Deciding If You Need Dental Implants
Having a gap where a tooth is missing can be both annoying, and aesthetically unappealing. Because a gap can affect the integrity of a person’s smile, they may smile less often—leading to feelings of negativity and a drop in self-confidence. Instead of having both functional issues due to a missing tooth and issues with confidence, patients with a missing tooth or set of teeth should consider dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are tooth replacement appliances that return a patient’s full smile, while also giving them the protection they need to ensure great ongoing oral health. Implants involve the placement of a titanium screw or metal frame in the jawbone to hold a false tooth or set of teeth in place via an abutment or abutments.
Why Do I Need a Tooth Replacement?
Not only does having a missing tooth affect the cosmetic appearance of a smile, but it can also cause major oral health issues. Having a gap between teeth will encourage the migration of the healthy teeth surrounding the gap. This migration can cause crowding and impacting of healthy teeth. This, in turn, damages the healthy teeth. Crowding can also make it difficult for a patient to properly brush and floss—leading to infection, decay and disease.
Along with damage to the teeth and gums, a missing tooth or teeth will also encourage the jawbone and gums to disintegrate over time. This not only affects the strength of the jawbone, but also the appearance of a patient’s face.
By replacing a missing tooth or teeth, a patient can keep the surrounding teeth in place—avoiding migration. A tooth replacement also provides support for the bite of a patient, and helps with speech.
Why Implants?
While there are different replacement options, implants are often the best choice. This is due to a few different factors.
One major difference between implants and other replacement options is how durable and long-lasting implants are. Because of the materials they are made with and the fact that they are placed in the jawbone, implants are able to provide strength when a patient is biting or chewing that is very similar to the strength they had with their natural tooth.
Another major advantage to having an implant placed is the ability for dental implants to maintain the integrity of the jawbone. Even with other replacement options that hold the surrounding teeth in place, the jaw can become compromised over time. Implants encourage the continued strength of the bone tissue in the jaw, and keep the jaw from disintegrating.
Am I a Candidate?
Dental implants are an excellent replacement option for some patients, but are not an option for other patients. In order to see if you are a good candidate for implants, set an appointment with a cosmetic dentist for a consultation. They will take a look at your teeth, gums and jawbone to see if you are a good candidate for the placement of a dental implant.
If you're curious about whether Dental Implants are right for you, learn more specifically about our dental implant process at Downtown Dental Excellence today. We're available and ready to answer any and all questions about dental implants and optimal oral health.
Just interested in learning more about dental implants? Read here for information on the differences between immediate and delayed dental implants.