9 Signs You Need a Dental Implant

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth or fix dental problems. In fact, they are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement options because they are designed to look and function like natural teeth. If you have certain dental problems, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. In this blog post, we will discuss 9 signs that you need a dental implant. Keep reading to learn more!

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implant has bonded with the bone, an artificial tooth (called a crown) is attached to the implant. Multiple dental implants can also be placed and used to support a bridge or denture. Dental implants are designed to look and function like natural teeth, which makes them a great option for tooth replacement.

Signs You Need Dental Implants

You Have an Infected Tooth

If you have an infected tooth, this could be a sign that you need a dental implant. An infected tooth can cause severe pain and discomfort. While some infected teeth may be able to be saved using root canal therapy, severely infected teeth usually need to be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading. In these cases, you can have a dental implant placed to replace the infected tooth.

You Have a Broken Tooth

If you have a broken tooth, this can also be a sign that you need a dental implant. A broken tooth can cause pain, discomfort, and make it difficult to eat and speak properly. In some cases, your dentist may be able to repair the broken tooth with a filling or crown. However, if the damage is too severe, or if the root has been damaged, your dentist may recommend an extraction to prevent future complications with the affected tooth. They may also recommend having a dental implant placed to replace the broken tooth.

You Have One or More Missing Teeth

If you have one or more missing teeth, this is another sign that you may need a dental implant. Teeth can become lost due to trauma, infection, severe decay, or gum disease. Missing teeth can cause difficulty eating and speaking, as well as make your smile look less attractive. Additionally, the gaps left by missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift out of place. To avoid complications caused by missing teeth, your dentist may recommend dental implants. Dental implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, giving you a complete and healthy smile.

Your Dentures Are Loose

If you wear dentures, loose-fitting dentures are another sign that you may need dental implants. When dentures fit properly, they should not slip or move around in your mouth. However, over time as the jawbone deteriorates and changes shape, dentures can become loose and begin to slip. This can be extremely uncomfortable and make it difficult to eat and speak properly. If your dentures are loose, you may want to consider getting dental implants to stabilize your dentures and keep them in place.

Your Dental Bridge is Loose

If you have a dental bridge, a loose bridge is another sign that you may need to get dental implants. A dental bridge is a fixed appliance that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. The artificial tooth (or teeth) is attached to the surrounding teeth using dental crowns.  These teeth are called abutment teeth. However, over time, the abutment teeth can become loose and the bridge may begin to slip. When the abutment teeth are no longer able to provide proper support for the dental bridge, you may need to get dental implants to keep your bridge in place.

Your Face Has a Sunken-in Appearance

If you have noticed that your face has a sunken-in appearance, this could be another sign that you need dental implants. When teeth are missing, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate due to a lack of bone stimulation. This can cause the cheeks to appear sunken or hollow. Dental implants can help to stimulate the jawbone and prevent its deterioration. Not only that, but having a bone graft placed with dental implants can restore a healthy and youthful appearance to your face.

You Don’t Want to Deal With Dentures

If you are not interested in wearing dentures or have had enough of your current dentures, dental implants may be a good option for you. Unlike dentures, which require regular cleaning and maintenance, dental implants are permanently placed in the mouth. This means that you won’t have to worry about them slipping or moving around, or about having to use excessive amounts of denture adhesive to hold them in place. Additionally, dental implants are fixed in the mouth so you won’t have to take them out to clean them. Instead, you will just need to care for them like you would natural teeth.

You Struggle to Chew Food

If you find that you struggle to chew food, this can be a sign that you need dental implants. When teeth are missing, it can be difficult to bite and chew properly. This can make eating very uncomfortable and can cause you to avoid certain foods. Unfortunately, this can also be the case with poorly-fitted dentures. Dental implants can help you to chew properly and make eating a more enjoyable experience so you can get back to eating all your favorite foods.

You Feel Insecure About Your Smile

Finally if you feel insecure about your smile, this is another sign that dental implants may be right for you. Missing teeth can cause you to feel self-conscious about your appearance, especially if they stand out when you smile or talk. Dental implants can give you a natural-looking smile that you can be proud of. With dental implants, you won’t want to stop smiling.

In Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed dental implants, as well as nine signs that you need dental implants: you have an infected tooth, you have a broken tooth, you have one or more missing teeth, your dentures are loose, your face has a sunken-in appearance, you don’t want to deal with dentures, you struggle to chew food, and/or you feel insecure about your smile. If you are experiencing any of these problems, we recommend that you consult with a dental implant professional to see if dental implants are right for you.