Dental implants are the “gold standard” for teeth replacement, offering unmatched durability, function, and aesthetics. However, like any medical procedure, dental implants come with their own set of limitations. While implants provide life-changing benefits, understanding their challenges is just as important as celebrating their benefits.
Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry explores the limitations of dental implants. Whether you’re contemplating implants or simply curious about your options, this guide by Dr. Frank Vidjak will help you decide on the best solution for your smile.
Limitations of dental implants
When you have lost one or multiple teeth, you have several options to rebuild your smile. Dental implants are the number one recommended solution because of their tooth-like properties. Unfortunately, dental implants have a few limitations you need to consider.
Actual Patient Before And After Results
Before & After Treatment
These include:
They need a strong bone: A strong, healthy jawbone is essential for successful dental implants. Unfortunately, prolonged tooth loss, gum disease, or dental trauma can lead to jawbone deterioration. We often recommend bone grafting for patients with bone loss to restore the lost tissue and create a stable foundation for the implants. While effective, bone grafting adds to the overall cost and extends the treatment timeline.
Lengthy healing period: If you need an instant solution for your missing teeth, dental implants aren’t a good fit. Typically, dental implants need 3-6 months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. Some patients may require a longer healing period, especially if bone grafting is necessary. While the process takes time, many patients find the wait worthwhile for the exceptional results. However, there are opportunities to place a dental implant and immediately load the implant with a temporary crown or bridge if certain conditions can be met. Dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth, offering unparalleled stability, comfort, and aesthetics.
May be more costly: Dental implants are more expensive than other teeth replacement options. This is due to the advanced technology, surgical expertise, and durable materials involved in the procedure. The good news is that dental insurance covers part of the implant cost. Even better, dental implants are more cost-effective over time. Unlike dentures or bridges, which may require frequent repairs or replacements, implants are designed to last for decades.
Implants can fail: Although dental implants have an over 95% success rate, they can fail. Infection of the tissues around the implant (peri-implantitis) is the most common cause of implant failure. Implant infections occur because of poor oral hygiene and smoking, which are all within your control. The other rare causes of implant failure include poor placement, implant reaction, and poor bone quality.
Surgery risk: Placing implants involves surgical implantation. Although implant surgery isn’t a big deal, it involves a small risk, like any other surgical procedure. The risks for implant surgery include infection, nerve damage, prolonged bleeding, and delayed bone healing. A skilled dentist takes every precaution to ensure a smooth and successful procedure.
Meet Your Dental Implant Dentist Near Beverly Hills!
Would you like to learn more about dental implants? Want to replace your missing teeth with dental implants? Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry is thrilled to be your premier dental implant office in Beverly Hills. Call (310) 861-3955 to reserve an appointment with Dr. Vidjak. You can also schedule an online appointment.
Dr. Vidjak has been a
prosthodontist for over two decades, with his private practice in Beverly Hills from 1989. A USC School
of Dentistry graduate, he completed his specialty training in prosthodontics and an MS in Medical
Education at USC where he also taught the School of Dentistry. He was its Clinical Director of the
Advanced Prosthodontic Program and International Student Program too.
He follows continuing education courses to keep abreast of the latest developments in his field.
He lectures on prosthodontics nationally and internationally and has published articles in
peer-reviewed journals. He is a faculty member in USC’s Department of Continuing Education and a
director and faculty member at the Advanced Restorative Institute.
Dr. Yacaman received her DDS from
the University Technologica of Mexico and served the clinical faculty in Endodontics at Unitec. She
practiced Endodontics in Mexico City for over 10 years. She has an advanced specialty certificate in
Advanced Microscopic Endodontics and Microsurgery and a Master of Science in Medical Education from the
USC and has been a Clinical Faculty member at the UCLA School of Dentistry Department of Endodontics for
more than 15 years. She specializes in Root Resorption treatment, having researched on External Root
Resorption for over 15 years for a Master’s in Craniofacial Molecular Biology at USC’s Center for
Craniofacial Molecular Biology. She is one of four Endodontists in United States that can treat Root
Resorption. She is a local and international lecturer in Endodontics and Microsurgery and has received
many awards and has published articles in the area.
