December 13, 2021
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium metal screws that replace a tooth root. They are a common intervention for tooth loss.
Consisting of an artificial tooth root placed in the jawbone that creates a lasting, strong foundation and structure for a replacement tooth, they act as an anchor for artificial teeth like:
- Dental bridges.
- Dental crowns.
- Dentures.
The primary difference between tooth implants from other tooth replacement options is that it not only replaces the tooth but the root as well.
There can be great repercussions for not replacing the lost tooth on time. The whole dynamic of the teeth and mouth can change.
Missing teeth can affect overall dental health and also day-to-day life.
Who Might Need Dental Implants?
People with one or more missing teeth are good candidates for dental implants. A dental implant may be needed if one loses a tooth due to:
- Cavities (tooth decay).
- Tooth root fracture.
- Clenching or grinding habit.
- Facial injury.
- Gum disease.
A missing tooth can make a dental implant a necessity, especially when one cannot or does not want to get dentures, bridges or crowns.
Replacing a lost tooth is important, as doing nothing about it can develop into a much bigger problem later.
Though Dental implants have many aesthetic benefits, they also play a significant role in the overall function of the mouth.
Dental implants support a healthy bite and help to keep each tooth properly in place while supporting a healthy jawbone and preventing bone deterioration.
When a tooth, lost or pulled is not replaced, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate as the pressure and stimulus of chewing are essential for its preservation.
Also Read: How to Get Sparkling White Teeth
Signs That Tell It Is Time to Get Dental Implants
Missing or Chipped Teeth
Missing teeth not only affect the ability to chew, talk, and drink but can also cause recurring headaches and infections.
Dental implants not only look natural but offer great security as no one will be able to notice the difference.
Dental implants are the most durable option that will allow you to eat, talk, and live your lives just as you would if they had never lost or chipped your teeth.
Dentures Aren’t Fitting Properly
The dentures that don’t fit correctly can cause pain and discomfort.
Dental implants are any day a better and more comfortable option compared to dentures because of their ability to function just like teeth.
The pain of ill-fitting dentures and gum irritation can be avoided and it can greatly reduce discomfort.
Sign of Infection
An infected tooth due to periodontal disease, injury, or other causes can get bad.
In case the infection has ruined the quality of the tooth and it cannot be saved, consider a dental implant, then the implant will not only relieve you from the pain of infection but will help prevent more severe health issues due to untreated infection.
Infections can also lead to further tooth loss and can also spread to the rest of the body and cause more health problems.
The Jawbone Is Deteriorating
If any of your teeth have been missing for a while, it is quite possible that the jawbone may have begun to deteriorate & recede.
Dental implants also help replace tooth structure along with replacing missing teeth.
Placed directly into the jawbone, implants can help stop further recession. Jaw problems can add up without dental implants and can lead to extra tooth loss.
The implants will stabilize the jaw over time and stop these issues from continuing.
The Face is Sinking In
If your face has a caved-in appearance, you could likely benefit from dental implants.
This can happen when there is bone loss from missing teeth, and it is quite common in patients who wear dentures.
As Dentures cannot promote bone growth as implants do, the bone continues to recede for people with dentures.
The natural lift accompanying the implants gives the face a more youthful and fuller look, improving the ability to chew and speak.
Additional Notes
The long-term success with dental implants is dependent on the patient having healthy gums, adequate bone support and density, and a healthy at-home oral hygiene routine.
A history of periodontal disease doesn’t rule out implants. But all signs of periodontal disease will need to be treated before implants can be placed.
Also, people who smoke, have had previous radiation therapy to the head and neck or have uncontrolled diabetes may not be an ideal candidate for dental implants.
Conclusion
Dental implants have brought a revolution in the way dental professionals approach missing teeth and their accompanying problems.
Advanced technology enables patients to have teeth replaced in a way so that they look and perform just like their natural teeth.
If you believe a dental implant may be appropriate for you, make sure to visit your dentist and find out if an implant can help you.
Your dentist can help you decide if a dental implant is necessary and ultimately come up with the right treatment plan just for you.
Dr. Gaurav Sharma has more than 400 hours of continuing education credits for dental implant training, so you can be sure of being in safe hands. For any kind of dental emergency, feel free to contact us online or call the office
