Originally posted on 05/01/2015
These days, it’s not uncommon to hear or see an advertisement for dental implants, and because they can be used to treat a number of oral health issues, many people are not sure if or when they will ever need them. Put simply, a dental implant provides a permanent solution for missing teeth. Each implant is a small screw-like post that is made from titanium, so they are built to last a lifetime if cared for properly.
Keep reading to learn more about what you should know about when a person will need a dental implant.
Tooth Loss
Just because you have one missing tooth doesn’t mean you need to get a denture or even a bridge. Dental implants can provide a more natural appearance and are even more comfortable than a bridge or dentures. A simple dental implant can restore your smile quickly without too much dental work.
Ill-fitting Dentures
If you’re having a difficult time with dentures not fitting properly, then dental implants can be a huge relief for you. You can replace your dentures completely with dental implants which will make your teeth easier to maintain. With dentures, you need to remove them to clean the teeth. With implants, you maintain them like you would with your own natural teeth.
Reasons for Dental Implants
While there are a number of reasons why someone needs a dental implant, the following are the most common:
- Replace missing teeth
- Provide support for a partial denture
- Improve the stability of a full upper or lower denture
- Make chewing easier and more comfortable
- Eliminate embarrassment while smiling, talking, and eating
- Improve a smile’s appearance
- Restore confidence
Dental Implants Help Prevent Future Damage
While dental implants have cosmetic benefits that many people enjoy, they are often used to treat patients who have an oral condition that has put them in danger of more substantial damage. For example, if you are missing a tooth and the root system is gone, your jaw could shrink and force your remaining teeth to shift out of position. With a sunken jaw, you will not only look much older than you actually are, but you may also suffer from the effects of an irregular bite, such as extreme tenderness that makes eating unbearably painful. A dental implant fixes this problem by screwing into the jaw and acting like the root system of the natural tooth. After securing the implant, a dentist places either a crown, bridge, or denture in place of the missing tooth.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures and Dental Bridges
When a natural tooth and its root system are missing, a dental implant is a more effective treatment than dentures or a traditional bridge because it preserves the natural teeth around it. When a dentist inserts a traditional bridge, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth are ground down and used as anchors. Additionally, since dental implants are permanent and don’t have any removable parts, patients don’t have to worry about losing or damaging the repaired tooth or teeth.
Get Your Dental Implants from the Trusted Experts at Southfield Family Dental
If you think you are a candidate for dental implants, Southfield Family Dental Clinic can help! Our experienced dentists will put you at ease and install the implants with expert precision. Contact our office today to make an appointment and to learn how you can have your dental implants placed for just $499!