Benefits & Limitations Of Dental
Implants
By William J. Schlotz, D.D.S.
So you’ve lost a tooth and are considering replacing
it. Why not choose Dental Implants? They are highly successful
(90+%); enjoy lofty patient satisfaction; have stood the
test of time-- all of which have resulted in an acceleration
in treatment acceptance by both patients and dentists
alike (please see March’s Healthy Planet article
for more details). This month I’ll detail many of
the benefits of dental implants. And to balance the record,
I’ll delve into their limitations.
Dental implants benefit patients in numerous ways. However,
far and away my number one favorite benefit is that of
BONE PRESERVATION. Bone requires stimulation from within
(internal) for it to remain healthy; without which, it
will shrink (called disuse atrophy). Worse, denture or
partial (external) forces will compress bone causing it
to shrink even faster. Once bone has been lost, getting
it back is difficult and costly, if at all possible. Veteran
denture/ partial wearers learn (sometimes all too soon)
just how precious a ridge of bone in the mouth is.
Dental implants are also Minimally Invasive. How is that
possible? Assuming the need/desire for teeth to chew (Cuisinarts
are so passé), consider the alternatives. Beyond
implants, there are only 2 tooth replacement choices available
to dental patients today, each being invasive. Removable
partial dentures will torque supporting teeth causing
them to loosen over time. They will also cause a pressure
necrosis (think: shrink) to the underlying bony ridge.
Fixed bridges involve cutting down otherwise healthy teeth
to become abutments. In contrast, implants simply replace
what was lost-- in an uncompromising (and natural) way.
Other benefits of implants include an enhanced esthetics
and ability to chew. Chewing forces are similar to natural
teeth and TEN times greater than w/ dentures. For the
cosmetically inclined it’s comforting to know that
implant retained restorations exhibit life-like, natural
characteristics. For many they have a rejuvenating effect
on appearance. Finally, and likely most important, implants
lead to an emotional ‘lift’, heightened self-esteem
and renewed confidence.
So what’s not to like about dental implants? Not
much if you are a suitable candidate, have sufficient
money (to pay for them) and are one of the 90+% success
cases. Let’s briefly examine each of the 3 above
limitations individually.
Severely medically compromised (most especially uncontrolled
diabetic) patients are NOT candidates for dental implant
therapy. If interested, consult with a dentist with implant
experience for other extreme medical contra-indications.
Patients with minimal ridge structure, unfortunately,
are usually left wanting. Today however, with smaller
(mini) implants available and newer grafting techniques,
many patients are still candidates even with a somewhat
reduced ridge. A quick (and inexpensive) panorex type
image can usually help determine this.
Implant cost varies depending on the type of implant (conventional
vs. mini). Typically, fees range from $800-1500 for implant
placement. The restoration fee is quite variable depending
on a fixed or removable solution. Dental implants enjoy
an extremely high rate of success, however it is not 100%.
Typically, patients are informed of a 5-10% chance of
failure over the long term. Many dentists who place implants
will guarantee the success of the implant, thereby minimizing
patient financial risk.
Implants are an important and valuable treatment choice
in a patient’s quest for tooth replacement. They
certainly are not for everyone. This is an issue of quality
of life choice. People’s perspective will differ
significantly. However, when an implant has been successfully
treatment planned, surgically placed and esthetically
restored…. Buyer’s remorseIn my experienceknow
of no cases of buyer’s remorse. And because they
help prevent bone loss, implants can help to maintain
a more youthful appearance. The implant procedure has
been refined and improved since their modern invention
in 1952. A titanium post will be placed into the bone
to support a single replacement tooth, or a frame for
several. The post will become biologically fused to
the jawbone, and the replacement tooth will be secured
to this post. The results? A natural-looking fully functional
smile.
For more information, contact Dr. Schlotz at Plazaview
Dental Care, 314-843-0500.
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