Dental implants can be transformative for people who have damaged or missing teeth. Implants provide a permanent solution and function just like natural teeth. Patients who get dental implants can eat, drink, and brush as they would with their regular teeth. Who can benefit from getting dental implants? People who can benefit from dental implants include those who have sustained injuries to their mouth, those who have lost teeth to decay, and those who need anchors for bridges or other dental devices.

Injury

People with injuries to their teeth and mouth can often benefit from dental implants. After an injury the first goal is to save the natural tooth if at all possible. This may mean repairing a cracked tooth or reimplanting an avulsed (knocked out) tooth. Dental implants are the next best thing if the natural tooth cannot be saved after an injury. Permanent teeth provide stability to the surrounding teeth and the mouth as a whole. Losing one or more teeth due to injury can disrupt the stability in your mouth. Because dental implants are put directly into the jaw bone they provide stability to the surrounding teeth and your mouth as a whole.

Tooth loss

Those who have tooth loss due to factors like decay, smoking, and aging can also benefit from dental implants. In these situations there are often several teeth missing or otherwise compromised. Dental implants can work if the damage is not so significant that all teeth need to be replaced. Other options in this situation include complete dentures, partial dentures, and bridges. The only way to determine if dental implants will work in these cases is to work closely with a skilled dentist.

Anchors

Dental implants can serve as anchors for other types of dental work and help restore a smile. For example, bridges need a stable tooth to anchor to in order to function properly. Dental implants can serve as that anchor because of the way they are placed in the mouth. Many people can benefit from dental implants in this way but the decision to use an implant as an anchor for other dental work is one that has to be made on a case-by-case basis.

Getting dental implants is a major dental procedure but the benefits are long lasting and far reaching. They can restore a smile and make daily tasks like eating and talking much easier. There are many different groups of people who benefit from dental implants. The key is to work closely with a doctor who has experience helping patients who need implants. A dentist with experience and training in this area of dentistry will know when dental implants are the best option or when it is time to consider alternatives.