Are dental implants right for you? Today, dental implants are increasingly being used as an effective alternative to bridges and dentures to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed into your jaw to hold replacement teeth. Led by Dr. Ryan Ulibarri, Ulibarri Family Dentistry (located in Fort Collins, CO) offers full-service, state-of-the-art dental care to the patients they serve. Here are 6 signs that dental implants are right for you.

1. You have missing teeth.

Dental implants will transform the appearance of your smile. Dental implants are the most attractive solution for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants look and feel like real teeth. With dental implants, you will look as wonderful as you feel. And, because they're designed to fuse with the jawbone, they become permanent.

2. You have eating problems.

The absence of just one tooth can make chewing difficult. Dentures can also make chewing difficult. Dental implants from your dentist in Fort Collins can improve your ability to chew food. Dental implants function like your original teeth, allowing you to eat the foods you love in comfort and with confidence.

3. You have healthy gums.

The ideal candidate for dental implants is in good oral health. Dental implants are intimately connected with the jawbone and gum tissues in the mouth. The best candidates for implants have healthy gum tissues that are free of gum disease. If you suffer from periodontal disease, you may benefit from periodontal treatment to restore your gum health prior to receiving implants.

4. You have good bone density.

When a tooth is lost, the bone that used to surround it begins to deteriorate. Dental implant surgery can replace one or more missing teeth provided there is sufficient bone to support the dental implants. If there isn't enough bone to completely envelope the implants, a bone graft will be required.

5. You're not a smoker.

If you smoke, you may not be a good candidate for dental implant surgery. Smoking hinders healing in the mouth. Smokers heal more slowly and are at greater risk of infection after dental implant surgery. Moreover, when a dental implant is placed in a smoker, it's more likely to fail.

6. You have speech problems.

Missing teeth can cause people to slur or mumble words. Additionally, poor-fitting dentures can move around in your mouth, causing you to slur or mumble words. Dental implants can improve your clarity of speech. And, they will allow you to talk without the worry that your dentures might slip.

The best way to find out if dental implants are right for you is to consult with our world-class dentist. Call Ulibarri Family Dentistry at (970) 224-5599 today to schedule a dental consultation in Fort Collins, CO, and get the smile you deserve. A beautiful smile and happier you are well on their way!