Three million Americans currently have dental implants, and that number increases by 500,000 each year. This oral solution is a replacement tooth that looks and functions just like a natural one. An implant can last a lifetime if it’s cared for properly. Here are a few reasons to consider this restoration technique.

4 Signs You Need a Dental Implant

1. Missing Tooth

Missing one or more teeth can take a toll on your self-esteem, making it challenging to talk, eat, or laugh with confidence. Fortunately, a dental implant will fill the gap with a natural-looking crown, creating a seamless row of teeth.

2. Loose Bridge, Dentures, or Partials

Over time, your bridge, dentures, or partials may become loose, sometimes due to facial injury or dental trauma. They can then slip out as you talk or eat, which many people find embarrassing. In addition, loose dentures or partials can cause sore spots in your mouth and prevent you from properly chewing food, leading to stomach issues. Solve these problems by upgrading to a dental implant; since implants fuse with your jawbone, they’ll never become loose.

3. Damaged Tooth

If your tooth is severely cracked or broken, your dentist may recommend extracting it and replacing it with a dental implant. Along with causing pain and sensitivity, a fractured tooth is more susceptible to bacteria, which can lead to an infection called a tooth abscess. If left untreated, the infection may spread throughout the body and become life-threatening. By replacing your damaged tooth with a durable implant, your dentist greatly lowers your risk of infection.

4. Sunken Appearance

If you have dentures, your chin and jaw may appear slightly sunken. This is a common occurrence, as the dentures don’t stimulate jawbone growth. Without stimulation, the jaw will eventually regress. A dental implant will restore your face’s natural appearance because the metal post interacts with the bone similar to a natural tooth, encouraging it to grow the essential tissues.

If you want to revitalize your smile with an implant, contact the team at Zen Dental Hawaii in Honolulu. These professionals provide attentive dental care to patients of all ages, offering implants, teeth whitening treatments, and routine exams. Visit their website to view their other services, or call (808) 532-5888 to schedule an appointment.