Whether you’ve lost teeth through injury, accident, or poor oral health, it can be hard to know what to do next. One of the options your dentist may recommend are dental implants, but are they right for you? Here are a few signs that this dental procedure is a possible fit for your situation.
You Are Missing Teeth
It goes without saying that one of the most common ways to know that dental implants might be an option is if you’ve got missing teeth. Otherwise, you wouldn’t need implants! However, implants are just one of several options.
Sometimes, removable dentures and fixed bridges are a better option. What your dentist recommends is based on your unique situation.
You’re an Adult
Even though children can lose teeth through accidents, injuries, and poor oral care, dental implants tend to be only a suitable option for adults. Your jawbone has to have reached its full growth before they are ideal for installation.
You Are Dedicated to the Timeframe
Dental implants look as beautiful as your natural teeth, but there is a little bit of a process to get to that point. If you believe dental implants are an ideal option for you, you can expect a three to six-month process to achieve the final result. However, it can all be worth it.
Your Oral Tissues are Healthy
One of the most important necessities for dental implant suitability is the health of your gum tissues. Your dentist can determine if you’re a suitable candidate for this cosmetic procedure after a thorough checkup.
You Don’t Want to or Cannot Wear Dentures
Dentures are another suitable option for people who are missing teeth. However, not everyone finds them comfortable or even wants to wear them. If you are looking for an alternate option, dental implants can be it.
You Don’t Have Health Conditions That Affect Bone Healing
A significant part of whether or not dental implants are right for you is your bones’ ability to heal itself. Nicotine use, hypothyroidism, diabetes, anaemia, poor nutrition, and old age can all be barriers to bone healing and growth.
You Are Worried About Speech Problems
Having missing teeth can increase your risk of a speech impediment. Rather than put up with missing teeth, dental implants can fill the gaps and ensure that you don’t experience tooth loss-related speech problems.
What if I Don’t Get Dental Implants?
Suppose you don’t see your dentist about options for replacing missing teeth. In that case, you may experience quite a number of adverse effects. Even if you don’t choose implants, it’s a good idea to consider other options like bridges and dentures.
Otherwise, you may come across problems like:
- Gum disease from a wound in your gum tissue where your teeth once were
- Misaligned teeth
- A loss of bone mass in the jaw
- Speech problems
Whether you have one missing tooth or several missing teeth, it’s a good idea to contact your local general dentist. They can carry out a thorough checkup before outlining options like dental implants, bridges, and dentures.