If you have missing teeth, it is time to schedule a dental appointment to discuss restorative treatment options. Apart from dental bridges and dentures, dental implants are an option for those who want the function and look of original teeth. A tooth implant refers to a titanium-made tooth root that anchors a crown. Because implants are inserted into the bone, they have more stability than dentures, bridges, and other dental replacement solutions. But when is the exact time to consider tooth implants and not all those different options? This blog answers this critical question.
When You Have One or Several Missing Teeth
If you have one or multiple missing teeth, either because they have been extracted or knocked out, a restorative dentist can recommend dental implants to assist you in maintaining proper oral health. If you do not replace a missing tooth or teeth, your bone will deteriorate, altering your face’s shape. The best moment to undergo the implant placement procedure is right after you experience missing teeth.
Your natural teeth are anchored in position by tooth roots and the neighboring teeth. That means whenever you have missing teeth, adjacent teeth will likely shift towards the gap that is left, loosen, and ultimately fall out. Luckily, tooth implants support the neighboring teeth, enabling you to smile confidently. Tooth implants will assist you in avoiding the following:
- Jawbone loss
- Crowding of the neighboring teeth
- More tooth loss
- Facial collapse
- Being self-conscious when you smile
- Poorly-fitting dentures
When You Have Dentures
Dentures rest on gums and do not stop bone deterioration. On the contrary, a tooth implant is embedded into the jawbone and exerts the pressure your jaw requires to stay healthy. Should you not receive a dental implant, proper jawbone stimulation where the tooth was lost will not occur, ultimately losing tissue. Losing bone can result in changes in the facial structure or facial collapse. After the bone deteriorates, refitting dentures and chewing without discomfort will be more challenging.
A significant advantage of tooth implants compared to dentures is that they cannot slip. That means you can talk, smile, and eat like you used to before losing your teeth. Even though dentures must be placed in a denture cleanser or water when not in the mouth, you can care for implants like original teeth.
You also want to consider dental implants if your dentures are ill-fitting. When dentures do not fit properly, they can subject you to discomfort and pain. Implants are a more secure choice than dentures due to their capability to function just like natural teeth.
Dental implants can assist patients who experience the pain and discomfort of poorly fitting dentures by not shifting out of place. This helps in preventing more gum irritation, which can significantly reduce discomfort. If your dentures are ill-fitting, consult your dentist about the advantages and disadvantages of dropping them for tooth implants. Some benefits include the durability of the implants, the money you will save over time, and the need for fewer office visits.
When You Want to Support a Dental Bridge
Tooth implants are a stable, long-lasting solution for lost teeth. You can have them as individual dental replacement options, or you can have them to support a dental bridge. This is particularly useful if you have severe tooth loss because of injury or decay.
Dental bridges’ general comfort and stability are substantially enhanced using tooth implants. The titanium post surgically inserted directly into the bone will fuse with adjacent jawbone tissue and give a more secure basis than conventional bridge or denture fitting methods. The success rate of implants is higher (approximately 98 percent) when taken care of properly. This makes them a reliable option for missing teeth.
When Your Jawbone Is Deteriorating
If you have had missing teeth for an extended period, your jawbone might have started receding or deteriorating. Apart from filling the space left by the missing teeth, tooth implants also assist in replacing tooth structure.
Dentists place implants directly into the bone, which can assist in stopping further recession. If you do not place implants, you risk more jaw issues that can lead to further tooth loss. With time, implants will stabilize the jaw and prevent the problems from continuing.
If you notice any bone deterioration, you can visit your dentist and discuss how implants can help you. Implants will assist in strengthening the jawbone and stopping further jawbone loss due to the missing teeth.
When You Are Devoted to the Dental Implant Process
The whole tooth implant process is much longer than other dental replacement options. Say you have sufficient jawbone density and need not undergo bone grafting before placement. In this case, the implant process may take several months to a year from the beginning to the end. If bone grafting is involved, the process may take even longer.
The actual implant placement process does not take an extended period. What takes plenty of time is the recovery and the fusing of the implant with the bone. As the tooth implant recovers, the body restores lost jawbone material via osseointegration, filling in more bone until the implant has completely fused with the jaw.
Most patients believe tooth implants match the face investment and commitment put in since they function precisely like original teeth and blend in flawlessly with their smile. Dental implants might be ideal if you prefer a more long-lasting solution to missing teeth that enhances speech.
When Your Face Is Sinking In
Should you realize that your face has a caved-in appearance, you may benefit from tooth implants. The sunken-in face can happen when you experience jawbone loss from missing teeth. It is equally prevalent in people who use dentures. Dentures do not promote the growth of the jawbone like dental implants do. That means the jawbone will continue to recede.
If you have a caved-in facial appearance, let your dentist assist you in inspecting the jaw and determining whether dental implants can help you. Dental implants provide a natural lift that makes the face look more youthful and enhances the capability to speak and chew.
When You Have a Severely Cracked or Broken Tooth
If you have a severely broken or cracked tooth, you might not have many options to remedy that. You might have only two options—a tooth implant or a dental crown. An experienced dentist will try to preserve as much of the original tooth as possible. However, based on the level of damage, it might be ideal to remove the remaining section of the tooth and insert a tooth implant.
If the tooth is broken underneath the gingival line, taking it out might be your only option. Another case is if the cracked or broken tooth leads to damaged pulp. When this happens, you will likely face the danger of developing a tooth infection. Your dentist will establish what kind of solution best suits your situation. In either case, a tooth implant offers durability and long-term strength for several years.
When You Have Experienced a Sign of Infection
Your tooth can become infected by an injury, gum disease, or other causes. However, regardless of the reason, you may benefit from tooth implants if the infection worsens enough. If the infection has destroyed your tooth to the extent that it cannot be saved, it is time to consider a tooth implant. Not only will the implant relieve you from the pain the infection is causing, but it will also help avert more severe health issues because of the untreated infection.
If you have an infection and are considering an implant, discuss it with your dental professional first. They will tell you the dangers of not addressing your infection, including more tooth loss and spreading throughout the body, causing more health issues.
When You Are at The Right Age
Age also plays a role in the success of dental implants. There is no maximum age bracket for having tooth implants. However, children’s and young adults’ jawbones may not fully develop to anchor these dental restorations, affecting their success. Thus, young individuals must wait until their jawbones are fully developed before considering having tooth implants. This is usually around eighteen years or later.
Most Importantly, Consider Dental Implants When You Know You Are a Good Candidate
Before considering dental implants, the most important thing is to consider whether you are an ideal candidate. Even if you have a dental issue that dental implants can fix, you cannot have them if you do not have the qualifying factors. Indeed, tooth implants are an ideal option for many patients, but particular factors make some individuals better candidates than others. Here are the factors that tell you whether you qualify for dental implants:
- General lifestyle and health. Certain lifestyle habits and health conditions can impact implant success. For example, heavy smokers, people with uncontrolled diabetes, or people with conditions impacting immune function might have challenges recovering from the implant surgery.
- Proper oral hygiene routines. Candidates for tooth implants should commit themselves to proper oral hygiene. Like original teeth, dental implants need frequent care, such as daily flossing, brushing, and regular dental check-ups. Patients who maintain these habits have higher odds of longer-term success with their dental implants. That is because clean gums and teeth avert infections and support the tooth implant’s stability.
- Sufficient bone density. Among the most essential conditions for tooth implants is enough bone density. The dentist surgically places the implant into the bone, so it requires a stable foundation to have proper support. If you have jawbone loss because of missing teeth or other problems, you might need bone grafting to rebuild the jawbone structure and stabilize it enough for a dental implant.
- Healthy gums. The health of the gums plays a huge role in whether the dental implant placement process will succeed. Patients whose gums are healthy and have no active periodontitis are generally ideal candidates, since gum disease can impact how effectively the implants osseointegrate with the bone. If you have gum disease, it is essential to undergo treatment and manage it before considering dental implants.
You may also not be a good candidate for dental implants if you grind or clench your teeth, which is also called bruxism. Grinding teeth damages them. If you have dental implants and suffer from bruxism, you may have to invest in a night guard to protect them. Should you have any questions about bruxism, gum health, and jawbone structure, your dental professional can help you understand whether you are a good fit for tooth implants.
Consulting a dental professional is the ideal way to know whether you are a good dental implant candidate. During the consultation, the dental professional will assess the condition of your existing teeth and establish any particular needs you may have.
They might also take X-ray pictures and examine your oral cavity to determine what procedure you must undergo before having dental implants, and the period it could last. For example, you might have to undergo bone grafting or tooth extraction before undergoing dental implant placement. The dentist will look for signs of gum disease, tooth decay symptoms, and other problems that need attention.
Your dental professional will also assess your medical history to ensure you are adequately healthy to undergo the procedure to place implants or make the necessary adjustments to maximize your health in advance. Inform your dentist if you are currently on any medication.
Also, the dentist will want to know your goals for the treatment, like enhancing your smile or improving your dental care routines. With this in mind, they can create a personalized treatment plan that matches your needs and blends with your unique lifestyle.
Sometimes, the dentist may determine that an alternative treatment option is ideal for you. In any case, depending on your needs, they will advise you so that you can make an informed decision regarding implant placement.
Find a Qualified Dental Professional Near Me
You are in luck if you are exploring tooth implant placement options in Hawthorne, CA. We at The Hawthorne Dentist can help you. We are a premier dental clinic with qualified oral surgeons specializing in tooth implants for all patients. Whether you are a young adult ready to boost your smile or a senior citizen looking to restore confidence and function, we offer the expertise and care you require for a seamless implant journey while considering all the crucial factors. Call us today at 310-775-2557 to schedule your appointment and start your journey towards a brighter, healthier smile.
