture adhesives can improve the stability of the denture and provide a sense of security for the denture wearer.Dentures Picture
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. See a picture of Dentures and learn more about the health topic.Disadvantages of Dental Implants
The most common disadvantage of getting a dental implant is that it is a costly procedure and may not always be covered by insurance providers.How Painful Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are considered to be the best options to replace missing or damaged teeth. Depending on where it was placed, discomfort can also be felt in the chin, cheeks or underneath the eyes. Sometimes, Overall, patients report that the results are well worth the process.Protect Your Teeth: 19 Bad Dental Habits to Avoid
Bad dental habits can wreck your teeth. Teeth grinding, chewing on ice, playing sports without a mouth guard, and eating and drinking sugary foods and drinks are just a few bad habits that are bad for teeth. Giving nighttime baby bottles, opening things with your teeth, and chewing on pencils can also damage teeth and tissues in the mouth. Drinking red wine and white wine can erode enamel and stain teeth. Smoking, tobacco use, drinking coffee can all lead to tooth stains. Binge eating disorder leads to the consumption of large amounts of sugary food, which can lead to tooth decay. Purging exposes teeth to acids that can wear down enamel.Teeth, Gums and Health
Is your mouth healthy? Teeth and gums can warn you about diseases like diabetes, anemia, and osteoporosis. Find out why gum disease is often found in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and why tooth loss and kidney disease may be linked.