Reviewed by Dr. J. Travis Thompson, DDS

Reading time: three minutes.

Tooth loss and dental issues can affect your daily life, causing discomfort, limiting your diet, and impacting your confidence.Dental implants are a permanent solution for tooth replacement that can restore your smile and improve your oral health.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

You might need dental implants if you have missing teeth, loose dentures, or difficulty chewing and speaking. They provide a permanent solution that preserves bone health, restores function, and enhances your smile.

1. Missing Teeth

Gaps caused by missing teeth can lead to bone loss and shifting of adjacent teeth. Implants provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth without altering neighboring teeth.

2. Loose Teeth Or Ill-Fitting Dentures

Loose teeth or ill-fitting dentures can be uncomfortable and affect your ability to eat and speak clearly. 

Implant-supported dentures offer a stable foundation, eliminating the need for messy adhesives and frequent adjustments.

Learn more about the difference between the two in this article: Full Mouth Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which is the Best Choice 

3. Chronic Dental Pain

Persistent dental pain from damaged teeth, tooth infections, or decayed teeth could indicate a need for extraction. Implants can replace problematic teeth, offering a long-lasting solution.

4. Difficulty Chewing Or Speaking

Chewing issues or speech impediments caused by missing teeth can reduce your quality of life. Dental implants restore full chewing forces, letting you enjoy a range of foods without limitations.

5. Severe Damage Or Broken Teeth

If a broken tooth or severely damaged tooth cannot be saved with a dental crown or root canal therapy, it may require extraction and replacement with an implant

6. Bone Loss Or Changes In Facial Structure

When a tooth or several teeth are removed and not replaced with a dental implant, the bone in that area begins to shrink. 

This creates a domino effect: remaining teeth begin to shift and your face begins to have a sunken appearance. Dental implants help preserve bone density and maintain your natural facial appearance.

7. Advanced Gum Disease

Severe gum disease can lead to tooth loss and bone deterioration. 

If you have lost teeth or bone volume because of gum disease, you may qualify for dental implants. Once the gum disease is treated and under control, speak with an oral surgeon about your eligibility for dental implants. 

8. Trouble Retaining Traditional Dental Restorations

If dental bridges or crowns frequently fail, break, or don’t fit securely, it may be time to consider dental implants. Implants offer a dependable, long-lasting solution, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants

Ideal candidates for implants are individuals who:

  • Have one or more missing teeth
  • Maintain good overall oral health
  • Have sufficient bone density to support the implant 
  • Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking during the healing process
  • Do not have untreated gum disease or other oral infections

A consultation with an oral surgeon can determine if implants are right for you. For more information about eligibility, read: Dental Implants for Seniors: What You Need to Consider 

Schedule a Free Dental Implant Consultation Today!

Our experienced oral surgeons, Dr. J. Travis Thompson and Dr. Stephen Martin, are here to help you restore your smile and improve your oral health.

To book a free dental implant consultation at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.

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