Have you ever had a bad dream of having to show up in school or at work missing a front tooth? Waking up, do you remember how painfully embarrassing it was?
Losing a tooth (or teeth) can be a devastating blow — emotionally and professionally. It can easily damage one’s self-esteem in immeasurable proportions.
For most cases of missing tooth, dental implants are frequently the best treatment options. Denture wearers often complain of their dentures slipping or clicking or even getting loose. Dental implants won’t exhibit ‘funny’ sounds that would give away hints of wearing ‘false’ teeth.
A dental implant is a replacement for the root or roots of a tooth. Like tooth roots, implants are fused in the jawbone and are not visible once surgically placed. Implants are used to secure crowns, bridges or dentures in a variety of ways.
With dental implants:
- Patients can eat anything without chewing difficulties.
- Patients can smile without worrying about their teeth.
- Patients can talk and laugh confidently without the fear of missing teeth being noticed, or dentures clicking, slipping or falling out.
- Dental implants look and function like natural teeth, and the patient’s facial structure remains natural.
- With proper care, dental implants have the potential of lasting a lifetime.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Anyone who has lost a tooth and is in good general and oral health is a good implant candidate. To support the implant, adequate bone in the jaw is needed. The best candidate has healthy gum tissues that are free of gum diseases.
Be sure to let your dental specialist know everything about your medical conditions as well as the medications (prescribed, OTCs and herbal drugs) you’re taking. Together, you and your dentist can work out the perfect treatment for you.
