Dental implants provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth and restore lost teeth function. If you have one or more missing teeth and are looking for a long-term solution, dental implants are an alternative that is natural-looking and functioning.
Dental implants offer a better quality of life by enabling you to eat properly, speak properly, and regain self-confidence with an aesthetically pleasing smile. No matter the reason, discussing dental implants with your dentist will determine if you are a good candidate,
Apart from these reasons, there are numerous signs that point to the need for dental implants. Let’s look at them in more detail.
About Dental Implants
A dental implant is a replacement tooth root made from titanium, a biocompatible material that the body does not reject as the surrounding bone forms well around. A dental implant supports a prosthesis, such as dentures, partial dentures, or crowns.
Dental implants provide an alternative to bridges and dentures. Almost anyone in good overall health has healthy gums, and sufficient bone in the jaw to hold the implant can have dental implants.
Signs You Need a Dental Implant
While many people choose dental implants as an aesthetic tool, they also reduce teeth shifting, maintain bite shape, and support face and lip structures.
Healthy teeth play a significant role in overall wellbeing. Even knowing this, you may still question: Do I really need dental implants? Here are 10 signs that point toward needing dental implants.
#1: Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can leave unsightly gaps in the mouth and make some people more self-conscious of their smiles. Dental implants provide a better solution than other replacement options. They mimic natural teeth and also support jaw bone health.
Missing teeth can result from injury, smoking, or poor dental hygiene. Severe tooth loss is higher with diseases like diabetes, asthma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
#2: Loose, Cracked, or Broken Teeth
Loose, cracked, or broken teeth are salvageable, but if there is too much damage, the tooth structure is unstable, or the tooth breaks below the gumline, it most likely will require extraction.
In this case, a dental implant provides a replacement. Loose, cracked, or broken teeth result from accident, trauma, falls, or biting on something hard.
#3: Decay
Tooth decay or infected teeth that are beyond saving and need extraction may benefit from dental implants. New teeth require care instructions like natural teeth—brushing twice daily and flossing once.
#4: Dentures
Dentures should be comfortable when they fit properly. However, many people still experience frustration when their dentures become loose, slip, and rub against the gums.
If you’ve tried replacements or sticky adhesives for more stability and still worry about your dentures falling out when you talk or eat, then dental implants are the ideal solution to fix your dentures.
#5: Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease that results in severe infection and inflammation of the gums. Damage to the gums, bones and surrounding tissue can occur without proper or early treatment. Lacking support teeth can loosen, fall out, or may need extraction.
Dental implants may be an option for people who have had damage from periodontitis. With treatment and restoration of healthy gums and bones, sometimes with bone and gum grafts, there is a possibility for dental implants.
#6: Replace Loose Dental Bridges
Dental bridges may need replacing every 5 to 15 years and can break or loosen before that time comes. If you have replaced dental bridges before, this is an opportunity to switch to a longer-lasting solution such as dental implants.
#7: Sunken Face
Dentures and dental bridges cause structural bone changes in the jaw. Missing tooth roots lead to bone shrinkage, resulting in a prematurely aged or sunken appearance on the face.
Dental implant posts act as tooth roots, stimulate the jaw bone, and stop bone loss. It can’t undo any damage already there, but it can prevent further shrinkage.
#8: Your Smile
Even if you have dentures and bridges or don’t like the condition or look of your teeth, you can still feel insecure about smiling. Dental implants as a cosmetic consideration closely resemble the natural look of teeth and can bring your confidence back.
#9: Difficulty Chewing
Difficulty chewing often leads to avoiding certain foods, maybe including your favourite foods, to a point where you may seize to enjoy eating. Misaligned teeth, missing teeth, ill-fitting dentures, jaw stiffness, and damaged teeth can affect your bite, chewing, and the health of your mouth and body by affecting nutritional intake.
Once the cause is determined, dental implants, for example, can help anchor removable or fixed teeth, thereby helping regain your ability to chew comfortably and effectively.
#10: Speech
Teeth play a vital role in the way someone speaks. Missing and misaligned teeth can cause slurring, whistling, and speech impediment, making it hard for others to understand you.
Dental implants mimic your natural teeth, cause no obstruction in speech, and restore speech patterns.
For Better Function, Appearance, and Speech
There are many reasons a person may need dental implants, each requiring a different consideration. You may have been recommended for the treatment by your dentist or noticed some concerns in your oral health.
If you show any of the 10 signs and are interested in discussing dental implants further with the dentists at West 85th Dental, reach out to our team by booking an appointment.
