Missing teeth can cause a lot of problems. Not only can this issue affect your self-image, but it can also hamper your ability to speak and eat normally.

Fortunately, dental implants are a viable solution for many people who suffer from missing teeth. This article looks at some instances when dental implants could be the answer you're looking for.

Replacing a Tooth

If you're missing a single tooth, dental implants could be an ideal solution. Maybe you've had a tooth knocked out in an accident, or perhaps it was extracted due to decay. Regardless of the reason, dental implants can be used to replace one tooth or several teeth.

Implants involve placing an artificial tooth root into your jawbone to support a natural-looking prosthetic tooth. In other words, the implants are metal posts surgically placed in your jawbone and then topped with a crown, bridge, or denture. This means you can get back to speaking and eating normally with minimal disruption to your daily life.

If you're not a fan of removable dentures, then implants could be the perfect solution for you. They'll feel and look just like your own teeth, and you won't have to worry about slippage or uncomfortable denture adhesives.

Dental Bridge Replacement

If you're missing multiple consecutive teeth, you might have a bridge to help restore these gaps in your smile. However, bridges require that neighboring teeth be modified to support these attachments — something which many people are uncomfortable with.

Dental implants offer an alternative option by replacing these missing teeth with individual implants. This way, you won't have to worry about modifying existing teeth to regain your beautiful smile.

In addition, these implants have the potential to last a lifetime when you practice good oral hygiene habits. You just need to be sure that you get regular check-ups to make sure your implants are in good condition.

So if you're struggling with missing teeth and want a permanent solution, dental implants could be the answer you've been looking for. Speak to your dentist about whether or not this treatment would be suitable for you.

Full Mouth Restoration

If you've lost all or most of your natural teeth, dental implants could be used as part of a full mouth restoration process. By strategically placing several small titanium posts throughout the mouth, dentists can secure prosthetic replacement teeth on top of them — giving patients their complete set of pearly whites back.

This restoration process can sometimes be completed in just a few short hours. This is because the implants are placed before the prosthetic teeth are attached on top. You don't have to wait for the implants to heal before getting your new teeth — something which would be necessary if you needed to use a bridge or denture.

Talk to a dentist if you're interested in dental implants.