Dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth.

That’s why people who get them love them so much. Dental implants not only function and feel like your natural teeth, preserving the strength of your jawbone and allowing you to eat a wide variety of wholesome foods, but they also look really good. In fact, they look so lifelike, others won’t be able to tell they’re not your natural teeth.

There are a variety of reasons a person might need implants. Here are 7 of the most common reasons people decide to receive dental implants. 

1. You’ve had tooth decay that led to extraction.

Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. People of all ages can experience tooth decay for a variety and combination of reasons, such as poor oral hygiene and poor diet, which leads to a buildup of bacteria in your mouth. But sometimes there are other factors at play, like acid reflux, certain medications, and smoking. When a tooth becomes so decayed that it cannot be saved with a root canal and crown, your doctor will do an extraction before the infection from the tooth spreads to and damages the neighboring teeth.

2. You’re missing teeth due to periodontal disease.

Gum disease is common and silent. It often doesn’t show any easily noticeable symptoms until it’s already done irreversible damage. That is, if you’re not aware of the early signs and don’t take vigilant action to prevent and combat them. 

Periodontal disease starts by infecting the gum tissue, what we call the gingiva, making it a darker red color and sometimes prone to bleeding. At this stage (gingivitis), it’s fully reversible with prompt treatment and proper home care. When left untreated, though, the infection deepens, the gums pull away from the teeth, and the bone underneath begins to lose density. The bones that hold your teeth in place can no longer do their job, and the result is tooth loss.

3. You’re missing teeth due to a medical condition.

There are a majority of medical conditions that can impact teeth. If you think about it, teeth are part of the body, and if the rest of the body is affected by something, why wouldn’t the teeth be as well? There are certain medical conditions that directly impact oral health.

Sjögren’s syndrome, for example, is an immune disorder that causes dry eyes and a dry mouth. Think about your saliva and the important role it plays in the balance of microbes in your mouth. When that balance is offset, your teeth are more prone to decay. 

Be sure to let Dr. Enjati know if you have a medical condition.

4. You’ve experienced dental trauma.

Kids and adults alike can experience tooth trauma. Most of these injuries are chips and cracks, and normally the tooth can be fixed. But depending on the extent, location, and type of injury, the tooth may not be able to be saved. 

The majority of dental traumas are sports-related, which is why it’s so important to make sure you wear the correct mouth guards when playing sports. If a dental trauma causes you to lose one or more teeth, implants are the perfect solution for restoration. 

5. You want to improve your ability to eat and chew.

Eating without a few or all of your teeth is hard. This naturally makes sense. Our teeth are very strong, and when we bite down, they exert anywhere from 200 to 250 pounds of force. That’s powerful! If you’re missing a few teeth, this force will be distributed unevenly, which can cause problems for the rest of your teeth, includingTMJ issues, dental trauma, and mouth sores. If you’re missing all or the majority of your teeth, you’ll most likely find it difficult to safely get the nourishment you need. 

6. You want to preserve your jawbone density after tooth loss.

Our teeth are simply amazing. Even the part of the tooth we can’t see—the root—has a pretty important job. One of its jobs is to stimulate the surrounding bone, helping it remain dense and strong. Without this stimulation, the bone starts to lose mass and shrink. When a person has lost teeth, this is what causes their face to sink in overtime.

The good news is if you’ve lost teeth, there’s a solution for this. Dental implants stimulate the bone in the same way the roots of your natural teeth do, helping your face maintain its structure. 

7. You’re tired of dentures or partials.

Some people find that dentures work for them perfectly, while other people try them and want something different. Perhaps you’re tired of your dentures slipping out and you’re frustrated that you can’t eat as many foods as you could before. You’re not alone in those feelings! People like dental implants because the feel and function is so close to that of natural teeth. Dental implants can help restore your smile and give you back your confidence. 

Dental Implants in Washington, DC

The team at MASC Dental Studio is excited to help you get the smile of your dreams. Beyond dental implants and other restorative options, Dr. Enjati provides cosmetic and general dentistry services. If you’re looking for quality dental care in Washington, DC, or Friendship Heights, reach out to us and book an appointment.