5 Signs Dental Implants Might Be the Right Fit for You

EAGAN DENTIST SHARES 5 SIGNS DENTAL IMPLANTS MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU

Dental implants are at the forefront of dental technology and have helped many patients restore form and function to their smiles. Dental implants are unique among all dental treatments and are unmatched in their ability to replicate and replace natural teeth. If you’ve been considering dental implants or are simply wondering what situation necessitates them, here are 5 signs you may benefit from implants.

Missing Teeth

Having missing teeth is the most obvious and most common reason to get dental implants. Obviously, there are many options for replacing missing teeth, but dental implants are considered by the dental industry to be the best treatment available. Generally speaking, implants do very well when replacing just one tooth, particularly in the lower jaw.

Bone Loss

Bone loss in the jaw occurs due to periodontal disease or the loss of teeth. Periodontal disease destroys bone via invasive bacteria. Tooth loss, on the other hand, leads to bone loss because having teeth promotes continual formation and strengthening of bone in the jaw. When teeth are absent, the body no longer makes bone. Unfortunately, dentures rely on good bone levels and structure in order to be retentive in the mouth. Dental implants are much more flexible. In fact, having dental implants can stimulate the production of new bone.

Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth requires a root canal to be cured. But it is known that teeth treated with root canal therapy are weakened and may not last as long as non-root canal treated teeth. If you have an abscessed tooth, you may be able to forgo the root canal by having the tooth extracted followed by implant placement. In some cases, the implant can be placed immediately after the extraction.

Broken, Worn, or Severely Damaged teeth

If the majority of your teeth have significant structural deterioration, dental implants may be a good option for you. The implant itself is extremely stable and, when combined with a strong porcelain crown, can stand up to wear and tear much better than natural teeth.

Broken of Poorly-Fitting Dentures

Ill-fitting dentures can be uncomfortable and lead to bone loss. There are cases in which implants can be used to replace all the teeth in the mouth. If you have a denture but just wish it were more stable or retentive, you may be able to have implants placed that will allow your denture to “snap” in place in the mouth, making it much more functional and easier to wear.

Dental implants have a wide variety of applications and the list of problems they can solve is nearly limitless. If you have any of the problems listed, ask your Eagan dentist about dental implants. You may be surprised to learn how dramatically they can change your smile.