San Diego, California, is known for sandy beaches, year-round warm weather, and special attractions like the San Diego Zoo. From surfing at La Jolla beach to exploring the charming Old Town, there is much to do and smile about. But you might be too shy to share your smile if you’re missing a tooth or have another oral health concern. Fortunately, dental implants can restore the teeth, correct a bite problem, reduce pain, or even improve your speech. Here are six signs you may be a good candidate for dental implants.
1. You Have One or More Missing or Broken Teeth
If you’ve lost a tooth because of an injury or accident, you might have an unsightly gap in the top or bottom row of your teeth. Not only can this gap cause aesthetic concerns, but it may also be more susceptible to infection. The same is true for a cracked or split tooth, which could lead to further damage or become an abscess if left untreated. A dental implant can fill the space and reduce your risk of more severe problems later.
2. You Need to Replace a Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is a set of crowns anchored in place, affixed to adjacent, natural teeth. Bridges can hold teeth in place and improve chewing function, but they can also cause decay in healthy teeth and won’t last a lifetime. Some metal bridge frames are also clunky and unattractive. If it’s time to replace your dental bridge, an implant can be a longer-lasting, more durable option, making dining on San Diego food more enjoyable.
3. You Have Difficulty Chewing
If chewing your food is painful or difficult due to a broken or knocked-out tooth, a dental implant can be a game-changer. Thanks to a titanium root in the shape of a screw, the implant acts as a stable brace for an artificial replacement tooth, which could alleviate the discomfort of chewing.
4. Your Dentures Are Loose
If you’ve had dentures for many years, they can become loose and unstable. As a result, you might shy away from social experiences like going out to dinner with friends because of anxiety that your teeth might come out. Full-mouth dental implants are a permanent solution for loose dentures since they’re fixed in the mouth and last longer, minimizing your worry and saving you money over time.
5. You Have Sunken Cheeks
A gap between your teeth could cause sunken cheeks. A dental implant fills the space, supports the facial tissue, and raises the cheeks into a neutral position. Since an implant replaces both the root and the tooth, it restores natural face contours for a symmetrical, fuller facial structure.
6. You Have a Healthy Jawbone, Gums, and Good Oral Hygiene
During a dental implant procedure, a titanium root is inserted into the jawbone, which later connects to hold an artificial tooth in place. Since the jawbone becomes the foundation for the artificial root, it must be healthy, so bone integration can occur, and the titanium root can fuse with the living bone tissue. Bone loss can pose challenges for the fusing process, so good jawbone health is necessary for the procedure. Good overall gum health and ongoing oral hygiene practices, like regular brushing, can also support the longevity of the implant.
The Bottom Line
You might be a good candidate for dental implants in San Diego if you have healthy oral hygiene habits and a strong jawbone. The implant procedure can help bring back confidence if you have loose dentures, sunken cheeks, or missing teeth. Your local dentist can help you further explore dental procedures that might make sense based on your dental history and oral health needs.
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