If you’ve lost teeth, you may be wondering if dental implants are necessary for replacing them or if cheaper options like dentures will suffice. It’s a great question!

As your friendly neighborhood dentist, let me dive into when dental implants become truly medically necessary rather than just a nice upgrade. I’ll also cover the major perks implants provide.

When Basic Restorations Aren’t Enough

For minor tooth loss, basic restorations like partial dentures, fixed bridges, or even just leaving a gap may be fine temporarily.

But once you’ve lost multiple permanent teeth or even all your teeth, relying on removable dentures long-term can lead to some serious oral health issues. This is where dental implants become medically necessary.

Preventing Bone Loss

When teeth are lost, the bone that formerly supported them starts deteriorating rapidly from lack of stimulation.

Dentures can’t prevent this bone loss the way implanted screws can. As bone recedes, dentures loosen, and facial muscles sag. It accelerates aging.

Dental implants fuse to the bone like natural tooth roots, preventing deterioration. This keeps your bite aligned and your face intact.

Avoiding Gum & Tooth Damage

Ill-fitting dentures rub and scrape the gums and remaining teeth, leading to sores and abrasions. It also stresses the tissue and jawbone.

Dental implants are fixed permanently in place, so no rubbing and irritation occurs. They preserve gum health and protect the remaining teeth from damage.

Restoring Crucial Bite Force

Dentures only allow people to bite down with about 15-20% of their original force. This makes chewing difficult, leading many to avoid hard, nutrient-rich foods.

But dental implants restore natural bite force so people can eat their favorite crunchy fruits and veggies again. Better nutrition is a key health benefit!

Halting Speech & Swallowing Difficulties

Slipping and clicking dentures make talking and eating uncomfortable. People subconsciously compensate by swallowing differently, which can impair the airway.

Dental implants are fixed firm, allowing normal speech and swallowing patterns for improved breathing and digestive health.

Contact for more information at RamlaouiDDS

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The Takeaway

For minor tooth loss, removable options may suffice temporarily. But once multiple permanent teeth are gone, dental implants become medically necessary. They prevent severe bone loss, gum/tooth damage, poor nutrition, and even airway issues by permanently replacing lost teeth.

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Meta Title: When Do Dental Implants Become Medically Necessary? Full Explanation

Meta Description: Wondering if dental implants are medically necessary or just a nice upgrade? This in-depth post covers when basic tooth replacements stop being enough and implants become essential.