Dental implants are a common long-term solution for missing teeth and even other dental issues, like injuries and aging-related bone loss, which can damage or weaken teeth. The implants are designed to look and work just like natural teeth so that they can easily replace damaged or missing teeth and even help restore tooth function. Dental implants also keep the jaw bone intact and help with tasks like eating and speaking.

1. Missing teeth
One may lose teeth due to injury, poor dental hygiene, and even unhealthy lifestyle practices. Sometimes, severe tooth loss develops because of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. As a result, one may find it hard to chew their food. In such situations, dental implants can be a worthwhile solution, replacing the lost teeth and restoring functions like eating and speaking. The implants easily fill the gaps left by lost natural teeth and support the health of jaw bones.

2. Loose dentures
Dentures can loosen up over time. So, they may slip or move around in the mouth, making it difficult to eat and speak. Additionally, this issue can make one feel worried that their dentures will fall off at any time. To address this issue, one can consider getting dental implants. This is not only a convenient and more long-lasting solution, but it also requires minimal maintenance, unlike dentures. It also eliminates the need to use denture adhesives or follow special dental care routines.

3. Infected tooth
An infected tooth can often only be treated through procedures like root canal surgery. But if the infection is severe, the tooth may have to be extracted completely. With the tooth removed, one may find it difficult to chew food properly. Placing a dental implant here can be beneficial. It will serve as a new tooth that is strong as well as durable, just like natural teeth. Besides, one need not need to take additional steps to maintain dental hygiene with implants. Simply brushing the teeth and flossing is enough to keep natural teeth as well as implants clean.

4. Loose dental bridge
A dental bridge is an alternative to implants. It is fixed in the gums to replace a missing tooth or teeth, and then using dental crowns, an artificial tooth or teeth is attached to the surrounding natural teeth. These artificial teeth are known as abutment teeth. But over time, these abutment teeth can loosen. In fact, it is quite common for dental bridges to be replaced every 5 to 15 years. Sometimes, the bridge may slip and break or become loose even earlier than expected. In this case, one may consider switching to more long-lasting solutions such as dental implants.

5. Changes in jaw structure
Often, long-term use of dentures can make the face look sunken. This is because the dentures do not stimulate the jaw bones, which is necessary for the growth of tissues along the jaw line. Over time, due to aging-related bone loss, the jaw continues to regress even more, making the face appear sunken. This problem can be addressed by replacing the dentures with dental implants. Unlike dentures, the implants work as natural teeth and stimulate the jaw during the chewing process. So, the tissues continue to grow and facial appearance does not undergo any significant changes.

6. Broken or severely cracked teeth
If teeth break or crack, there are two options one can consider—a dental crown or an implant. Crowns are usually the go-to solution when it is possible to preserve the natural tooth. But in the case of severe damage, for instance, when the tooth is damaged below the gingival line, the tooth may have to be removed completely. Also, if the crack in tooth has damaged the pulp within the root of the tooth, a complete extraction will be required. In both these cases, there is a risk of infection if the complete tooth is not removed. Once the tooth is removed, it can be replaced with an implant, which will last for a long time.

If one notices any of these signs, it is important to consult a dentist to understand the procedure, risks, and benefits of dental implants. This can help one make an informed decision.