5 signs your patients might need dental implants
No. 1: They have missing or chipped teeth. Dental implants look natural and offer security to patients; no one will be able to spot the difference. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is the most durable option that will allow patients to eat, talk, and live their lives just as they would if they had never lost or chipped their teeth.
If you encounter this problem, explain to your patients how missing teeth not only affect the ability to chew, talk, and drink but also put them at risk for recurring headaches and infection.
No. 2: Dentures aren’t fitting properly. When dentures don’t fit correctly, they can cause pain and discomfort. Dental implants are a better, more secure option compared to dentures because of their ability to function just like teeth. Implants can help patients who suffer from the pain of ill-fitting dentures by staying in place. This helps prevent further gum irritation and can greatly reduce discomfort.
If you have patients with ill-fitting dentures, discuss the pros and cons of switching them over to dental implants. Some of the pros include the longevity of implants, money patients will save over time, and fewer office visits needed.
No. 3: There is sign of infection. A patient can have an infected tooth due to periodontal disease, injury, or other causes. But no matter the cause, if the infection gets bad enough, the patient might benefit from dental implants. If the infection has ruined the integrity of the tooth such that it cannot be saved, consider a dental implant. The implant will not only relieve the patient from the pain of infection, but it also will help prevent more serious health problems due to untreated infection.
If your patient has an infection and needs a dental implant, this would be an ideal time to discuss the dangers of untreated infections. Not only can infections lead to further tooth loss, but they can also spread to the rest of the body and cause additional health problems.
No. 4: The jawbone is deteriorating. If your patient has had missing teeth for a while, the jawbone may have begun to deteriorate and recede. In addition to filling in for missing teeth, dental implants also help replace tooth structure. Implants are placed directly into the jawbone, which can help stop further recession. Without implants, patients risk additional jaw problems that can contribute to additional tooth loss. Over time, implants will stabilize the jaw and stop the issues from continuing.
If you notice signs of jawbone deterioration in your patients, discuss the benefits of implants. Implants help strengthen the jaw and stop further bone loss caused by the missing teeth.
No. 5: The face is sinking in. If you notice that your patient’s face has a caved-in appearance, it’s likely that he or she could benefit from dental implants. This sunken-in skin can occur when there is bone loss from missing teeth, and it is also common in patients who wear dentures. Dentures don’t promote bone growth like implants do, which means the bone continues to recede.
If your patient has a caved-in facial appearance, inspect the jaw and discuss the benefits of dental implants. The natural lift that accompanies implants gives the face a more youthful look and improves the ability to chew and speak. Author Kevin Varley DDS, July 28,2020 ~ Dentistry IQ
