Why are dental implants so popular? According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, about three million people in the United States have dental implants.
There are many reasons why patients might choose dental implants. In this article, we will introduce seven warning signs that could indicate you need dental implants.
It’s a sign that you need dental implants if one or more of the following apply to you:
1. Missing Teeth
Dental implants can help you regain the ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently after losing a tooth or several teeth in a short time.
Having multiple missing teeth can change your smile, your ability to chew, and the way you chew your food. For example, your tongue will often rest on the bottom teeth when you lose several teeth. This can cause an overbite and may also change how you speak.
Missing teeth can also lead to the biting surfaces of your remaining teeth wearing down. Over time, this can cause your remaining teeth to loosen and leave your mouth susceptible to decay or decay-causing bacteria.
2. Loose Dentures
If your dentures don’t stay in place, you might be a candidate for dental implants.
Dentures that don’t stay in place can be uncomfortable and difficult to wear. If your dentures don’t fit well, they may shift when you eat. This can cause dental problems such as gum disease or tissue damage in your mouth.
Dental implants can be less expensive over time than dentures. Implants will last for the rest of your life (if cared for appropriately), whereas dentures need to be replaced regularly.
3. Infected Tooth
If a tooth becomes infected, it may be possible to save it with specific procedures. However, if the infection is too bad, the tooth will need to be extracted. If your dentist tells you that the infection is too severe and the tooth cannot be saved, you may need to get a dental implant.
After the infected tooth is removed, the dental implant will serve as your new tooth. It will be just as strong and durable as your natural teeth. And you don’t need to do anything special to take care of it. You should care for your implant like your natural teeth—by brushing and flossing regularly.
4. Severely Cracked Tooth
A severely cracked tooth can be challenging to clean and maintain, which can cause it to decay and eventually break off at the gum line. A cracked tooth can also cause your other teeth to shift out of place. This can create problems with your bite, your ability to chew, and your smile.
Once the cracked tooth is removed, dental implants are placed in the empty space. The implant can help hold a crown in place, or the implant can be fitted with a crown to function as a replacement tooth.
Conclusion
Dental implants can be a great solution for patients who miss one or more teeth. If you are missing teeth, have recently lost several teeth, have dentures that don’t fit well, have a tooth that became severely cracked, or have a tooth that became infected, you should discuss your options with a dentist.
Galleria Dental of Alexandria is a full-service dental office serving Alexandria, VA, treating patients of all ages. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care using advanced dental equipment. We provide cosmetic dentistry like checkups, teeth cleaning, crowns, veneers, and emergency dental care services like bonding, root canals, crowns, and bridges. If you’re looking for cosmetic dentistry in Alexandria, VA, look no further! Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help!