10 Signs You Need Dental Implants

What are some signs you need dental implants?

You might have stumbled upon this article when researching dental implants for you or a family member. If you are wondering whether dental implants are needed, I have written this article to help you make an educated decision before you head to a dental clinic. 

If you find yourself or your loved one experiencing the same signs highlighted in this article, it might be time to seek help from a dental professional for dental implants treatment. 

Dental Implants Explained

Dental implants are a natural tooth replacement option. Unlike dentures or dental bridges, dental implants are standalone tooth implants that are attached by an implant screw into the jaw. This makes them extremely stable and permanent – one of the many reasons why dental implants are increasingly popular as a tooth replacement treatment in Singapore. 

Do You Need Dental Implants?

You probably need dental implants or a tooth replacement alternative if you have lost a tooth or have a shaky tooth from the following:

1. Advanced periodontal disease
2. Systemic disease, usually from chronic diseases such as diabetes
3. Have a tooth that cannot be salvaged with root canal treatment
4. Did not manage to seek for dental care promptly and consistently
5. Severe dental decay from dental caries or cavities
6. Teeth overcrowding
7. Genetic misalignment of teeth
8. Have suffered from a traumatic injury that has resulted in dental trauma
9. Are using dentures but find them too clunky and high-maintenance

You will be surprised to know that most people who seek dental implants suffer from gum disease or chronic health problems that affect their oral health. Our oral health is intrinsically tied to our systemic health. 

Should you or your loved one suffer from any chronic health conditions, I urge you to head to a dentist near you immediately to manage your overall oral health. This will reduce the cost and time spent solving dental problems like gum disease in the future. 

Signs You Need Dental Implants

Many patients who come into Kong Dental Surgery to replace their missing teeth debate internally on the necessity for dental implants. The cost of dental implants can be expensive, even after the Medisave subsidy. For most patients, unless the gap that needs to be replaced is located at the front set of their teeth, it might not necessitate immediate attention. 

So when is it the right time to proceed with dental implants? Here are some signs that you might need to take the next step in your dental health. 

1. Experiencing Persistent Toothache and Sensitivity

One of the most common signs that you might need dental implants is a persistent toothache, especially after eating or drinking hot or cold substances. This can indicate advanced tooth decay or a deep-rooted infection. Dental implants can provide a long-term solution by replacing the damaged tooth with a durable, artificial one.

2. Loose or Shifting Teeth

Teeth that feel loose or are shifting out of place can be a sign of advanced periodontal disease. This condition can lead to bone loss and ultimately, tooth loss. Dental implants not only replace missing teeth but also stimulate bone growth, preventing further deterioration.

3. Difficulty Chewing and Speaking

If you are experiencing difficulty chewing your food properly, or if your speech has been affected due to missing teeth, it is a strong indication that you might need dental implants. These implants function just like natural teeth, allowing you to eat and speak comfortably.

4. Visible Gaps in Your Smile

Having visible gaps in your smile can be a source of self-consciousness and affect your confidence. Dental implants seamlessly fill in these gaps, restoring the aesthetic appeal of your smile.

5. Bone Deterioration

Missing teeth can lead to bone deterioration over time. This is because the roots of the teeth provide essential stimulation to the jawbone. Dental implants serve as artificial roots, preventing further bone loss and maintaining the integrity of your facial structure.

6. Difficulty in Maintaining Oral Hygiene

When you have missing teeth, it becomes challenging to clean the gaps properly. This can lead to plaque buildup and eventually gum disease. While some patients choose to manage their gum disease with home treatments initially, it can be frustrating when symptoms of gum disease happen on a recurring basis. Dental implants are easy to care for, requiring the same level of oral hygiene as natural teeth.

7. Premature Ageing of the Face

Missing teeth can lead to sagging of facial muscles and a sunken appearance, making you look older than your actual age. Dental implants support the facial structure, preventing premature ageing and helping you maintain a youthful appearance.

8. Frequent High-Maintenance Denture Adjustments

If you are wearing dentures and find yourself needing frequent adjustments due to discomfort or looseness, it might be time to consider dental implants. Implants provide a stable and secure foundation for artificial teeth, eliminating the need for constant adjustments.

9. Chronic Bad Breath

Persistent bad breath, even after rigorous oral hygiene practices, can be a sign of underlying dental issues. This could be related to infections or decay associated with missing teeth. Dental implants can address these problems and restore fresh breath.

10. Difficulty in Biting Firmly

If you find it challenging to bite firmly into certain foods, it may indicate weakened or missing teeth. Dental implants offer the strength and stability needed to bite into a wide range of foods, ensuring a balanced diet for optimal health. 

Is It Worth It To Invest In Dental Implants? 

You should invest in dental implants if you find yourself saying yes to one of the pointers below: 

1. Impaired oral function is hindering your ability to bite and chew properly

Are dental issues causing challenges in your ability to bite and chew, making it uncomfortable to enjoy a variety of foods? Do they hinder your speech, resulting in slurring, lisping, or difficulty in pronouncing certain words and sounds? 

These are prevalent concerns for individuals dealing with lost, damaged, or decayed teeth – a definite indication that considering dental implants is essential. Neglecting dental problems can have broader health implications, potentially leading to issues such as malnutrition or infection, among other hazards.

2. You find it difficult to be proud about your appearance

Do you find yourself hesitant to speak, laugh, or smile openly in public because of tooth imperfections or gaps? Does this self-consciousness lead you to avoid social gatherings or important business meetings? 

A less-than-ideal smile can significantly impact your self-esteem and confidence – as your smile is often the initial feature others notice when meeting you. 

If you frequently cover your smile with your hand or refrain from doing so altogether due to dissatisfaction with your smile, it is a clear indication that considering dental implants in Singapore is a worthwhile investment.

3. Your traditional dental bridges or dentures have become too cumbersome for you

Are you experiencing the inconvenience of dentures that shift or produce awkward clicking sounds while you eat, speak, or laugh? Do they tend to move uncomfortably in your mouth, making chewing a challenge and leading to discomfort, pain, or mouth sores? 

When this happens, it is possible that your dental bridges are starting to feel less stable, potentially causing gradual harm to adjacent teeth. These issues are quite common with conventional dentures and bridges. Unlike implants, they do not offer protection against jawbone loss, which can alter their fit over time. Dental implants, on the other hand, provide a solution for Singaporean dental patients, offering a restoration securely anchored much like natural teeth.

4. You have began to age premature because of your sunken cheeks

Tooth loss triggers a decline in jawbone density, as the bone structure that once anchored tooth roots diminishes due to lack of use. 

When you either leave gaps in your smile or fill them with dentures or bridges, the jawbone gradually loses thickness and length, leading to a weakening of support for facial features. This process allows for the formation of hollows, wrinkles, and creases on the face. 

This phenomenon, known as facial collapse, often results in individuals appearing older than their actual age. Dental implants stand apart from other teeth replacement options, as they effectively replace missing tooth roots within the jaw, providing a safeguard against bone loss. Opting for dental implants in Singapore ensures better preservation of jawbone size and density, preventing the occurrence of facial collapse.

5. You prioritise longer-lasting dental treatments that can stand the test of time

Traditional dentures and dental bridges necessitate periodic refitting or replacement every few years. 

In contrast, dental implants offer Singaporean dental patients a notably more enduring remedy for tooth loss. A dental implant typically boasts an average lifespan of 25 years, and with diligent oral hygiene and maintenance, they have the potential to endure a lifetime.

Dental Implants Can Help You Look Better, Speak Better, Chew Better and Feel Better

Recognizing these signs is the first step towards restoring your dental health and reclaiming your confident smile. Our team at Kong Dental Surgery understands the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to tooth replacement options. Dental implants offer a stable and long-lasting solution, addressing a range of dental concerns from persistent toothache to bone deterioration.

Our oral health is closely linked to our systemic health. Chronic conditions can have a significant impact on our oral well-being, underscoring the importance of seeking timely dental care. By addressing dental issues promptly, we can mitigate future complications and reduce the associated costs and time spent on treatment. Dental implants are one of the modern tooth replacement options to help prevent future problems.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the signs mentioned in this article, we encourage you to consult with a dental professional at Kong Dental Surgery. Our heartland clinic in Singapore is dedicated to providing affordable dental care tailored to the needs of individuals in the heartlands. With dental implants, you can regain not only a confident smile but also enjoy improved oral function and overall quality of life.