Having beautiful, healthy teeth instills confidence and helps you face every day with poise. Luckily, when you experience oral care problems, you can work with a dentist specializing in cosmetic dentistry to bring back those feelings. Here are a few key signs indicating you could benefit from a permanent prosthesis screwed into the jaw, known as a dental implant.

When Do You Need Dental Implants?

1. Missing Teeth

When you lose a tooth, having that missing space can result in chewing and speech issues, headaches, and a higher risk of infection moving forward due to the exposed gumline. A dental implant can restore your smile so it's more aesthetically pleasing, and you're protected against daily inconveniences and oral health hazards.

2. Denture Problems

Individuals missing all or several teeth can use full or partial dentures to assist with chewing and speech. While some patients try dentures because of their affordable price point, these devices' removable nature can result in gum irritation and general fit problems. By transitioning to permanent dental implants that attach to your jaw bone, you won't have to stress about denture management and fit.

3. Infection

Teeth can become infected due to gum disease, deep cavities, or cracks caused by trauma. In these situations, an abscess of pus and bacteria may develop and travel directly to the bone. To preserve your oral health, a dentist will extract the natural tooth and install a dental implant to restore your smile and close any gaps created by infection.

4. Sunken Facial Structure

Your natural teeth help maintain your overall facial structure. As such, when you have missing teeth or use removable dentures, your jaw bone may start to recede, resulting in a sunken appearance. With permanent dental implants, your jaw will be stimulated, and you won't have to worry about bone loss.

If you have any of the oral care issues mentioned above, Anderson Dental Group can provide custom dental implants to beautify your smile. Combining state-of-the-art equipment with a friendly bedside manner, residents across North Carolina can count on this dentist for lifelong care. To schedule a free consultation, call  (704) 663-3300 to reach their office in Mooresville and (704) 636-3611 for Salisbury. For more information on the services they offer, visit their website.