Dental implants are one of the best options in Hawaii for replacing missing teeth. However, are they any good for broken teeth? When a tooth becomes fractured, your dentist may recommend options such as dental bonding or crowns. However, if the damage is beyond trauma, you may be required to take out the tooth completely. You cannot place an implant over a broken tooth.
Regardless of the degree of damage, whether it be a minor chip or a severe breakage, you must visit your dentist to find a solution immediately. Leaving a broken tooth untreated for a long time can be detrimental to your overall health. Your dentist can explain the benefits of dental implants Oahu and whether you fit the candidacy for the treatment.
Does a broken tooth need dental implants?
In cases of a broken tooth, it is unlikely that it will require an implant if it is a minor chip or crack. Your dentist may recommend dental bonding for minor damages. For example, minor cracks on the enamel do not need treatment.
Even if you get larger cracks in your enamel, your dentist will recommend a root canal procedure. In most cases, they will try to save your tooth and keep extraction as a last resort.
You may only need an implant when the damage is so severe that it completely ruins the functionality of the tooth. In that case, your broken tooth no longer remains functional and, therefore, will be removed. Your dentist will recommend a tooth extraction procedure before fixing the implant in place of the broken tooth.
It is important to discuss your options with your dentist immediately following your accident. You may have to wait up to 6 months after the extraction process before you can get implants. This is so that your gums and jawbone are healed enough to withstand the implant procedure.
The benefits of choosing dental implants
Dental implants are the most commonly opted-for treatment for replacing missing teeth. This is due to the following reasons:
- Implants look and function exactly like natural teeth. Nobody would be able to tell if you have undergone dental treatment unless you are an expert.
- Implants are highly strong and durable. They can last for up to a lifetime if you care for them in the right way.
- They restore your ability to chew your food and eat your favorite items, as well as allow you to speak more clearly.
- Implants are the only dental treatment that stimulates your bone growth and prevents bone loss that comes with missing teeth.
Which factors affect your ability to get implants?
While there are various advantages to getting dental implants, not everyone is a good candidate for them. These factors can affect your ability to get implants:
- Overall oral health: It is important for the patient to have optimal oral health before getting implants. Regular dental care is necessary for the long-term success of dental implants. Complications such as peri-implantitis can persist if care is not taken.
- Overall bone health: To get implants, a titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone of the patient. To do this, the patient’s bone health must be in optimal condition. If your bone health is weak, you may first need to get bone grafting surgery.
- Treatment planning: Each individual is unique and has special circumstances. Therefore, what worked for someone else may not work for you. You need a tailored approach that only an experienced professional can provide.
Fix your broken tooth right away!
Walking around with a broken tooth is both physically and mentally draining. Leaving a damaged tooth untreated for a long time can lead to further breakage. On the other hand, exposing the inner layers of your teeth to outside bacteria can lead to infection. Schedule your dental visit today!