When people think about treatment options for various dental conditions, the dental implant often gets overlooked. Some patients might fear the idea of having a false tooth permanently placed. Other patients may assume that the treatment is too expensive or somehow represents a failure of their oral hygiene. This couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, there are many reasons that people could have a dental implant placed. Understanding these reasons is the first step toward reaching a successful treatment outcome.
Some People are Missing a Tooth Congenitally
Many patients don't realize that some people are born missing one or more teeth. In some people, the calcium doesn't fully come together to form a full tooth. This could lead to gaps in people's mouths as they're growing up. After they receive braces to widen the space in their mouth to accommodate the implant, the implant represents a permanent treatment option to correct the missing tooth. In fact, many patients don't even need to wear a retained after the implant is placed. A dental implant is a superior option to the flipper or a Carolina bridge for patients missing a tooth because this is a durable, permanent fix.
A Dental Implant Can Fix Lost Teeth Due to Trauma
It's not unusual for people to lose teeth due to an accident, a slip and fall, or a traumatic injury from playing sports. When people have their teeth knocked out, a dental implant can be used to fill the space. The dental implant is placed in the jaw using a titanium screw that will be matched to the surrounding teeth. It also doesn't require any additional care above and beyond that of a native tooth. People who lose teeth later in life are also candidates for a dental implant.
Dental Implants can be Used to Fix Diseased Teeth
Some patients may have infections or other disease processes that damage their native teeth. Sometimes, it is best to remove these teeth and clean the surrounding area. Once the tooth and any infections have been cleaned out, patients may want to replace the lost tooth with a permanent option. That's where the dental implant comes in. An implant is a permanent solution that can be used to replace teeth that have been lost due to disease. Patients with questions about dental implants should speak to a professional oral healthcare provider.