Do I Need Dental Implants?
We all want an amazing smile. Life happens, though, and sometimes we lose a tooth. This missing tooth can cause issues not only with self-esteem, but also with overall oral health. Because of this, if you lose a tooth, you should consider having a dental implant installed.
The Reasons for Dental Implants
Dental implants mobile alabama help to resolve quite a few oral health issues that can occur because of the loss of a tooth. Whether you lost your tooth because it fell out, was knocked out or needed to be extracted, replacement is a necessity to ensure a healthy mouth moving forward. Without filling the gap between your teeth, you increase the likelihood of the following oral health problems:
- Teeth Migration
- Crowding
- Tooth Decay
- Gum Infections
- Bone Loss in the Jaw
- A Compromised Bite
- Changes in the Shape of Your Face Due to Bone Loss
On top of those issues, you may also feel self-conscious, leading to a lowering of your overall self-esteem and confidence.
Because of the damage that a gap in your teeth can cause, you need to fill the gap as soon as possible. One of the best ways to fill this gap is with implants.
What Dental Implants Are
Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that are attached to abutments, which are attached to titanium roots, which are inserted into the jawbone. These teeth are often shaped and colored to fit the look of the tooth that is being replaced. This allows them to blend in, and to complete a smile in a way that looks natural.
Having an Implant Placed
The placement process for an implant includes having a titanium root inserted into the patient’s jawbone, which is eventually attached to the prosthetic tooth (or crown). While traditional implants require a healing process of at least a few months, immediate implants may also be an option—depending on a variety of factors.
Candidates for Implants
Whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants is ultimately the decision of your dentist. The main factor for whether or not implants are an option is the health of your jawbone. If the bone is damaged or deteriorated, it may not be able to accommodate implants. Certain medical factors can compromise implant placement as well. If this is the case, don’t worry! There are other options to replace a missing tooth or teeth. One popular alternative is a dental bridge, which "bridge" the gap between one or more missing teeth. This is done by installing a false tooth or pontic that is attached to at least one abutment tooth, which is an adjacent healthy tooth that has been reshaped.
The Benefits of Implants
With dental implants, you’ll be able to chew and bite much like you did before your tooth was missing. You’ll also have a complete smile, which can boost your confidence and encourage you to smile.
With implants, you’ll also avoid damage to the rest of your mouth and even damage to your jawbone.
Speak with your dentist about implants if you have a missing tooth or are in need of a tooth extraction.
Contact West Mobile Dental Care
We'd be happy to go over you options with you and find out what the best course of action is. Contact us today, we offer a wide variety of Preventative, Restorative, and Cosmetic Dentistry including dental implants. We're available at (251) 666-3600 or via our online contact.
Curious about what the difference is between delayed and immediate dental implants? Read More.