Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
One lost tooth probably doesn’t seem like a big deal. After all, it’s just one tooth. But even one tooth missing from your mouth creates enough room for the rest of your teeth to shift out of proper alignment. This can lead to extreme wear and tear, including cracks in the tooth and worn-down enamel. If left untreated, this kind of wear can eventually cause you to lose more teeth.
So replacing even a single missing tooth is more than just a cosmetic issue. It’s important to have your teeth replaced so you can keep the rest of your teeth as long as possible. Dental implants are the best replacement choice no matter how many teeth you’ve lost, because they are natural looking, custom-designed, and made to stay put in your mouth. At the same time, they help keep your jawbone healthy—something dentures or a crown and bridge replacement just can’t do.
How Do I Know an Implant is Right for Me?
Implants are a good choice for almost anyone who has a missing tooth, but there are some factors that make you a better candidate. In some cases, you might not be a good candidate at all, and our dentist will recommend other tooth replacement options. To ensure dental implants will be successful, you should:
- Be in overall good health
- Have healthy gums
- Be a non-smoker
- Have sufficient jawbone mass to support implants
Problems like diabetes and autoimmune disorders affect your ability to heal, as well, so if you’ve been diagnosed with any of these issues, implants might not be a good choice. You might be able to have your jawbone shored up with bone grafts if you’ve suffered from bone atrophy, so be sure to consult with our implant dentist before making a final decision.
Call our caring team at Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry today to schedule a consultation!