You Have Tooth Pain
Many patients can tell if they have a tooth infection. They will notice pain in the tooth while chewing. If the tooth is infected, it will often turn grey or black. Some patients will report swollen gums or pockets of swelling called abscesses. If you have an abscessed tooth or an otherwise infected tooth, then you may lose the tooth altogether. Once the tooth is pulled, you can begin thinking about getting an implant.
You’re Missing a Tooth
Implants are inserted in the space where a missing tooth would go. There are all sorts of reasons for tooth loss. Some people have gum disease and lose their teeth due to infection. For others, a tooth could be knocked out due to trauma, such as a blow to the face or an accident.
When you get a tooth infection, your dentist will often try to “save” your tooth by performing a root canal and crowning the remainder of the natural tooth with an artificial tooth. However, in some cases, a tooth is beyond repair and must be pulled. In such cases, the dentist will probably suggest either a bridge or an implant replace the missing tooth.
Similar to an implant, a bridge covers the space where your tooth is missing. However, a bridge is inserted on top of your gums, not below the gums the way that an implant is.
You Have a Dental Consultation
Your dentist will generally tell you if you’re a good candidate for a dental implant. Not everyone can receive an implant. You must have a jawbone healthy enough to hold an implanted structure. Some patients with bone diseases, like osteoporosis, cannot receive a dental implant.
When your dentist suggests an implant, he or she will explain the procedure. You will have to go to a dental surgeon to have the procedure done. Your regular dentist will recommend a surgeon, talk to you about pricing and answer any questions you have.
After your implants are inserted, you will generally have to wait a few months before you get your dental crowns. This waiting period allows the implanted structure to fuse with the bone of your jaw. Once you’ve waited the appropriate length of time, you will see your dental surgeon for a consultation. During this office visit, he or she will check to ensure that your implant site looks healthy. If so, you will then be referred back to your regular dentist for your crown fitting.
You Have Trouble Chewing
If you have a space or spaces in your teeth, food can get stuck there. Also, you may have trouble chewing your food when you’re missing teeth. Getting implants will allow you to get artificial teeth. These false teeth look like real ones, and they have surfaces designed to chew and tear food.
You’re Unsatisfied with Your Smile
Some people seek implants for cosmetic reasons. Missing teeth are often seen as unattractive. If you feel self-conscious about a missing tooth, you may decide to get an implant. Implants are as attractive as natural teeth. They can even be shaded to match the color of your teeth.
As stated above, several factors will let you know when you need an implant. An infected tooth that needs to be pulled will generally make you an implant candidate so long as you have a healthy jawbone. Missing teeth also tend to send people to the dentist for a consultation. When teeth are missing, they can cause problems with chewing, or they may cause embarrassment for cosmetic reasons. A consultation with a
Family Dentist Toowong can confirm if you’re a good candidate for an implant. If so, you will be referred to a surgeon.
Author Bio:
Elizabeth is a renowned leader in the space of Health and Mental Wellness topics. Her work has appeared on more than a dozen influential sites and blogs. Her articles both focus on providing valuable information and an entertaining read that her readers enjoy. More about her work on – ELIZABETHMARKS.me
