When Dental Implants Are Needed
A dental implant can be a great option when you need to replace a missing tooth. But when are dental implants recommended most? What situations would warrant the use of implants over other options that can restore your smile?
Of course, every patient is unique, and dental implants aren’t appropriate for everyone. Your dentist will help you decide if an implant is the right way to go. But, to give you an idea of when dental implants are needed, we’ve compiled the information below.
When One or More Teeth Are Severely Damaged or Missing
Let’s say that one of your teeth is extremely damaged because of an accident, infection, gum disease, or decay. In the case of a tooth that is beyond repair, your dentist may recommend an extraction. Then, to replace the missing tooth, you might consider an implant.
Along the same lines, if a tooth has already been lost because of severe gum disease or an accident, your dentist might give you the option of replacing it with an implant.
The great thing about dental implants is they look and function just like real teeth, and they’re long-lasting and durable. They blend in with the rest of your pearly whites, and you can take care of them by brushing and flossing like you normally do. Plus, when you have all of your chompers, you can avoid problems with speaking and chewing that might arise from having gaps in your teeth.
When Dentures and Bridges Aren’t Right for You
These days, you have multiple options when it comes to restoring your smile. So if you don’t like dentures or bridges, or they just aren’t the right solution for any reason, dental implants might come to the rescue.
Want to avoid the potential hassle of ill-fitting dentures or bridges? Are you worried about damaging your bridge, or breaking or losing your dentures? And are you concerned about how a dental appliance might impact your other teeth?
As mentioned above, unlike dentures that you take out of your mouth to clean, implants can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth. They don’t come out of your mouth because they’re implanted in your jaw.
Also, with a bridge, you need to make sure food doesn’t get stuck underneath it, and you might need to restrict yourself from eating certain foods that could damage the bridge. Dental implants may give you more freedom to eat the foods you love without worrying so much about the effects.
Your Dentist Will Check That You’re Healthy Enough for Implants
Dental implants aren’t for everyone, so your dentist will evaluate your overall health and your oral health to figure out if it would be safe to proceed. For example, if your jaw and gums aren’t healthy and strong enough for an implant, you might need treatments before getting the implant, or you might need to turn to other options.
Tip: Be sure to tell your dentist if you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition and if you smoke, as these may play a role in whether or not you’re a candidate for implants.
Be Aware of the Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
Replacing missing teeth is about much more than just restoring the beauty of your smile. When you don’t have all of your teeth, you may not be able to chew like you used to, and that means you might not be able to eat certain foods. Plus, missing teeth can cause nearby teeth to shift out of position, and your jaw may also be affected as well, thus changing your appearance. As you can see, there are so many solid reasons to seriously consider implants!
If you’re thinking about dental implants, your dentist can discuss the pros and cons with you, as well as go over the process of getting them. And, if you’re concerned about affording expensive implants, rest assured that the right dental insurance can be there to help.
Sources:
https://www.implantdentistirvine.com/blog/when-are-dental-implants-necessary
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants
https://vipcaredental.com/blog/common-dental-bridge-problems-you-should-not-overlook/