A missing tooth can change the way you eat, speak, and even how you feel about yourself. After a while, most people start avoiding certain foods or feel self-conscious about their smiles in photos. If that sounds familiar, stick around.
There are a host of dental treatments available to replace missing teeth, but picking the right solution can be confusing. “While dentures and bridges are common, dental implants remain the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Implants are permanent, more durable, and designed to look and feel just like natural teeth,” explains Dr. Craig Horton, Prosthodontist at Envision Dental Implant Center in Seneca & Greenville, SC.
If you’re considering tooth replacement options, Dr. Horton shares eight signs that a dental implant is exactly what you need.
1. You Have Missing Teeth
This one is a no-brainer. If you’ve lost one or more teeth, implants can restore both the function and appearance of those areas. An advantage that implants have over a dental bridge or dentures is that they are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the natural root of a tooth and provide fixed, durable, and lasting solution. They do not sit on top of the gums or depend on nearby teeth for support.
2. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
Have you ever had trouble chewing food properly or pronouncing certain words because of missing teeth? Having a space between your teeth can affect how you bite and chew, making it hard to enjoy your favorite meals or speak clearly. This can be frustrating and even painful—and can lead to digestive issues if you're not chewing your food properly. Dental implants return full function and bite strength, so eating and speaking will no longer be problematic.
3. Loose or Ill-Fitting Dentures
Ill-fitting dentures can be painful and even lead to other dental problems. Over time, dentures often become loose and slip around, requiring adhesives that can be messy and more hassle than they're worth. Implants, on the other hand, offer an immediate upgrade by providing a stable, fixed, long-term replacement. Implants don’t move or require constant adjusting. Plus, you won't have to worry about removing them every night or for cleaning.
4. Jawbone Deterioration
Your jawbone needs to be stimulated in order to stay vital. When a tooth is missing, the bone beneath it begins to atrophy or deteriorate from a lack of use. This can lead to more tooth loss as well as a change in facial structure over time. Since dental implants act like natural tooth roots, they prevent bone loss by stimulating the jaw and helping it to stay healthy and strong.
5. Sunken Facial Appearance
Bone and tooth loss can lead to a sunken face and a prematurely aged appearance. If your cheeks seem more hollow or your face seems less full than it used to be, it could be due to bone resorption. Implants prevent bone resorption. They prevent the loss of the structures in your face, which in turn helps them maintain their natural shape and keep you appearing young.
6. Chronic Dental Pain
“A persistent toothache can be an indication of extensive decay, infection, or structural compromise,” says Dr. Horton. While some teeth can be saved through root canals or crowning, if a tooth is too far gone, removal and replacement with an implant is the most favorable long-term option. In contrast to a bridge that can damage or put a strain on neighboring teeth, an implant is self-supporting without endangering the integrity of surrounding teeth.
7. Broken or Severely Damaged Teeth
Based on the extent of damage, you might not need to replace a broken or cracked tooth. However, if the damage is severe, the best option to retain a full, aligned smile appearance is a dental implant. Implants look just like your natural teeth and are crafted to fit perfectly with your adjacent teeth.
8. Low Self-Confidence Due to Missing Teeth
Your teeth and smile are the first things people notice when they meet you. In a way, it’s the first impression they get about you. And while a beautiful smile can boost your self-confidence, missing teeth—especially in visible places can erode your confidence and leave you feeling embarrassed. Dental implants can help restore your confidence.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
The job of a dental implant goes beyond replacing a missing tooth. It provides a range of long-term benefits, which include:
Durability
If they’re well taken care of, implants can last you a lifetime. They’re made of high-quality titanium and fit right into your jawbone, giving it top marks on durability compared to bridges and dentures that may need to be replaced over time.
Research done in 2021 tracked the durability of 10,871 dental implants over 22 years and found survival rates of:
- 98.9% at three years
- 98.5% at five years
- 96.8% at ten years
- 94.0% at fifteen years
In contrast, another review found that dentures last around 10 years, while bridges need replacing every 5 to 10. Implants clearly offer one of the most durable solutions for missing teeth.
Natural Appearance
Another area where a dental implant crushes its competition is the way it feels and appears natural. “The crown of a dental implant is custom-made to match the color and shape of the tooth it’s replacing,” explains Dr. Horton. They’re so good that as time goes by, you might even forget that you have an implant.
Improved Oral Health
With a dental bridge, alterations might need to be made to the adjacent or supporting teeth. This might trap bacteria and also make brushing and flossing difficult. With a dental implant, these aren’t things you’ll need to worry about. It blends right in with the rest of your teeth with no need for modifications, preserving and improving your oral health.
Convenience
Implants are the next best thing to natural teeth. Once they’re in, you don’t have to worry about extra maintenance. It’s not convenient to remove dentures every night, brush them daily, or deal with messy adhesives.
“Dental implants do more than replace missing teeth—they restore confidence, function, and quality of life,” Dr. Horton says. “With expert care and advanced technology, the transformation is life-changing, giving you a smile that looks, feels, and functions naturally for years to come.”
Finding the Right Dentist
When you’re looking for a dentist to talk to about implants, it’s always best practice to go for a professional who specializes in implantology. Prosthodontists are specialists in restoring and replacing teeth, offering expert care with even the most complex cases. With advanced training in the design and placement of dental prostheses, they ensure precise implant placement, optimal function, and a natural appearance. Prosthodontists are skilled in managing the entire process, from initial consultation to implant placement with an oral surgeon to final restoration, ensuring long-lasting, high-quality results tailored to each patient’s needs.
Connect with Our Prosthodontists
Our prosthodontists are available to evaluate your oral health, talk you through your options, and create a personalized treatment plan. Are you ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation today to get started.
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