7 Signs You May Need Dental Implants
You may have heard that dental implants are the most durable, reliable, and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth, but how do you know if you’re ready for them? Take a look below at these 7 signs that you may need dental implants.
- Missing teeth
If you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth, it’s a good sign you may need a dental implant. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that replaces all parts of the tooth, including the root. This makes them sturdy, reliable, and permanent in a way that no other tooth replacement option can be.
- Cracked or broken teeth
Some cracked or broken teeth can be repaired, but if they’re damaged beyond repair, they’ll need to be extracted. If so, they’ll need to be replaced as soon as possible in order to prevent your remaining teeth from moving out of alignment. Cracked or broken teeth that cannot be saved are a good sign you may need a dental implant.
- Infected tooth
Root canal therapy can often help save an infected tooth, but sometimes it’s not enough, and the tooth has to be extracted. As mentioned above, once a tooth is extracted, oral health complications can arise if it’s not replaced right away. Dental implants are the best replacement option for missing teeth. If you have an infected tooth that cannot be saved, you may be a good candidate for a dental implant.
- Loose-fitting dentures
When missing teeth are not replaced right away, the jawbone begins to atrophy. If you have dentures, this jaw shrinkage will cause them to become loose and shift uncomfortably in your mouth. Because dental implants replace the tooth root, they help stimulate jawbone growth. If you have loose-fitting dentures, dental implants may be able to help stop your jawbone shrinkage.
- Frustration with denture care
Caring for dentures can be inconvenient, messy, and less-than-discreet during romantic getaways. Dental implants, on the other hand, require the same basic dental care as natural teeth. So if you’re frustrated with the inconvenient steps required for denture care, it may be time to ask your dentist about dental implants.
- Diminished self-esteem due to dentures, partials or bridges
Our mouths are front and center when we socialize, when we’re romantic, or when we’re engaged with others in business dealings. If you’re self-conscious about denture slippage when you speak or laugh, or if you’re embarrassed about the appearance of your partials or dental bridges, it could be affecting your self-esteem. Diminished self-esteem due to dentures, partials, or bridges may be a sign that you need dental implants to help restore your confidence in social situations.
- Jawbone loss and changes to facial structure
The jawbone begins to atrophy very soon after a tooth is extracted or lost. If you have multiple missing teeth that have not been replaced, chances are your jawbone has begun to atrophy. As this happens, your facial structure will slowly begin to change as well. If you look in the mirror and see changes in your appearance due to the shape of your jaw, it may be a sign that it’s time to look into dental implants.
If you’re missing teeth or struggling with dentures, dental implants can significantly improve the quality of your life.
Visit Smile Designers for a dental implant consultation with Dr. Hage today!
San Diego implant dentist D. Armin Hage, DDS, MIADI, specializes in dental implants with a firm commitment to quality and state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Hage embraces innovations such as digital procedure planning and 3D printing to fabricate precise surgical guides, which enable him to provide his patients with virtually pain-free implant procedures with complication rates well below the industry standard. For more information on dental implants or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hage, call Smile Designers at (619)222-6000 today.