Many people underestimate the impact of tooth loss. Teeth that have been knocked out and not replaced in time, or an abscessed tooth that has been removed, will not grow back.
While some people can tolerate those embarrassing gaps left by missing teeth that also make it difficult to eat and speak, most dental patients cannot.
Whether you’ve lost your teeth to accident, illness, or overuse, you’ve probably toyed with the idea of dentures and implants. The only problem is that you don’t know what the most effective treatment option for your smile will be.
Only your dentist can recommend the best tooth replacement treatment option for your needs.
Here is some information about dentures and implants that you can use when discussing your treatment options with your dentist and to help you get a better idea of which option would be best for you:
Dentures
Dentures have long been the tooth replacement treatment that is the best option for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth. so the issue of Dentures has come a long way since the days of your grandparents or even your parents. While today’s dentures work and function the same, most are made using improved technologies such as 3D imaging and printing. The result is dentures that fit more securely and comfortably and more closely resemble the patient’s natural teeth.
Most modern dentures still require adhesive glue or bonding to secure the dentures in place and must be removed when eating and overnight for cleaning.
Even partial dentures take time to get used to, and initial discomfort can occur, even with better-fitting dentures.
The Dentures are the best option for patients with many missing teeth, no matter the inconvenience of removing them while eating or taking them out for an overnight bath and cleaning.
Dental implants
While dentures work best to restore a smile to patients who are missing many teeth, implants are ideal for patients who are missing a tooth or two here and there. A big gap in a smile is just as embarrassing as not showing any teeth. Moreover, even having a missing tooth can lead to additional dental health issues, such as crooked teeth, in the future.
Dental implants are metal screws, usually, titanium, inserted into the patient’s jawbone and covered with a crown or false tooth. Dental implants fill embarrassing gaps in the smile and fill in the gaps to prevent further dental problems from occurring.
Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanently attached to the jawbone. They can withstand biting, eating and drinking and allow clear speech. With dental implants, the patient’s mouth will feel and function normally with little or no discomfort.
Dental implants have a quick recovery time, making them a good option for those who want their smile to look good fast.
The only reason a patient will not be eligible for dental implants is that he or she has weakened or damaged jaw bone tissue that reduces jaw strength.
Patients who are missing a few teeth, who do not want to deal with the inconvenience, inconvenience and possible inconvenience of dentures, would be best suited for implants.
A third way
For some patients, there is another option: All-on-Four Dentures. This dental replacement treatment combines dentures and implants to produce permanent dentures that look and function like your natural teeth. You can even take care of these dentures as you would regular teeth.
This option is relatively new and is offered at a handful of high-end dental offices. These types of dentures are excellent for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth prematurely but have adequate bone mass and strength to support the implants.
Today, there are approximately three options when your teeth need to be replaced. You can have dentures, you can have dentures with implants, or you can have implants. There are definite differences – both in the procedures, the benefits, and of course the cost.
Top denture
The top denture usually isn’t a problem, as far as staying in place. Many people report problems with the bottom denture remaining in place largely. Due to the fact that your tongue often presses against the back of your teeth. You never realize just how strong your tongue can be until you have dentures.
This leads us to dentures with implants. In this instance, small ‘posts’ are implanted into the bone in the back of your mouth. The bottom denture is made more secure by fitting over these posts. This seems to be the preferred option for denture wearers.
Then, there is the other type of implants. This is where teeth constructed of porcelain are actually implanted with screws into the bone. This is a great option – if you can afford it. Most insurance will not cover this procedure, because dentures are cheaper.