Tooth loss can have many negative effects on patients including loss of oral function and mobility, oral health issues, and even feelings of embarrassment. These effects can be detrimental to your quality of life and your social and professional relationships. Seeking treatment as quickly as possible is key to overcoming these adversities. However, it can be hard to know which treatment option is the best for you.
The good news is patients have many choices when it comes to tooth replacements. Of the options available, dental implants are widely considered to be one of the best innovations in dentistry over the past several decades. They’re highly regarded as an ideal solution for patients suffering from tooth loss, because they’re comfortable, durable, and after a while, most patients don’t even realize they’re there.
While dental implants are widely considered the best option for a tooth replacement, how do you know if they’re the right option for you? You’ll want to work closely with your periodontist to decide on the right treatment plan; however, here are three common scenarios when dental implants are usually the best choice:
1. You’re Young And Healthy
When properly cared for, dental implants can last decades if not a lifetime. They are highly durable and very rarely create problems for patients. They’re also comfortable and look and feel almost identical to real teeth.
If you’re young and looking for the closest thing to a “set it and forget it” solution for tooth loss, dental implants are likely the right choice for you. They’re permanent and will help you feel like your old self again. With implants, you won’t be heading back to the periodontist’s office every few years for replacement work. You can feel confident that your tooth replacement will last for a long time.
2. You Want To Minimize Impact To Neighboring Teeth
If you have strong, healthy teeth on both sides of the gap created by a missing tooth, then you may want to do what you can to preserve them. Some tooth replacement options, like a bridge, require neighboring teeth to be ground down in order to support the fake tooth replacement. Additionally, bridges rely on those neighboring teeth for support which can lead to added stress.
With implants, there is no impact on neighboring teeth. Instead, implants are securely connected to your jawbone, so there is no additional burden placed on the surrounding teeth. Since implants can stand alone, an impact on your healthy teeth is not a concern.
3. You Want To Prevent Jawbone Deterioration
When you’re missing a tooth, you’re more likely to experience jawbone deterioration as the area of the bone that once supported the tooth no longer receives regular stimulation. As a result, the bone can begin to dissolve, or at the very least, lose a bit of density. Since other tooth replacement options, such as bridges and dentures, do not connect directly to the jaw, these solutions can result in jawbone atrophy over time.
On the other hand, dental implants attach directly to your jawbone and fill the gap left by your former tooth. Therefore, they’re the best solution if you’re looking to minimize bone damage long-term.
While setting implants requires an invasive procedure, the recovery time can be shorter when you’re young and healthy. If you don’t have any medical conditions that would disqualify you from a surgical procedure, dental implants are likely your best choice. However, it’s important to discuss your medical history with your periodontist during your first appointment to ensure you’re a candidate.
While dental implants are considered the best solution, there are instances when a dental bridge might be the right option. Bridges are generally more affordable, require less time to implement, and they don’t require any invasive surgery or bone grafting. However, if you’re looking for a permanent solution that is comfortable and minimizes the impact on your overall oral health, implants are usually the way to go.
If you decide dental implants are the right choice for you, schedule a visit with Dr. Stuart Beauchamp at Ormond Beach Perio. As one of the leading implant dentistry providers in Central Florida, we can start the process of restoring your smile today.