If you’re struggling with your smile you know what a devastating impact it can have on your health and self esteem. Dental implants are one of several prosthetic options you have to help get your smile back. Implants are one of the most natural feeling replacements for your teeth, and may be a great option for you. 

Should this sound familiar, read on! Learn how you can tell if dental implants are right for you, and what your other options may be if they’re not. 

How To Tell If You Need Dental Implants

What is a dental implant?

According to the AAID (American Association of Implant Dentistry) An implant is like an artificial tooth root, similar in shape to a screw. They are placed in your jawbone and bond with your natural bone, supporting one or more artificial teeth called crowns. This surgery is one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry. Dental implants are a popular method for replacing lost natural teeth, and can help give you your smile back.

How do implants help?

If you’ve lost a tooth, it’s critically important to have it replaced with a prosthetic like a dental implant. Having dental implants can help improve your quality of life. Benefits include:

• Preventing bone deterioration
• Keeping your remaining teeth from shifting
• Supporting a healthy bite

Dental implants help reclaim your self esteem and self confidence, and make eating and talking much easier.

What are the risks of not getting an implant? 

Not having missing teeth replaced with an implant for another prosthetic can cause much more serious issues for your teeth and overall health. Waiting or refusing an implant can cause problems like: 

• Bone atrophy 
• Improper positioning of teeth
• Chronic jaw pain, known as TMJ

What if an implant isn’t right for me?

Dental implants are a safe, reliable replacement for missing teeth. However, not all patients may choose this option, and we may not always recommend it. It’s always best to talk to your dentist about the best options for your dental health. 

For example, if your teeth are diseased, not missing, pulling them and replacing them with dental implants may not be your best option. Instead, treatment can help save your natural teeth in some cases. We won’t suggest an extraction unless it’s absolutely necessary. 

What other options are there?

If you need a dental prosthetic but implants aren’t the right option for you, you have a number of other options, including: 

• Dentures
• Bridges
• Crowns

If you’re ready to discuss whether or not you need dental implants, and what your prosthetic options are, make an appointment. The team at Jose L. Bandala, DDS will make sure you are educated on all of your options so you can be confident you’re making the best choice for your health and smile. Learn more about our services.