Our teeth are one of our most valuable social assets, and have a great impact on the first impressions we make to other people. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has even done a study that shows that over 99 percent of Americans think that a smile is an important social asset. So it’s no wonder that dental cosmetic procedures have begun to increase over the years. Dental implants are becoming one of the most popular dental cosmetic procedures, and people are often turning to them over other artificial teeth solutions. Dental implants are used to replace the roots of missing teeth and are usually made of titanium. However, as with most things in life, there are pros and cons to dental implants. Here are just a few to consider if you are thinking about dental cosmetic procedures such as dental implants.

Many people may initially be wary of cosmetic dental procedures, thinking that there may be a good chance that something goes wrong. Luckily, one of the biggest advantages of dental implants is their high success rate. The dental cosmetic surgery that is needed has a 98 percent success rate, and the implants can last a lifetime with proper care. Proper care still includes daily brushing of your teeth, and making sure your toothbrush is in good working order. Rinse it out with hot water, or replace it if you’ve been sick in order to prevent it from harboring bacteria.

Once you are assured that your cosmetic dental work is going to turn out fine, you can be assured that dental implants offer a great replacement for teeth. If, like most people under 35, you lost a tooth because of athletic trauma, a fight or an accident, then you can be sure that dental implants will make it so you hardly know you ever lost a tooth in the first place. Dental implants offer the functionality and aesthetic appearance of real teeth in almost every way. They will allow your mouth and jaw to look and function just as if you had all of your teeth. This resemblance to real teeth also entails superior comfort and permanence over other options.

While the pros for dental implants are numerous, there are also several disadvantages to the procedure as well. Cosmetic dentistry costs are always at the forefront of people’s minds when considering a dental cosmetic procedure, and dental implants are no exception. Since they are a surgical procedure, dental implants usually cost much more than other, non-surgical, options. And even if you are willing to bite the bullet on the cost, not everybody is a candidate for dental implants. Some people have insufficient underlying bone structure to securely hold the implant. Additionally, even if you find yourself eligible for the procedure and willing to front the cost, the surgery itself can be time consuming as it usually requires multiple visits to your dentist.

If you want a dental cosmetic procedure that will give you the most realistic teeth, dental implants are the way to go. But you will want to take into account the cost, and make sure you are eligible for the procedure before you head to your dentist’s office. Great references here.