What are the pros and cons of dental implants?

Advantages: As we get older, dentures and removable bridges are usually loose and unstable, implants are dental replacements that are both natural looking and very functional. Dental Implants provides improved appearance, improved speech, comfort, easier eating, improved oral health, have good durability and is convenience as compared to traditional removable bridges, and offer the same force for biting as bridges that are fixed in place. Implants do normally last for the lifetime.  Disadvantages: Implants are a major investment and not without risk. As dental implant treatment involves surgery, it is very important to research and find a well credited dental implant dentist that you are comfortable with. As with similar types of surgery, bruising and minor swelling might also develop shortly after the procedure. The crown (or false tooth placed on top of the dental implant) may need to be replaced in ten to fifteen years.

What is the difference between conventional dental implant and mini dental implant?

Conventional implants can be used in a variety of ways including single tooth replacements,multiple tooth replacements, denture fixation and stabilization and orthodontic anchorage. Mini and micro implants normally have only one limited application that is to support a denture via a “snap-on” attachment. The chance of upgrading later on to another prosthesis, which requires a different attachement or interface currently does not exist with mini implants. The success rates for micro implants and mini implants tend also to be lower, but there is still very little data out there. Mini-implants however are definately are less expensive than their conventional counterparts. However, if opting to upgrade to a fixed prosthesis in the future, mini implants would unlikely be choosen.

How long do dental implants last?

Tooth Implants generally last for 10-20 years or more depending on the location of the implant and patient compliance with oral hygiene and dental visits. Because molars receive more stress and wear and tear, these tooth implants may typically not last as long as implants located at the front.

Can the abutment and implant post be one piece like in natural teeth?

Implants and abutments do come in one piece. However, the safest surgical technique is not to have anything sticking so high above the gums before osseointegration. Furthermore, implant abutments offer plenty of choices and possibilities. Abutments can be straight or tilted to compensate for non-ideal positions of implants.