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A healthy mouth allows you to chew properly, speak clearly, and maintain a natural smile.
However, dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or tooth loss can cause severe damage, including jawbone deterioration, chronic infections, and difficulty eating.
This blog highlights 8 key signs that indicate it is time to consider dental implants as a permanent solution to protect your oral health and restore function.
AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons offer dental implants in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe and Show Low, AZ.
Table of Contents
- 2. Loose Or Shifting Teeth
- 3. Missing Teeth
- 4. Gum Recession
- 6. Chronic Bad Breath Or Infections
- 7. Ill-Fitting Or Loose Dentures
- 8. Visible Changes In Facial Structure
- Book a Free Dental Implant Consultation Today!
- Additional Resources
1. Persistent Toothache
Persistent pain in a tooth means there is a serious issue like infection, decay, or damage that will not heal on its own.
Ignoring this pain can lead to abscesses, bone infections, or severe gum disease. If fillings or root canals have failed, dental implants can fully replace the damaged tooth and prevent further complications such as spreading infections or bone loss.
2. Loose Or Shifting Teeth
Loose or shifting teeth indicate severe gum disease or bone loss, weakening the jaw’s ability to hold teeth in place.
As the supporting bone deteriorates, neighboring teeth may shift, creating alignment problems, gaps, and additional pressure on healthy teeth. Dental implants anchor replacement teeth securely in the jaw, preventing future instability.
3. Missing Teeth
Missing teeth cause bone shrinkage and misalignment of nearby teeth, making chewing and speaking harder.
When tooth roots are missing, the jawbone lacks stimulation and begins to weaken, eventually altering your facial structure and causing sunken cheeks. Dental implants stop bone loss by acting as artificial tooth roots, keeping the jawbone dense and healthy.
4. Gum Recession
Exposed tooth roots from receding gums lead to tooth sensitivity and eventual tooth loss.
Gum recession often accompanies advanced gum disease and bone loss, making teeth unstable and prone to falling out. Dental implants replace missing roots, promote bone growth, and restore a secure, functional smile.
By integrating with the jawbone, implants offer the stable support that natural teeth need, preventing further gum recession and protecting surrounding teeth.
5. Difficulty Chewing Or Eating
Difficulty chewing often results from missing or damaged teeth.
As your bite becomes uneven, you may avoid hard or chewy foods, limiting your ability to eat a healthy and diverse diet. Dental implants restore chewing power, allowing you to eat a variety of foods without pain or restrictions.
With implants, you can confidently enjoy nuts, fruits, and other tough foods without worrying about breaking or damaging teeth. Implants also improve overall digestion by ensuring proper chewing.
6. Chronic Bad Breath Or Infections
Bad breath and infections usually come from decaying or infected teeth, or gum disease, which can spread disease throughout your mouth.
Left untreated, these issues may result in gum disease, tooth loss, or even systemic health problems like heart disease. Dental implants replace decayed teeth, which in turn stops infections, and improve oral hygiene by giving you stable, easy-to-clean replacement teeth.
They also help prevent future infections by removing the root cause of the problem.
7. Ill-Fitting Or Loose Dentures
Ill-fitting dentures cause pain, speech issues, and difficulty eating. Loose dentures can slip while speaking or chewing, causing embarrassment and discomfort.
Over time, traditional removable dentures can contribute to bone loss by failing to provide stimulation to the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures lock into place, offering a secure, comfortable alternative.
They provide better chewing efficiency and stability, allowing you to speak clearly and eat without the hassle of adhesives.
8. Visible Changes In Facial Structure
Missing teeth weaken the jawbone, leading to facial sagging and premature aging. The loss of bone structure causes a sunken appearance in the cheeks and around the mouth, making you look older than you are.
Dental implants prevent bone loss by integrating with the jawbone and maintaining its density. This preserves your facial structure, ensuring you retain a youthful, natural look. Implants help support facial muscles and tissues, preventing further sagging.
Learn more in this blog: Understanding Denture Face: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions.
Book a Free Dental Implant Consultation Today!
Dental implants permanently restore lost teeth and protect your overall dental health by offering a strong foundation for replacement teeth.
Schedule a free dental implant consultation with our experienced team at AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe or Show Low, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.
