Aside from being a cosmetic issue, a missing tooth can affect your self-esteem and overall dental health. Fortunately, thanks to modern technology, you do not have to live with the gap for the rest of your life. If you have a missing tooth or set of teeth, your dentist can fix the problem permanently using dental implants to restore your smile appearance and teeth functions.
A dental implant is a popular solution for people with one or more missing teeth. However, not every person is an excellent candidate for this procedure. If you are considering dental implants, it would be wise to understand what they are and what could make you an excellent candidate for the procedure.
By the end of this article, you will have more knowledge and understanding of dental implants and whether they are an excellent choice for your dental issue(s).
Dental Implants at a Glance
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that your dentist places on your jawbone through surgery to create a permanent and strong structure and foundation for an artificial tooth or a bridge.
Unlike what many think, it is a non-invasive surgery that your dentist will perform in multiple stages, leaving healing time between the involved procedures. Here is what to expect during the dental implant placement process:
- Removal of your damaged tooth.
- Jawbone preparation or grafting, if necessary.
- Dental implant placement.
- Jawbone growth and healing.
- Abutment placement.
- Dental crown placement (artificial tooth).
Generally speaking, the entire process could take several months, from the first to the last step. However, much of this time is devoted to recovery, healing, and waiting for the regeneration of new, healthy bone in the affected area of your jaw. Depending on your unique dental condition and the materials used, your dentist can combine certain steps to shorten the treatment period.
Signs That You are an Excellent Candidate for Dental Implants
If you are experiencing any of the warning signs explained below, chances are you will require dental implants to permanently solve the problem:
a. You Have a Chipped or Missing Tooth
One main reason many people, including adults, require dental implants is the issue of a missing or chipped tooth. A dental implant could be an ideal remedy if you have one or more missing teeth that affect your smile appearance, speech, and ability to chew food.
The dental implant will fill the gap between your teeth to hold an artificial tooth or set of teeth that look like natural teeth, meaning people cannot notice whether you have an implant.
b. Your Dental Dentures are Loose
Aside from being uncomfortable, loose dentures could irritate your gums and make it challenging to speak and eat. Sadly, many people deal with the issue of loose dentures, which is unfortunate because there are excellent options like implants that do not require adjustment.
If you have a loose denture, your dentist could recommend the placement of a dental implant to stabilize and hold it in place. There is no reason to deal with the issues of loose dentures and frequent dental visits when a dental implant can solve the same issue permanently for a brighter smile.
c. You Have a Seriously Infected Tooth that Requires Extraction
Whether the cause of your tooth infection is a periodontal disease, injury, or any other cause, you could require a dental implant when a dentist extracts or pulls it out. Your dentist will likely recommend an extraction procedure if the infection is severe and the roots of the affected tooth are too weak to support it.
Aside from relieving you of the bothersome pain caused by the infection, an implant will prevent other severe dental and health problems that could occur when the tooth infection is left untreated.
d. You Have a Loose Dental Bridge
Like dentures, a loose bridge could impact your ability to chew food and injure soft tissues in your mouth, like the tongue and gums. Your dental bridge could become loose if the supporting teeth are affected by gum disease, decay, or trauma. Regardless of the cause of the problem, a dental implant could save you unnecessary headaches by keeping your dental bridge in place.
e. You Have a Severely Cracked Tooth
If you are experiencing sensitivity in your teeth when eating cold, sour, and warm foods and drinks, there is a chance that you have a severely cracked tooth and the pulp section is compromised. Aside from affecting your ability to enjoy your favorite meals and drinks, a severely cracked tooth can create an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to thrive, leading to other oral health issues, including gum disease and cavities.
If you have a severely broken or cracked tooth and other treatment methods like wearing a crown are not an option, a dental implant could help solve the problem permanently. However, before placing a dental implant to replace your cracked tooth, your dentist must thoroughly extract the remaining piece of the tooth and disinfect the site.
f. Your Face Has a "Sunken-in" Appearance
When you notice that some parts of the lower part of your face have a "sunken-in" appearance, you should talk to your dentist because you could be an ideal candidate for dental implants. In most cases, this "sunken-in" appearance occurs if you have severe bone loss caused by missing teeth.
People who wear dentures are more likely to experience this problem because these appliances do not promote the regeneration and growth of the affected bone like dental implants do. That means the affected bone will continue to recede, making your face "sunken-in" in appearance.
If your face appears "sunken-in," dental implants could help solve the problem and promote the growth of bone mass in the affected jaw for a more youthful appearance.
g. You Have a Deteriorating Jawbone
When you stay with a missing tooth or set of teeth for a while, your jawbone can deteriorate and recede. Aside from filling in or replacing a missing tooth, a dental implant can help stop the recession and restore your jawbone structure, preventing other health issues.
Without a dental implant, your jawbone will continue to deteriorate and cause additional jaw issues that could lead to the loss of more teeth.
h. You Do Not Want to Deal With Dentures
Although dentures are a common solution for missing teeth, they are uncomfortable and could make it challenging to talk and eat. Additionally, dentures require a lot of care and frequent dental visits to ensure they are correctly in place. If you are one of those patients who does not want to deal with frequent dental visits and messy denture adhesives, dental implants could be the best remedy.
If you have dental implants, you do not have to adopt a different dental and oral care routine because you can brush them like your natural teeth. Hence, if you do not want to wear dentures or are tired of their maintenance, a dental implant can replace the missing tooth and restore your smile's appearance.
i. You Are Insecure About Your Smile's Appearance
As mentioned above, a missing tooth could affect your self-esteem and confidence. If you are insecure and ashamed of your smile whenever you talk with your friends or speak in public, you should consider a dental implant. Since dental implants look natural, you will feel confident in your smile once the dentist places them in your jawbone.
j. You Have Trouble Chewing Food
Proper chewing of food is a critical stage of the digestion process. Unfortunately, chewing certain foods could be challenging if you have one or more missing teeth. If you have trouble chewing your favorite meals, you no longer have to suffer because dental implants could help restore your teeth' functions and appearance.
You should consult a dentist to help you determine whether you or your son could benefit from dental implants. A dentist can keenly listen to your concerns and examine your dental condition to decide whether or not you are an excellent candidate for dental implants.
Advantages of Dental Implants
While every person's smile is unique, dental implants have several other benefits beyond improving your physical appearance. Some of these benefits include:
- They help prevent and stop bone loss.
- They will help you chew your favorite meals better.
- They help boost your self-esteem and confidence due to improved smile and facial appearance.
- They improve your speech.
- They are comfortable in your mouth.
- They help you stay on top of your dental health since it is not difficult to clean them.
- You do not need the messy adhesives associated with dentures.
- They provide a permanent remedy for your dental problem.
- They provide anchorage to the remaining teeth, keeping them in place.
- They create a firm and secure place for dental bridges.
Above all, with excellent care, dental implants could last you a lifetime without needing replacement surgery, making them an ideal option for someone who does not want to deal with frequent dental visits associated with dentures. Although the idea of going through a dental implant placement surgery could make you nervous, the benefits of this procedure outweigh the possible risks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
If you are considering dental implants, it is natural to ask questions to know what to expect during the treatment procedure and after. Below are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that many patients ask about dental implants:
1. Is Everyone an Excellent Candidate for Dental Implants?
No, while dental implants are excellent options for several patients, they are not the best or ideal choice for others. Some of the reasons that could prevent you from enjoying the benefits of dental implants include:
- You do not have your diabetes under proper control.
- You do not have healthy gums, adequate bone density, or structure.
- You use drugs or smoke tobacco-related products.
- You are currently on other medications that could affect blood clotting and the healing process after dental implant placement surgery.
- You have an immune disorder that could affect your healing process after dental implant placement surgery.
- You have had radiotherapy around your neck or head in the past.
If you are not an excellent candidate for dental implants, your dentist could recommend other treatment options, including dental bridges and dentures.
2. Will My Insurance Cover My Dental Implants Costs?
Generally speaking, most insurance companies do not cover the cost of dental implants. When budgeting for dental implants, you should speak with your insurance provider to know what your policy covers and does not.
3. How Painful is Dental Implant Placement Surgery?
Since you will be under local anesthesia or sedated during the dental implant placement procedure, you will not feel any bothersome discomfort throughout the procedure.
4. Is Bone Graft Necessary Before a Dental Implant Placement Surgery?
No, unless you have severe bone loss. In that case, your dentist could recommend a bone graft to improve the density and structure of your jawbone, which anchors the dental implant. Although it could take some months for the grafted bone to grow strong enough to anchor a dental implant, the wait will be worth it once you receive your implants.
If the needed bone graft is small, your dentist can perform the procedure and dental implant placement surgery simultaneously.
5. How Do I Find a Reliable Dentist for Dental Implant Placement Surgery?
If you believe you would benefit from dental implants, you should find a reliable dentist for the best results. While there are several dentists you can work with, some are unreliable and only interested in your money.
To find a dependable dentist for a dental implant placement surgery without unnecessary time wastage, you should consider the following factors:
- The dentist's reputation.
- The dentist's experience.
- The dentist's schedule and availability.
- The dentist's location.
- The dentist's cost of services.
- Whether the dentist is licensed.
Find a La Puente Dentist Near Me
As you can see above, dental implants have several advantages you will not enjoy when you opt for other alternative treatment options like bridges and dentures. If you are unsure whether you would be an excellent candidate for dental implants, you should speak with a dentist.
Our seasoned dentists at La Puente Advanced Dentistry will answer all your queries and help you determine whether you would benefit from dental implants. We invite you to call us at 626-626-7075 to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today.
