If you’ve ever wondered about dental implants, now may be the time to learn more. Replacing the root of a tooth with a metal post can be helpful to patients with a variety of dental issues. Whether you have missing teeth, bone loss, a tooth infection or denture discomfort, dental implants may be right for you.
Missing Teeth
Patients experience missing teeth for a variety of reasons. It’s possible for teeth to fall out or break due to accidents or injuries. In other cases, not everyone develops a full set of permanent teeth. By inserting a dental implant in its place, no one would notice a missing tooth. The dental implant itself is often accompanied by a crown that takes the place of a natural or damaged tooth. No matter the reason for your gap, an implant is a smart solution.
Bone Loss
You may not know that bone loss is common among patients with missing teeth and roots. A problem that may not be noticeable at first can continue to worsen over time. A dental implant is inserted into the bone where the root of a tooth would normally be. By filling this gap, the bone adjusts and prevents the continuation of bone loss.
Tooth Infection
If you’ve talked to your dentist about a tooth infection, chances are you’ve already discussed a root canal. Unfortunately, a root canal isn’t always possible, making tooth extraction the next best option. Replacing your removed tooth with a dental implant and crown gives you the look of your natural smile while maintaining the health of your underlying jawbone.
Denture Discomfort
While dentures are helpful for many patients, they aren’t right for everyone. Sometimes, dentures don’t fit very well, causing pain and irritation. Dental implants provide a more secure solution as permanent fixtures in the jaw. Unlike dentures, movement in the oral cavity and the resulting gum irritation aren’t an issue with dental implants.
Sunken Jawline
One of the main differences between dentures and implants is the ability to prevent bone loss. You may have noticed that some patients with dentures develop the appearance of a sunken jawline over time. That’s because bone loss persists when teeth are missing (i.e. with dentures) while implants prevent further decline. The result is a fuller, healthier jawline and better bone health.
If you’re considering dental treatment, knowing what’s available is a great first step. We’d be happy to discuss dental implants with you as well as other treatment concerns. Feel free to contact us or make an appointment!