Whether due to age, disease, or just unfortunate circumstances, some people lose their natural set of teeth and have to opt for alternatives. Many choose dentures, which are easy to put on and take off but can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. You might even be one of them.
If a set of dentures is not working for you, you may be wondering if dental implants are a better solution. Implants are artificial teeth that replace your natural teeth from the roots up, restoring your smile’s appearance. If you notice any of these six signs, talk to your dentist about the possibility of having implants installed:
You Have a Severely Cracked or Broken Tooth
A dental crown or a dental implant may be your sole option for restoring the appearance and function of a cracked or fractured tooth. While most dentists try to conserve as much natural tooth structure as possible, the best alternative may be to extract it and replace it with an implant if the tooth is damaged beyond repair. Rest confident that if an implant is required, it will appear and operate just like your natural teeth.
Your Natural Teeth Are Missing
Missing teeth can make you self-conscious about smiling, talking, or eating in public. A dental implant will fill in the gap left by your normal tooth, both appearing and feeling like your natural teeth.
You Have Loose-Fitting Partials or Dentures
Dealing with loose-fitting dentures or partials every day can be aggravating. Implants are an excellent option for partials and dentures. If you have dental implants, you won’t have to worry about your dentures becoming loose throughout the day or feeling self-conscious about them falling out in public while chatting or eating.
You are Beginning to Suffer from Bone Loss in the Jaw Area
Do you realize that dental implants can help you avoid bone loss in your jaw? This is because the titanium or zirconium component of the implant that goes into the jawbone socket and acts as the artificial tooth root is titanium or zirconium. Osseointegration is the process by which these tough materials organically connect to bone tissue. This permits the implant roots to drive jaw bone tissue growth in the same way that natural tooth roots do, reducing the risk of bone deterioration.
Your Facial Appearance Has a Sunken-In Look to It
Have you ever noticed how some denture wearers have a sunken-in or caved-in appearance regularly? Unfortunately, bone loss as people age is a prevalent concern for those who wear dentures. Dentures do not encourage bone growth as implants do; thus, the bone continues to degenerate over time, giving the impression of sunken-in, caved-in teeth. Dental implants address this issue by maintaining bone formation in the jaw area surrounding the implant.
You Don’t Know How to Save Your Tooth
A badly decaying or infected tooth may not be able to be saved or repaired. After a thorough inspection, your dentist will make this decision. It may be necessary to pull a troublesome tooth if it cannot be repaired or fixed. In this scenario, a dental implant—the longest-lasting and most natural-looking tooth replacement option—could be the best alternative.
Dental Implants in Smyrna, TN
If you identify yourself in any of these scenarios, you should consider having dental implants at Mid TN Dental. For an implant consultation with an orthodontist in Smyrna, TN, call (615) 502-4853. We look forward to assisting you in restoring your smile!