NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 7, 2025 / Missing, damaged, and decaying teeth don't just create aesthetic issues. When left untreated, issues like further decay, tooth and gum infections, loss of additional teeth, and even jawbone loss could possibly occur. Dental implants may be a good option for fixing major oral health issues, restoring your ability to chew, and recovering the look of your smile. These medical devices consist of a small metal post that attaches to the jawbone and a crown that looks like a real tooth.
Whether you have dental insurance that covers implants or orthodontic insurance, it's important to visit the dentist right away if you're experiencing any warning signs that you may need dental implants. Here are several signs to look out for:
1. Missing teeth
Missing teeth can possibly create several types of minor and major problems, including:
Difficulties eating food
Shifting of adjacent teeth
Bacteria accumulation under the gum line
Bone loss in the jaw area
Dental implants offer a long-lasting way to help reduce the risk of these issues occurring and restore your ability to eat by imitating real teeth in the area. The dental professional also crafts the implant to look like the missing tooth. This can create a seamless look so that it may be nearly impossible to tell that it's not real.
2. Tooth decay
Fillings and crowns can help rectify minor cases of tooth decay, but teeth that have decayed severely may not be recoverable.Implants can be a better choice in these more serious instances. The provider can remove and replace the decayed tooth with a pristine implant.Not only does this restore the decayed tooth's function and help stave off other issues (like gum disease and bone loss), but it can also enhance the look by eliminating missing or discolored sections of the tooth. If you're experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity that can indicate tooth decay, be sure to visit the dentist promptly.
3. Cracked or damaged teeth
Tooth damage and cracks can allow bacteria into the sensitive inner sections of the tooth. This can lead to tooth infection. Infections left untreated can lead to significant discomfort and spread to other areas of the mouth and even the body.Root canals can remove the infection, but the damage or cracks can let bacteria in again. Furthermore, root canals may not treat tooth cracks that extend below the gumline. Dental implants may be a good option to consider, whether or not a root canal is viable to clean out the infected tooth pulp.
4. Jawbone loss
Teeth put pressure on your jawbone when you bite and chew, stimulating the jawbone so it maintains strength.Missing teeth can cause a lack of stimulation in the affected area, causing the jaw to weaken over time and lead to bone loss. This can change your facial structure, loosen other teeth, and create discomfort when chewing.
Jawbone loss can possibly be reversed, but it's typically a much more complex and invasive procedure that may have higher risks of complications and require a longer recovery time. Implant procedures may be simpler and less invasive, and the implant can prevent bone loss from occurring.
The bottom line
Dental implants can help replace broken, decayed, or missing teeth so you can maintain a normal function and look while possibly avoiding jawbone loss. If you're experiencing any of these warning signs, be sure to visit the dentist so that they can address these issues right away.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, include availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
In Delaware, Policies A82100R-A82400R, In Idaho, Policies A82100RID-A82400RID, In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK-A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA - A82400RVA.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000, In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on stat and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definition, limitations and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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CONTACT:
Senior PR & Corporate Communications
Contact: Angie Blackmar, 706-392-2097 or ABlackmar2@aflac.com
SOURCE: Aflac
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