Dental implants are titanium posts fused with the jaw and capped with an artificial tooth. Many dentists recommend them highly because of their strength and durability. How do you know if you need dental implants, though? Here are three signs it’s time to talk to your dentist about this restorative solution.

3 Signs You Need Dental Implants

1. You’re Missing One Or More Teeth

Whether you had a tooth knocked out in an accident or you had a tooth extraction, missing teeth can cause a lot of problems for your oral health. Missing teeth can make it more difficult to eat and chew properly. Those gaps in your smile can allow the surrounding teeth to drift out of alignment, creating further complications. Finally, missing teeth results in bone loss in the jaw, which can create a sunken facial appearance and may lead to the loss of additional teeth.

Dental implants can fill any gaps in your smile so you can eat and speak properly and with confidence. Since the implants act as artificial tooth roots, they’ll also keep the rest of your teeth in place and prevent further bone loss in the jaw.

2. Your Dentures Are Loose or Uncomfortable

For many years, partial or full dentures were the only solution for missing teeth. Unfortunately, they don’t prevent bone loss, so as that loss continues, the dentures won’t fit properly anymore. This results in the constant need for new dentures and embarrassing, uncomfortable slips when eating or speaking.

Since dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw, they’re permanent. This means they’ll never become loose or slip the way traditional dentures do. Additionally, their permanence eliminates the need for special cleansers and messy adhesives.

3. You Have a Severely Infected Or Damaged Tooth

Most dentists prefer to use the least invasive treatments possible for damaged or infected teeth. In general, leaving at least some of the tooth intact is better than removing it. Unfortunately, root canal treatments and dental crowns or bridges aren’t always adequate in treating serious damage or infections.

Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction instead, followed by the placement of one or more dental implants. Removing the damaged or infected tooth will eliminate pain and the potential for damage or infection of the surrounding teeth. 

Whether you’re missing a tooth or tired of dealing with loose dentures, contact Dr. Samuel Townsley at South Baldwin Dental Associates in Foley, AL, to discuss your candidacy for dental implants. With his help, you can have a beautiful smile you can feel confident showing off in any setting. With more than 25 years of experience, their dentists will provide you the quality care you need. To learn more about dental implants or the other services they offer, visit their website or call (251) 943-1521.