Do you feel shy smiling or speaking in public because of your missing teeth? Are you tired of wearing those uncomfortable dentures? Whether you have recently had a tooth extraction or you’re looking for a better tooth replacement option, dental implants are by far the most durable, convenient, and esthetically pleasing option when it comes to replacing missing teeth.
If you are not sure whether dental implants are the right choice for you, this article will help you. In this article, we explain 6 signs which indicate that you may need dental implants. So, read on to find out more.
- You have Missing or Chipped Teeth
Dental implants look, function, and feel just like natural teeth. That is why they are the best option for tooth replacement, whether you have single or multiple missing teeth. According to the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), dental implants are the treatment of choice for missing teeth due to their durability, safety, and esthetics. The ACP estimated that over 2.3 million implant-supported crowns are fabricated each year in the US.
- You are Not Satisfied with your Removable Dentures
Denture wearers often complain that their dentures are not stable and keep slipping while speaking or eating. As a result, many denture wearers have to use denture adhesives to keep them in place. Besides, removable dentures are made from brittle materials; as a result, they crack or fracture easily if they are dropped – a common problem in old age – and therefore, require frequent repairs or replacement. Therefore If you are fed up using the denture adhesive, maybe it’s time you switched to dental implants. According to the American Dental Association, dental implants can last a lifetime provided they are looked after properly.
- You Have One or More Teeth that Cannot be Restored
Thanks to modern dentistry, every effort is made by dentists to preserve even the most badly damaged teeth – using non-invasive therapeutic options, including fluoride therapy for preventing and arresting tooth decay. However, there are still certain cases – where a tooth is grossly decayed, or repeated root canal treatment procedures have not been able to remove the underlying infection – where tooth extraction becomes necessary. Another scenario is when a tooth gets cracked in such a way that the crack line extends into the root. In these cases, your dentist will prepare a customized treatment plan for replacing the teeth as soon as they are extracted.
In most cases dentists prefer dental implants for replacing these missing teeth. Hence, if you have a tooth that gets infected frequently or requires frequent restoration, your dentist may consider getting it extracted and replacing it with a dental implant-supported prosthesis.
- Jaw Bone Deterioration
Once a tooth is lost, the surrounding jawbone starts to degrade at a faster rate. Over time, the jawbone becomes thin and brittle and more prone to spontaneous fractures. Jawbone degradation also results in significant facial changes, causing facial creases and wrinkles and making one look older. That is why dentists recommend replacing your missing teeth as soon as they are lost. So, if you have one or more missing teeth for a long time, you should get them replaced immediately with dental implants to avoid further complications. According to the American Dental Association, one of the benefits of dental implants is that they don’t cause bone shrinkage, unlike conventional dentures.
- You Cannot Enjoy Your Favorite Foods
While removable dentures may replace your teeth, they do not provide sufficient chewing efficiency to allow you to eat hard and sticky foods. In addition, denture wearers often have to constantly use their tongues to keep their dentures from slipping while eating. Hence, you can only eat soft foods with your removable dentures. However, if you have been wearing removable dentures for many years and have been longing to eat steaks or nuts, you should consider saying goodbye to your dentures – and switch to implant-supported teeth. Dental implants remain firmly anchored within the bone. Hence, they firmly support any prosthesis attached to it and offer optimal chewing and speech efficiency.
- You are Not Happy with the Esthetics of your Removable Dentures
Another problem associated with conventional dentures is that they get stained very quickly, especially in regions with higher chances of food impaction. So, naturally, if you are not happy with your stained dentures, you can get a naturally beautiful smile with dental implants. An implant is inserted into the jawbone, just like natural teeth. That is why, besides offering excellent chewing and speech efficiency, dental implants allow for the placement of esthetically pleasing zirconia crowns and bridges for tooth replacement. These zirconia-based prostheses possess exceptional durability, are safe for use in the oral cavity, and their shade can be matched precisely with the neighboring teeth. Once placed in the mouth, implant-supported prostheses blend in perfectly and become virtually indistinguishable from the natural teeth.
Every tooth replacement option has its own merits and demerits. However, if you are looking for a hassle-free, reliable, comfortable, and esthetically pleasing tooth replacement option, dental implants should be your first choice. Whether you are currently wearing dentures or a tooth bridge, you can still get your missing teeth replaced with dental implants to enjoy a beautiful, healthy and lasting smile. In addition, research has shown that dental implants have a 10-year survival rate of more than 90% – which is the highest among all tooth replacement options. So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment with your dentist today to discuss the possibility of getting implants.
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