Signs It’s Time to Consider Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent and aesthetically pleasing option for replacing missing teeth. They’re a highly individualized solution and can replace a single tooth, an entire arch, or a full mouth of missing teeth.

Ramiro Esparragoza, DDS, Jorge Fornaris, DMD, and our team at Gables Sedation Dentistry offer many tooth replacement options 一 dental bridges, dentures, and implants 一 to our patients in the Coral Gables neighborhood of Miami, Florida. How do you know if dental implants are the right choice for you?

5 signs that it’s time to consider dental implants

Dental implants involve a surgical procedure in which a metal post is implanted into your jawbone. This post acts as a prosthetic tooth root, while the crown attached to it serves as a prosthetic tooth. 

The process can take several months, but the result is permanent, and you’ll have a sturdy, strong, and gorgeous tooth that restores the form and function of your mouth. You might consider a dental implant if:

1. You already have a missing tooth

Maybe you’ve had a missing tooth for several months, or maybe you’ve just had one extracted. More than 120 million Americans have at least one missing tooth. Severe decay, infections, gum disease, and trauma are all potential causes of missing teeth. 

Regardless, if you already have a missing tooth, it’s time to consider your replacement options. Dental implants can help improve the appearance of your smile, support your facial structure, and help prevent jawbone atrophy.

2. You’re having a difficult time chewing or speaking clearly

Even a single missing tooth can affect the functionality of your mouth. The more teeth you’re missing, the more profound the impact because your teeth are necessary for speaking clearly and chewing efficiently. 

Without anterior teeth, for instance, it’s difficult to make the /th/ sounds. Likewise, each tooth serves a specific purpose when eating. Your molars mash food while your incisors tear food. Without all of your teeth, you may struggle to eat some of your favorite foods.

If your missing tooth is affecting your ability to use your mouth, talk to us about dental implants. 

3. Your tooth is severely infected

You may have a good idea that an extraction is coming if your tooth is severely infected. Severe decay and infection don’t always result in extractions. Decay can be treated with a filling or a crown, and infections can respond well to root canals and antibiotics. 

However, if your symptoms are severe enough, the best course of action may be an extraction. If that’s the case, Dr. Esparragoza and Dr. Fornaris can discuss your replacement options even before your tooth extraction, and you may be able to have the implant post placed at the same time as the extraction.

4. You don’t want dentures

Removable full and partial dentures can be ideal for many people, but not everyone relishes the ideas of dentures. Dentures are notorious for sliding out of place, and they require nightly soaking and maintenance. 

If you don't want to deal with the removable nature of dentures but want the full coverage they provide, consider All-on-4® implants. This system replaces an entire upper or lower arch of teeth anchored on just four implanted posts.

5. You’re a candidate for dental implants 

Dental implants aren’t right for everyone. You should be in good overall health, be a non-smoker, and have adequate bone to support an implant. If you meet these qualifications, implants could be an excellent path forward for you.

When you’re ready to learn more about dental implants and determine whether they’re right for you, call Gables Sedation Dentistry or book an appointment online through this website.