Many patients don’t realize that missing teeth create more dental care problems than cosmetic issues. If you think you may need dental implants, it’s best to arrange the procedure sooner rather than later.
Here are five signs that you may need dental implants.
1. You Have Missing or Chipped Teeth
They make your smile look natural and provide security. Nobody will be able to tell the difference.
Replacing any missing or chipped teeth is the most durable option, allowing patients to eat, speak, and live as if they had never lost or chipped their teeth.
Living with missing teeth affects your chance to chew, talk, and drink properly and puts you at risk for headaches and infection.
2. Your Dentures Don’t Fit Properly
When dentures don’t fit properly, they can lead to pain and discomfort. Dental implants are a more effective, secure option compared to dentures because they can function just like teeth.
They help patients struggling from the pain of poorly fitting dentures by remaining in place. This helps improve your dental health in the long run as they prevent further gum irritation and can significantly reduce discomfort.
3. There Is Sign of Infection
A patient may suffer from an infected tooth due to periodontal disease, injury, or other causes. But no matter what the cause is, if the infection worsens, the patient is likely to benefit from dental implants. This is especially if the infection has ruined the integrity of the tooth.
The implant will relieve the patient from the pain of infection and improve their oral health overall b preventing more severe health problems due to untreated infection.
4. The Jawbone is Deteriorating
If you’ve had a missing tooth for a while, your jawline may have started to deteriorate and recede. As well as filling in missing teeth, they can help replace tooth structure.
Implants are set directly into the jawbone, which can help prevent further recession. Without them you may risk developing more jaw issues that contribute to extra tooth loss.
With some time, dental implants stabilize the jaw and prevent the issues from continuing.
5. The Face is Sinking In
If you notice that your face is starting to have a caved-in appearance, you may benefit from dental implants. This sunken-in look of skin can develop when there’s bone loss resulting from missing teeth. It’s also common in patients who have dentures.
Dentures don’t encourage bone growth as dental implants do. This means the bone continues to recede.
Do You Need Dental Implants?
Dental implants are worth investing in if you have missing teeth or removable dentures that don’t fit properly. They improve your oral health in the long run, too.
If you’re seeking treatment in St Louis, we’re here to help. Get in contact with us here if you’d like to schedule an appointment.