Is your smile missing a bit of sparkle? Or perhaps you’re noticing that chewing has become a bit of a chore. These may be signs that you need dental implants.
At South Calgary Oral Surgery, we believe everyone deserves a smile they’re proud of.
Dental implants are a great option for those who want to restore not just their appearance, but also their dental health. Good oral health is essential for those considering dental implants.
In this post, we’ll explore 8 signs that you need dental implants and why this long-term solution could be exactly what you need.
Whether you’re dealing with missing teeth, bone loss, or even severely damaged teeth, dental implants offer a natural-looking and permanent solution. Let’s dive into how dental implants work, why you should consider them, and how South Calgary Oral Surgery can help you regain a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
Understanding Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a revolutionary tooth replacement option that consists of three main components: the titanium implant, the abutment, and the crown. The titanium implant acts as an artificial root, securely anchored into your jawbone. The abutment connects the implant to the crown, which is the visible part that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are standalone solutions that do not rely on adjacent teeth for support. This means they provide a more stable and permanent solution for missing teeth. The implant screw integrates with your jawbone, creating a strong foundation for the artificial tooth, which helps maintain the integrity of your jaw and overall oral health.
1. Missing Teeth? That’s a Big Sign You Need Dental Implants
Missing one or more teeth can cause more than just a gap in your smile. It can lead to difficulty chewing, speech problems, and even a shift in the surrounding teeth.
If you’re missing teeth, it’s a strong sign that you need dental implants. The longer you leave the gaps, the more likely you are to experience bone loss in your jaw.
Dental implants replace missing teeth by mimicking your natural tooth roots, which helps prevent your jawbone from deteriorating. Missing tooth roots can lead to significant issues such as bone loss, which alters facial appearance and causes premature aging.
In contrast to traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants provide a permanent solution. Unlike dentures, implants are fixed and feel like your natural teeth, making it easier to maintain your normal eating and speaking habits.
If you’ve lost teeth due to an injury or decay, schedule an initial consultation with us at South Calgary Oral Surgery to discuss dental implants before further complications arise.
Statistic: According to the Canadian Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million people in the U.S. already have dental implants, and that number is growing by 500,000 annually.
Gaps in Your Smile
Gaps in your smile can be more than just a cosmetic concern; they can affect your confidence and how you interact with others. Dental implants fill in these gaps, restoring the aesthetic appeal of your smile. With dental implants, you can enjoy a natural-looking smile that allows you to speak, eat, and laugh with confidence.
Dental implants provide a permanent solution for missing teeth, removing the need for temporary fixes like bridges or dentures. They blend in perfectly with your natural teeth, ensuring that your smile looks complete and beautiful.
2. Your Dentures Are Ill-Fitting or Uncomfortable
Dentures can sometimes slip or make clicking sounds when you talk or chew. If your dentures are giving you a hard time, this is another sign that you may need dental implants.
Ill-fitting dentures can lead to sores in your mouth, difficulty eating certain foods, and even a sunken appearance due to lack of bone support.
With dental implants, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of taking them in and out or worrying about them staying in place. Implants are anchored securely to your jaw bone, meaning they function just like natural teeth.
They even help stimulate bone growth and maintain your facial structure, preventing the sunken appearance that sometimes occurs with long-term denture use.
If your dentures are causing discomfort, consider dental implants for a more permanent and stable alternative.
“Dental implants are the closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth.” – Canadian Academy of Implant Dentistry
3. You Have Severely Damaged or Broken Teeth
If you’ve been dealing with broken teeth or those beyond repair, it’s time to think about dental implants.
Severe decay, trauma, or cracks that can’t be fixed with fillings or crowns might indicate the need for dental implants as a permanent solution.
Replacing damaged teeth with implants can prevent further damage to your oral health and help you avoid tooth infections that could spread to the rest of your body.
Not only do dental implants restore the look and function of natural teeth, but they also help protect your jaw bone from the loss that often accompanies untreated tooth damage.
If you’ve got teeth that are too damaged to repair, dental implants could be the best option to save your smile and prevent complications like infections.
4. You’ve Experienced Gum Disease or Bone Loss
Chronic gum disease or periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.
If you’ve lost teeth due to gum disease, chances are you’ve also experienced some degree of bone loss. When the gums and supporting bone structures are damaged, your remaining teeth may shift, or you may experience further tooth loss. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial to prevent gum disease and bone loss.
Dental implants not only replace missing teeth but also help rebuild the bone in your jaw. Implants are designed to fuse with your bone, providing a stable foundation for your artificial teeth.
This process, known as osseointegration, helps prevent further bone loss and stimulates new bone growth.
If you’ve had gum disease, don’t wait until it leads to more tooth loss. Speak with a dental professional at South Calgary Oral Surgery to see if dental implants are right for you.
5. Difficulty Chewing Certain Foods
If you find it painful or difficult to chew, this is another clear sign that you may need dental implants. Whether it’s because of missing teeth, ill-fitting dentures, or damaged teeth, avoiding certain foods like crunchy vegetables or chewy meats is a red flag. When you can’t chew properly, it’s not only frustrating but also harmful to your digestive system and overall health.
Unlike dentures, which can shift or feel awkward when eating, dental implants are securely anchored, allowing you to eat without discomfort. They function just like natural teeth, giving you the freedom to enjoy all the foods you love again.
If you find yourself shying away from your favorite meals, talk to us about dental implants. They can restore your ability to eat comfortably and improve your oral health in the process.
Statistic: A study by the National Institutes of Health found that 90% of patients with dental implants were able to eat foods they previously couldn’t enjoy.
6. Shifting or Misaligned Teeth
When you lose teeth, the surrounding teeth can begin to shift, leading to misalignment and even more dental problems. If you’re noticing that your teeth are starting to move, it could be a sign you need dental implants. As teeth shift, you might experience discomfort, difficulty cleaning between them, and even issues with your bite.
Dental implants act as placeholders, ensuring that your teeth remain in their correct positions. This helps maintain your smile’s alignment and prevents the need for more extensive treatments like braces or corrective surgery down the line.
If your teeth are shifting, don’t delay. The longer you wait, the more complex the treatment can become. Dental implants can provide a long-term solution to keep your teeth in place.
7. Chronic Tooth Pain or Infection
If you have a damaged tooth or suffer from persistent tooth pain due to an infected tooth, it may be beyond saving. This could be another indication that you need dental implants. Sometimes, even root canals or other treatments won’t be enough to fix the problem, and extraction might be necessary.
In these cases, dental implants can replace the infected tooth and prevent the spread of infection, protecting the rest of your teeth and your oral health. Not only do they restore function and aesthetics, but they also prevent the recurrence of painful infections.
If you’re dealing with an infected tooth, consult your oral surgeon at South Calgary Oral Surgery about dental implant surgery as a reliable and effective treatment.
Toothache and Sensitivity
A persistent toothache, especially after eating or drinking hot or cold substances, can be a sign of tooth decay or a deep-rooted infection. If left untreated, these issues can lead to severe pain and even tooth loss. Dental implants can provide a long-term solution by replacing the damaged tooth with a sturdy, artificial one.
Unlike natural teeth, dental implants are resistant to decay and sensitivity. This means you can enjoy your favourite foods and drinks without the discomfort or pain that often comes with tooth decay. Dental implants offer a reliable and lasting solution to toothache and sensitivity, ensuring your oral health is maintained.
8. Your Jawbone Is Starting to Weaken
After tooth loss, your jawbone may start to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. The roots of your natural teeth stimulate the bone whenever you chew or talk. Without this, the bone can weaken over time. This is one of the lesser-known, but significant signs you need dental implants.
Dental implants replace tooth roots and help maintain your jaw’s strength and density by continuing to stimulate the bone. This is something that other tooth replacement options like dental bridges or partial dentures simply cannot do.
If you’ve been missing teeth for some time and are noticing a change in your jaw’s shape or strength, schedule an initial consultation with us. Dental implants are the only solution that can prevent bone loss and preserve your facial structure.
Impact on Facial Structure
Sunken Face and Bone Deterioration
Missing teeth can lead to bone deterioration over time, causing a sunken appearance and premature aging of the face. This happens because the roots of your natural teeth stimulate the jawbone, maintaining its strength and density. When teeth are missing, this stimulation is lost, leading to bone loss and changes in facial structure.
Dental implants serve as imitation tooth roots, preventing further bone loss and maintaining the integrity of your facial structure. By stimulating bone growth, dental implants help to preserve the jawbone and maintain facial integrity, restoring a more youthful and healthy appearance. With dental implants, you can enjoy a natural-looking smile and a confident, youthful appearance.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait – Dental Implants Are a Long-Term Solution
When it comes to dental implants, the sooner you act, the better for your oral health and overall quality of life.
Whether you’re dealing with missing teeth, bone loss, or severely damaged teeth, dental implants provide a permanent solution to restore both your smile and your confidence.
At South Calgary Oral Surgery, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process, from the initial consultation to ensuring your dental implants last a lifetime.
Inspiring message: Remember, a healthy smile is a happy smile. Don’t let missing or damaged teeth hold you back. With dental implants, you can reclaim your smile and enjoy life to the fullest.
Contact South Calgary Oral Surgery today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward the smile you deserve!
