Do You Need Dental Implants? Signs to Look For
A healthy mouth is not just a matter of aesthetics but also a question of overall health and wellbeing. A missing or damaged tooth can significantly impact the quality of your life as a lost tooth affects how you bite, chew, and talk.
Luckily, dental implants can restore the function and beauty of your smile. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that your dentist surgically implants into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. If you’re unsure whether you need dental implants, here are some signs to look out for.
You Have a Missing Tooth
You may lose one or more tooth to decay, an injury, or gum disease. This issue may adversely affect the quality of your life. First, the lost tooth may compromise your chewing ability. The reason is that the tooth adjacent to the gap may lean into the empty space. Consequently, you may have a hard time chewing on that side of your mouth.
Additionally, you may have to give up on some of your favorite foods. Moreover, you may feel self-conscious about the gap in your smile. If you are missing a tooth, see your dentist and explore dental implants as an option.
You Have a Painful Jaw
When you lose a tooth, your jaw bone begins to shrink. Consequently, the jaw and gum tissue can loosen and start to sag. Additionally, you may experience pain in the jawbone or surrounding teeth.
Dental implants come in handy to stimulate bone growth and prevent further bone loss. Your dentist will evaluate your situation and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
You Have Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. A missing tooth increases the risk of gum disease because the gap provides a hiding place for plaque and bacteria.
The bacteria may start to eat away at the bone and gums, causing them to become weak and eventually break down. As a result, you may experience bleeding gums, receding gums, or pain when chewing. If left untreated, gum disease may lead to tooth loss. In extreme cases, gum disease makes you prone to other health risks, which include:
- Heart disease
- Kidney failure
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
Dental implant surgery prevents further damage to your teeth and gums by filling in the gaps left behind by missing teeth. As such, bacteria will have no room to hide and will be easier to remove when brushing and flossing.
You Have a Cracked Tooth
A cracked or chipped tooth is painful and can compromise the function of your tooth. If you don't seek treatment soon, the crack may worsen and lead to complete tooth breakage.
Dental implants will provide support for artificial teeth to replace broken teeth. With this, you can use your teeth again without any pain or discomfort.
You Have Poorly Fitting Dentures
While dentures are an effective tooth replacement option, the solution is not for everyone. Poorly fitting dentures are uncomfortable and may cause pain and sores in the mouth. Moreover, poorly fitting dentures make it difficult to eat and talk. And if you don't remove the dentures when you’re supposed to, you may be prone to infections.
Dental implants are a much better solution as they are comfortable and provide a natural feel. In addition, dental implants let you eat and talk without worrying about your teeth slipping out of place. Therefore, let your dentist know if you are not happy with your dentures.
If you're experiencing any of the above problems, don't hesitate to contact us at Smiles By Hogan for a consultation. We will assess your dental and overall oral health to determine if you're a good candidate for dental implants. If dental implants are suitable for you, we will then customize the implants' treatment plan to suit your individual needs.
