Instances When Dental Implants Can Help Improve Your Life
Dental implants can be a life-changing solution for a variety of oral health and cosmetic concerns. There are some situations in which dental implants may be medically necessary, but not every dental implant patient has missing teeth or bone loss.
There are many situations in which getting dental implants can improve your life. They can strengthen your jaw bone and improve your gum health, prevent the sunken facial appearance caused by tooth loss, and improve your ability to eat and speak!
Keep reading to find out when dental implants might be the right solution for your situation.
Quick refresh: What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small posts that are surgically secured to the gums and jaw bone to set the stage for a tooth replacement such as a crown or bridge. Implants look like small screws and are designed to function much like the natural root of your teeth.
They’re made from biocompatible materials like titanium or zirconia, which fuse with the jawbone to offer permanent support and improve overall oral health.
1. If you have one or more missing teeth
Tooth loss is not an uncommon dental concern. In fact, about 120 million adults in the US are missing at least one tooth and more than 36 million don’t have any remaining teeth at all. Missing teeth not only have an impact on your appearance, and confidence, but they can also lead to a host of dental health problems, including:
- Crooked teeth due to shifting
- Deterioration of the jaw bone
- Visible changes to facial structure
- Changes in speech
- Gum disease
- TMJ disorders
Getting a high-quality dental implant can offer patients a solution for missing teeth and significantly reduce the odds of needing more costly, uncomfortable treatments down the line.
2. If you have damaged teeth
No one wants to hear that they need to have a tooth removed. But in some cases, a severely damaged tooth can’t be saved. Whether you’ve sustained a traumatic injury, severe decay or gum disease, a dental implant can be secured after your extraction to ensure that you have a strong, healthy foundation for a replacement.
3. If you’re at risk of experiencing bone loss
Our teeth are more than just tools we use to eat and speak. They provide the necessary support for the jaw bone. Missing teeth can lead to serious weakening that can impact the appearance, comfort, and general health of your jaw.
Dental implants can dramatically improve the health of the mouth and jaw and help to prevent future bone loss.
4. If missing or damaged teeth are impacting your self-esteem
The appearance of our smiles can have an immeasurable impact on our confidence and self-image, as well as impact how we relate to others. Those with missing or damaged teeth are less likely to smile and often avoid public gatherings and social events. This not only makes socializing more difficult, but it can also have a tangible impact on your career, relationships, and confidence.
5. If there are signs of an infection
A tooth infection can occur for a number of reasons including decay, poor oral hygiene, genetics or injury. Bacterial infections can also lead to a dental abscess, which is a small pocket of pus that forms within the tooth or gums.
While some infections can be treated without extractions, extreme cases will sometimes require that the tooth or teeth be removed to preserve your oral and overall health. Some common signs of an oral infection include:
- Inflamed (red) gums that bleed easily with brushing or flossing
- Tooth sensitivity
- Persistent bad breath
- Tooth pain
- Headaches
- Receding gums
6. If you’re looking for a long-term solution
Dentures and bridges (that aren’t supported by implants) are excellent alternatives to dental implants that can be effective, affordable, and long-lasting. However, if you’re looking for a long-term solution to your smile concerns, dental implants are hard to beat!
In fact, with proper care, it’s not uncommon for dental implants to last more than 25 years!
7. If eating and talking are causing discomfort
In some cases, missing or damaged teeth can make it difficult to speak and chew. If you’re suffering from bone loss, daily activities that many of us take for granted like eating, talking, and even smiling can become a challenge. It is also important to know that chewing efficiency decreases by 65% when teeth are lost and replaced with removable dentures. This can lead to digestive issues and difficulty getting adequate nutrition due to diet changes.
Dental implants can help restore the structural integrity of your jaw bone, gums, and teeth and improve issues with daily activities.
Do you need dental implants in Portland? Discuss your options with our experts at Advanced Dentistry!
We put our patients first. Our amazing team is here to provide transparent information and compassionate, comfortable dental care no matter your concern.
Whether you have missing teeth, are experiencing pain related to a crack or chip, or are concerned about gum disease or bone loss, we’re here to offer evidence-based solutions and provide individualized restorative care in a warm and friendly environment.
Call us at (503) 352-3224 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help!