Dental implants are an innovative dental restoration designed to replace missing teeth and provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. However, many patients may wonder, do I need dental implants?
If you have lost one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or decay, you may be a candidate for dental implants. Before you undergo a dental implant procedure, your dentist will evaluate your dental health before recommending the appropriate treatment option based on your specific oral health needs.
When Do I Need Dental Implants?
You might be interested in dental implants if you’re self-conscious about missing teeth and have trouble eating because of poorly fitting dentures or bridges. Dental implants can enhance both oral function and appearance, but they may be necessary for other reasons, including missing teeth from sports accidents and loss of multiple teeth from tooth decay and gum disease.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They can help you maintain your healthy bite by keeping each tooth in its proper position, strengthening your jawbone and preventing bone loss. Dental implants can also be an excellent option for replacing missing teeth because of hypodontia, the developmental absence of one or more secondary teeth.
In addition to improving your dental health, dental implants can improve your daily life. Dental implants can renew your confidence and allow you to eat without discomfort. You’ll have a greater sense of pride in your physical appearance, resulting in enhanced self-esteem.
What Happens if You Do Not Get Dental Implants?
Missing teeth can have a significant impact on your dental health, especially when they are left untreated. You may experience complications that include:
- Crooked Teeth
In the absence of a tooth, the other teeth may shift over time to close the gap. Your teeth may appear crooked as they shift to adapt to your mouth. You may have difficulty chewing or even closing your mouth with crooked teeth.
- Malocclusion
When there is a missing tooth, it can leave an open space between the teeth. Other teeth may also shift or tilt in place of the missing tooth. Either of these cases can result in a misaligned bite or malocclusion. The teeth can become misaligned and can interfere with your chewing patterns. Other symptoms can include discomfort in the jaw or mouth.
- Uneven Tooth Growth
If you lose a tooth in one jaw, the opposite tooth in the other dental arch can extend further downward. The gum tissue around the missing tooth can become irritated and create persistent discomfort when there is no replacement for the missing tooth.
- Bone Atrophy
Without a tooth, the jawbone is no longer stimulated while chewing. The tissues and bone shrink in a process called bone resorption.
Further bone loss can lead to degeneration of the jawbone in a condition called bone atrophy, also known as osteonecrosis. Symptoms of bone loss include an altered facial appearance, severe gum disease, and significant discomfort in the area of bone loss.
Is Dental Implant Surgery Right for Me?
Dental implants are a great option for many healthy patients, but they may not work for individuals with certain health conditions. You may be ineligible for dental implant surgery if you have any of the risk factors:
- Chronic autoimmune illnesses like diabetes
- Uncontrolled smoking and drinking
- Ongoing gum disease
- Poor oral hygiene
If the dentist finds your jawbone cannot support dental implants, they may recommend grafting procedures.
- Sinus Lift
A sinus lift may be performed if you do not have enough supporting bone for dental implants in your upper jawbone. This raises the sinus cavity floor, allowing your dental implants to attach to your jawbone more effectively.
- Bone Graft
Dental bone grafting uses artificial tissue, donor tissue, or tissue from another part of your body to stimulate jawbone growth. This helps strengthen and support your dental implants. If you have a weak or injured lower jawbone, this may be necessary for a successful dental implant procedure.
The dental professionals at Toothsome can discuss the pros and cons of a dental implant procedure in your initial consultation. We can help you understand your treatment options and answer any questions you may have about getting dental implant surgery.
If you are not a candidate for conventional implants, but you need to replace multiple consecutive teeth or an entire arch, Toothsome offers All-on-6 implants. We can fit an implant-supported denture plate to restore your smile using just six implant posts embedded at strategic locations in the jawbone. Because the implants are placed at an angle, the treatment is suitable for patients with low jaw bone density or thickness, reducing the need for grafting procedures.
Toothsome’s Sydney dental implant professionals can provide you with high-quality dental care. We offer regular dental implant maintenance so that your dental implants can last longer.
Visit a Dental Implant Professional
When deciding to have dental implants, it’s important for patients to know they are restoring their smile when they receive dental implant surgery and investing in their confidence, appearance, and dental health. If you need more answers to the question, do I need dental implants, you can schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Toothsome.
Various dental implant treatments are available to patients, including Straumann Digital Dental Implant and same-day dental implants. At Toothsome, we prioritise your comfort and dental health needs. Call us on (02) 8203 8786 to see if you qualify for a dental implant procedure.
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
