How Do You Know If You Need Dental Implants?
Have you lost one or several teeth? If so, it’s time to request an appointment with one of our Plymouth, MI, dental implant dentists. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (typically made of titanium) used to support a crown. Since dental implants are fused to the jawbone, they’re much more stable than other tooth replacement options.
Here are some of the top signs you may need dental implants.
You’re Tired of Wearing Dentures
Dentures sit on top of the gums and don’t prevent jawbone deterioration. A , on the other hand, will exert pressure that your jawbone needs to stay healthy. If you don’t get the necessary jawbone stimulation, bone reabsorption will begin to happen and you’ll be at risk for facial collapse. Once the jawbone deteriorates, it’ll also become harder to refit dentures so you can chew without pain.
Unlike dentures, a dental implant will never slip. This means that you can eat, talk, and smile like you did before tooth loss. While denture teeth have to be submerged in water or denture cleanser when they aren’t in your mouth, single-tooth implants can be cared for like natural teeth.
If you like the idea of dentures but want the added stability, ask our local dental implant dentists about implant-supported dentures. The connection between the implants and the false teeth allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds without slipping, clicking, or adhesives.
You’re Unsure of Dental Bridges
Like the name suggests, a dental bridge “bridges” the gap left by a missing tooth. A bridge is comprised of an artificial tooth anchored by crowns on healthy adjacent teeth. In order to place a dental bridge, our dentists would have to remove healthy enamel from teeth on both sides of the gap.
Once enamel is removed, it can never be replaced. While it’s still an effective option for many, our dentists prefer dental implant surgery over bridges because they let you keep as much natural tooth structure as possible.
Tooth implants are sturdier than a bridge because they’re anchored to your jaw. This added stability helps you smile, talk, and eat with confidence. The dental implant procedure is also long-lasting, which means you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful healthy smile for years to come.
You’re Missing at Least One Tooth
After tooth extraction, our dental implant dentists will recommend an implant to help you maintain good oral health. Otherwise, your jawbone will start to deteriorate and eventually alter the shape of your face. The is immediately after extraction.
Your teeth are held in place by roots and adjacent teeth. This means that when you lose a tooth, nearby teeth are likely to tilt toward the open space, loosen, and eventually fall out. Fortunately, dental implant treatment supports nearby teeth so you can continue smiling with confidence.
Dental implants help you avoid:
- Bone loss in jaw
- Facial collapse
- Further tooth loss
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Feeling self-conscious about your smile
We understand that you must have a lot of questions about the implant procedure. This is why we recommend scheduling a dental implant consultation with one of our dentists.
When Dental Implants Aren’t Ideal
Not everyone is immediately ready for dental implant placement. In some cases, additional treatments or health improvements are needed before moving forward.
You may need to delay or consider alternatives if:
- You have active gum disease.
- You have significant bone loss in the jaw and are not a candidate for bone grafting.
- You have a chronic illness that affects healing.
- You take medications that interfere with bone health.
- You’re currently undergoing cancer treatment.
That said, these issues don’t always mean dental implants are off the table forever. Many patients with health concerns can still become eligible for dental implants with the right support and preparation. Our dentists can discuss with you what makes the most sense and can collaborate with primary care providers if needed.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Our dental implant dentists in Plymouth, MI, are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for dental implants, please call Plymouth Dentistry at (734) 459-7110. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.