Dental implants are durable prosthetics that are inserted into the gums and jaw to replace the entire tooth-and-root system. Compared to similar solutions—such as bridges and dentures—implants are often preferred for their strength, natural appearance, and lifelong durability. If you’re curious about this treatment, here are five common scenarios in which you may be a candidate for dental implants.

5 Reasons It May Be Time to Consider Dental Implants

1. Replace Missing Teeth

Missing teeth are the most common reasons why people get dental implants. As a permanent replacement designed to look like the real thing, these prosthetics can discretely fill in gaps left behind by lost or extracted teeth. Once the implant has healed, you can eat and speak comfortably as if you never lost your tooth.

2. Preserve Jaw Bone

During implantation, a small titanium post is inserted through the gums, where it fuses together with the jaw bone after several weeks. If you have a healthy jaw bone, dental implants will help prevent you losing bone matter due to a missing tooth. In some cases, your dentist may also recommend implants if early jaw bone loss is putting your oral health in danger.

3. Prevent Shifting

Teeth that surround a gap can shift, causing misalignment and crowding. Rather than letting large gaps cause you to develop a crooked smile, you can have dental implants installed to preserve the space and hold teeth in place.

4. Repair Cracks

In some cases, root canals and dental crowns may be enough to address small cracks in teeth. However, in severe situations, cracks can extend beyond the gum line and increase one’s risk of oral infection and discomfort. If you have a severely cracked tooth, your dentist may recommend extracting the tooth and replacing it with a stable implant.

5. Correct Cosmetic Issues  

There are many ways to improve the appearance of your smile, including teeth whitening, dental crowns, and veneers. If these cosmetic dentistry services do not address your tooth imperfections sufficiently, you might consider removing the tooth altogether and putting an implant in its place. Designed to match the shape and color of your natural teeth, these prosthetics will keep your smile straight, bright, and balanced.

Want to find out if dental implants are right for you? Make an appointment with the trusted team at The Montana Center for Laser Dentistry, PLLC. Providing state-of-the-art restorative dentistry in Whitefish, MT, these specialists will guide you through the entire implantation process in a simplified, stress-free manner. If implants aren’t a good option, this practice also offers a variety of other general and cosmetic dentistry services to improve the look and function of your smile—such as teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, and bridges. Visit the clinic online to learn more about these treatment options, or call (406) 862-1010 (Whitefish) or (406) 730-1010 (Kalispell) to schedule a visit with a friendly local dentist.