According to the latest reports, one in four Australians have untreated tooth decay with 15% of them suffer from severe tooth loss.
While missing teeth are usually considered purely cosmetic issues, it is not always the case.
Missing teeth affect the overall dental health of the patients and also their daily lives.
For starters, the patients cannot eat the foods that they loved.
They also have to find an alternate way to chew talk.
With teeth now missing from the mouth, the gums start shrinking, causing the lips and the cheeks to sag.
When are Dental Implants Necessary?
Dental implants are the most common solution for tooth loss.
Firstly, an artificial root is placed in your jawbone; it serves as a foundation for the replacement tooth.
Unlike other replacement options, a dental implant doesn’t just replace the tooth but also the root.
Any tooth lost must be replaced, otherwise it can have a domino effect on the teeth and can change the dynamic of the mouth as a whole.
Dental implants are necessary when other tooth replacement options such as bridges, crowns and dentures fail.
Not only do they hold a tooth in place but they also prevent the jawbone from deteriorating.
Apart from that, they are also beneficial in the visual aspect.
Signs You Need a Dental Implant
If you are missing teeth and are still on the fence about dental implants, you may want to consider the following criteria:
- Missing Teeth – Dental implants are a more permanent and durable option for people with missing teeth. It allows the patients to eat, talk and enjoy life, just like before.
- Chipped/Cracked Teeth – Not all chipped and cracked teeth can be repaired. In such a case, dental implants are your next option. Don’t worry, your implant will look and feel much like natural teeth.
- Loose Teeth – Teeth can get loose over time and shift places, leaving a huge gap between teeth. This often results in the weakening of the jawbone. As it progresses, the gum loses its grip, and the result is loose teeth. In this case, it starts with periodontal treatment to prevent further loss.
- Infected Tooth – If the tooth infection has ruined the integrity of the tooth and its roots, the dental implant is the only option available for you. It helps prevent more severe health problems due to untreated infections.
- Deteriorating Jawbones – An untreated, missing tooth can cause the surrounding areas to worsen. Dental Implants can help strengthen the jaw and prevent further issues.
- Loose Dentures – Loose-fitting dentures are often uncomfortable, causing pain and discomfort. The dental implant can look and function just like a regular tooth.
Conclusion
Dental implants have changed the way professionals approach missing/cracked teeth. It allows the patients to have a tooth that just performs like a regular tooth. However, they are not always the better choice for missing teeth.
Talk to our expert cosmetic dentist Gold Coast if you’re considering dental implants and we’ll help you make the best decision for your situation.
