Missing teeth are a common dental issue in the United States, with an estimated 178 million people missing at least one tooth and 35 million without any teeth. Fortunately, there are solutions available. Options include dentures and dental implants that can address problems associated with missing teeth, including difficulty chewing and eating which can cause digestive and nutritional issues.
Not only can missing teeth affect your oral health, but it can also impact your overall health and self-esteem. Without teeth to support the jaw structure, facial features may start to look distorted, making it challenging to talk. Furthermore, food particles and bacteria can get stuck in exposed gums. This leads to infection and gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease and diabetes. And sometimes, people seek to replace their missing teeth merely to regain their smile, which is reason enough.
What are Dentures?
To address missing teeth, dentures and dental implants are available. Dentures are prosthetic teeth replacements, which come in either a full or partial set and are removable. They are an ideal option for patients missing sets of teeth or all of their teeth and those with unhealthy or weak jaws. However, they must be secured with denture adhesive and can be removed throughout the day as needed.
There are three types of dentures: conventional, immediate, and overdenture. Conventional dentures are a full removable set placed in the mouth after removing any remaining teeth and allowing tissues to heal, which can take up to several months. Immediate dentures are inserted on the same day the remaining teeth are removed. However, they may need to be relined or remade after the jaw has healed. Overdentures are utilized to preserve some of the jawbone in the event that some teeth can be saved, using remaining teeth as an anchor and resting on top of the soft tissues.
While dentures are less expensive than dental implants, they have several cons, such as being able to slip out of place while eating or speaking if not properly secured, causing bone resorption due to the lack of stimulation to the jawbone, and leading to infection or tooth decay if not properly fitted. They also have reduced chewing function and must be cleaned regularly or replaced if showing signs of significant wear.
Dental Implants
Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanent teeth replacements surgically placed within the jawbone, mimicking natural bone. Implants can be an excellent alternative to dentures. They preserve the jawbone and providing almost the same level of function as natural teeth. Dental implants are ideal for candidates with one or more missing teeth, healthy oral tissues, adequate bone to secure the implants, a jawbone that has reached full growth, and no health conditions that affect bone healing. They require a commitment of several months to complete the process and are not suitable for those who smoke tobacco.
Choose the Option that Works Best for You
While dental implants are more expensive than dentures, they offer a more long-lasting and cost-effective solution, and they are easier to maintain. However, they can pose possible damage to surrounding natural teeth or tissues during placement. Also, cleaning the gums around the implant can be challenging.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, it’s best to consult with a dental professional. They can help you understand your options and find the best solution to restore your smile and oral health. Contact Columbia Oral Surgery & Dental Implants for more information.
