Do I Need Dental Implants? 5 Signs to Look For

Missing and badly damaged teeth are far more than a cosmetic issue. Although they’ll certainly diminish your appearance and your self-confidence, these problems can also set the stage for widespread tooth loss, and make both chewing and speaking difficult. Fortunately, whether these issues are the result of an impact event, an oral infection, or extraction, dental tooth implants can supply the perfect functional and aesthetic solution. With dental tooth implants, it’s possible to complete the smile, restore chewing and talking abilities, and limit wear on the remaining natural teeth. Following are five ways to know if you need an implant.

1. You Have a Broken or Cracked Tooth

Some forms of tooth damage are irreparable. When teeth are subjected to the stress of major cracks, fractures, or breakage, it’s often not long before they turn gray and die. In some instances, a dentist can remove existing decay and fill the tooth to restore much of its integrity. If necessary, the tooth root can be removed as well. Once this work is done, a crown can be fitted over the tooth to protect it from further damage and to give the smile a balanced look with no signs of discoloration.

However, the lifespan of dental crowns isn’t ideal. Even with diligent care, these improvements typically last just ten years or less. Conversely, with proper care, dental implants can last up to 15 years or longer. They’re often the best choice after root canal procedures and after other treatments for salvaging broken teeth. If you have a badly damaged tooth, consulting with a dentist will help you learn which treatment option is right for you.

2. You Can No Longer Smile Confidently

Having a missing tooth can lower your self-confidence. You may find yourself covering your smile, stifling your laugh, or refusing to engage in intimate conversations. People who attempt to hide missing or badly damaged teeth often smile unnaturally. They frequently eschew photo opportunities as well. The good news is that dental implants both look and function like real teeth. These structures are affixed in the mouth via titanium implants that are grafted into the jawbone. Whether viewed from a distance or right up close, they’re virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

3.Your Face Looks Hollow and Sunken

Losing teeth can leave the face with a hollow, sunken look. This remains true even if you opt to wear dentures or partial dentures. Because dentures do not replace the missing tooth root, they cannot fill the face out sufficiently. The titanium posts that support dental implants are treated by the body much like the natural tooth root. Not only are these structures gradually grafted into the underlying bone, but the area that surrounds them is supported by continued blood flow and nutrient delivery. This prevents the progressive deterioration of the underlying bone structure that occurs whenever teeth are lost or pulled.

4. Your Nutritional Health Has Gone Down

Even if you still have a number of remaining, healthy teeth, you might not be able to eat all of the foods you once enjoyed. Each tooth plays an important role in the bite, with some teeth designed for ripping and tearing, and others built for grinding foods up. Not only does the loss of even just a single tooth make it hard to masticate foods fully, but it also places undue stress on the teeth that remain. These teeth will have to work harder when you chew, which can lead to stress fractures and other openings that allow bacteria in. Getting implants is an effective way to balance out your natural bite forces, complete your smile, reclaim your chewing abilities, and avoid progressive tooth loss.

5. You Aren’t Happy With Another Restoration Method

Many people replace their missing teeth with dental bridges or dentures. These options are cheaper than getting one or more implants put in, but they don’t provide the same natural-looking and natural-feeling results. Dental implants look and function just like real teeth. They’re also incredibly easy to clean. You can brush and floss dental implants right along with your natural teeth.

Schedule an Appointment

At Beauty And The Teeth, we’re committed to helping our patients reclaim their confidence. With dental tooth implants, you can look younger, chew and talk better, and smile proudly wherever you go. Call us today to schedule a consultation appointment. Dr. Diana Tadros can help you find the perfect smile restoration treatment for your needs.