As you get older, you may find that your teeth aren’t as strong as they used to be. Hard and sticky foods give you troubles, your teeth feel loose, and there are gaps where you did not previously have them. Maybe you don’t smile as freely as you used to, and feel very self-conscious when you do flash a glimpse of your teeth.
You remember that your father and your grandparents had dentures, so you expect that you will have to get them too, in due course. But what should you do in the meantime when you only have one or two teeth missing? At Raleigh Dental Arts, we recommend dental implants to fill in the space and help you smile more confidently.
But do I Really Need an Immediate Implant?
This is a complex question and the answer is that it depends. Anytime you have a tooth removed, your gum, jaw, and remaining teeth will benefit from a dental implant. You don’t always have to have one placed immediately, but here are some reasons why immediate implants are a good idea:
- Reduced risk of dry sockets: The worst part of having a tooth pulled is the possibility of dry socket. Having an immediate implant makes this less likely to occur.
- Protect bone density: The alveolar (bone) ridges thin where teeth are absent. If enough teeth are missing, your jaw or facial structure can begin to deteriorate. Implants help maintain bone density and a healthy looking face.
- Preserve alignment: As soon as a tooth is removed, the surrounding teeth can become unstable and begin to move and shift. A smile that has been straight for years can quickly become crooked or twisted.
- Stabilize your bite: Along with alignment, your bite can become ambiguous: parts of your teeth that are meant to tear food have to absorb bite forces. This will cause chips, cracks, unexpected decay, and even broken teeth.
What Happens If I Wait?
In some instances, waiting for a dental implant is not the worst idea.
If you had to have one of your last molars removed, for instance, you could probably wait for an implant because as long as it still has a partial tooth to bite against. However, you may still have a dry socket as the area heals, and you will lose bone density over time. Depending on how long you wait to replace a tooth, you may even have to have a bone graft before Dr. Agarwal is able to place the implant and crown here in our Raleigh office.
In the End…
Whether you get an immediate implant, or have to wait a while for your insurance to approve the procedure, selecting an implant is best course of action for your dental health. Even if you have to work out a financing plan, dental implants are the optimal way to restore your smile.
Dr. Tarun Agarwal is proud to offer consultations to create a plan for action. Don’t let your teeth and your health suffer as you age. Call Raleigh Dental Arts today.
