From 2000 to 2016, the percentage of dental implant usage increased from 0.7% of people to 5.7% of people. This isn’t indicative of worsening dental hygiene but of the growing popularity of dental implants throughout the United States and the world in general.
What you might be wondering, though, is if you should join that 5.7%. Do you have a problem that calls for dental implants? Here are the surest signs that you.
What Are Dental Implants?
New to the concept of dental implants? If so, you’d probably like to know what they are. Dental implants are a permanent solution to replacing lost and extracted teeth.
These implants consist of a narrow metal bar and a synthetic tooth-like cap. The bar is implanted into the jaw bone. Over time, the bone strengthens around it, locking it in place for the long run.
The cap is then placed on top of the bar and cemented into place. Once there, it looks and performs like a natural tooth. It fits right in with the other teeth in the mouth, and can’t be taken out.
Dental implants differ from crowns, bridges, and dentures in that they’re meant to be permanent. All of the other tooth replacement options have a finite lifespan, usually somewhere between 5 and 15 years. Dental implants last until the end of the patient’s life and, in most cases, they do just that.
Signs You Need Dental Implants
Now, who can benefit from dental implants? What are some signs that you need dental implants? Generally speaking, they include the following.
You’re Missing a Tooth Or Several Teeth
The surest sign that you can benefit from a dental implant is that you’re missing one or more teeth. See, missing teeth need to be replaced. If they’re not, your existing teeth will start to lean toward the open spot, resulting in crookedness and increasing the risk of tooth and gum decay.
Now, you don’t necessarily need to replace your missing tooth with an implant. A crown or bridge would work as well. However, if you’re looking for a permanent option, the dental implant is the way to go.
One of Your Teeth Is Cracked
Another sign that you need a dental implant is that one of your teeth is cracked. A severely cracked tooth generally won’t suffice for long. It will either become discolored from losing blood flow or will fail to perform its function to an adequate degree.
As such, cracked teeth need to be removed and replaced with synthetic ones. There are all sorts of synthetic teeth options. However, the only permanent option is to get a dental implant.
You’re Losing Bone in a Portion of Your Jaw
When teeth become decayed, or when they’re lost completely, the portions of the jaw in which they’re rooted can start to incur a loss of bone. Losing jaw bone is a serious problem, as it affects not only the look of the teeth and gums but their functionality as well.
Now, how do you stop jaw bone from deteriorating? One option is to receive a dental implant. A dental implant stops the spread of decay and thereby ensures that the jaw bone doesn’t deteriorate.
So, if you appear to be losing portions of your jaw bone, give a call to your dentist. Ask about dental implants and see what they think.
Your Dentures Fit Loosely
Maybe you’ve already suffered tooth loss and have used dentures as a means of replacing said teeth. This works on many occasions. Unfortunately, some patients struggle with dentures, as they don’t quite fit firmly in their mouths; instead, they move around and risk falling out.
Loose dentures can do damage to existing teeth and gums. Not only can they rub the gums raw but they can also compromise a person’s bite, resulting in severe and chronic pain.
If you struggle with loose dentures, you can rectify the problem by getting dental implants instead. Dental implants don’t move at all and instead behave like real teeth.
Your Tooth Is Severely Decayed
One last sign that you need dental implants is that your tooth is severely decayed. In some cases, tooth decay has spread to an extent that the tooth can no longer be saved through fillings or crowns. In these cases, the only viable option is to extract the tooth and replace it with a synthetic tooth.
Of course, you could replace your extracted tooth with dentures or bridges. However, if you want your replacement to be permanent, you’ll need to receive a dental implant.
What Happens During a Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant procedure begins with a standard visit to the dentist. Your dentist will assess your teeth and determine whether a dental implant is needed. If your dentist deems an implant necessary, you’ll schedule another appointment to have a metal root inserted.
Your dentist works this metal root deep down into your jaw bone. Once there, it will be given a few months to heal. The bone will grow around the root, essentially locking it in place.
Finally, at a third appointment, your dentist places a synthetic tooth over the root. This tooth will be held in place with a strong adhesive, ensuring that it remains still for years to come.
For more information on the dental implant process, call your dentist. They’ll tell you everything you want to know.
Need Dental Implants in Newbury Park?
Are you showing signs of a need for dental implants? Need a dental implants procedure in Newbury Park? If so, look no further than Newbury Dental Group.
We’ve provided countless patients with dental implants and are well-versed in the dental implant procedure. Regardless of the state of your teeth, we can accommodate you.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment!