Missing teeth can have serious health implications. It is estimated that over 35 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. An additional 178 million people are missing at least one tooth. If left untreated, missing teeth can lead to problems with digestion and nutrition, gum disease, and changes in speech, among other issues. Thankfully, there are options available to help restore your smile and improve your quality of life. Two popular options are dentures and dental implants.
Dentures or Dental Implants?
Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth replacements, available in both full and partial sets. They are ideal for patients who are missing multiple teeth or all of their teeth, and those with unhealthy or weak jaws. Dentures must be secured with denture adhesive and can be removed as needed. There are three types of dentures: conventional, immediate, and overdenture. Conventional dentures are placed in the mouth after any remaining teeth are removed. On the other hand, immediate dentures are inserted on the same day as the remaining teeth are removed. Overdentures are used to preserve some of the jawbone in the event that some teeth can be saved.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanent teeth replacements that are surgically placed within the jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants preserve the jawbone and provide function to almost the same degree as natural teeth. They are a popular alternative to dentures and are suitable for patients who have one or more missing teeth, have a jawbone that has reached full growth, have adequate bone to secure the implants, have healthy oral tissues, are unwilling or unable to wear dentures, and don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing.
Weighing Your Options
Both dentures and dental implants have their pros and cons. Dentures are less expensive than dental implants. They can be removed at any time and can provide a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing way to restore your smile. However, they can slip out of place while eating or speaking if not properly secured, cause bone resorption, and can lead to infection or tooth decay if not properly fitted.
Dental implants, on the other hand, last longer and save you money over time. They are also easier to maintain than dentures and eliminate the worry of them falling out in social situations. However, they can potentially cause damage to surrounding natural teeth or tissues during placement, and it can be difficult to clean the gums around the implant.
Determining which option is right for you depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Contact a dental professional to learn more about your options and to determine which solution is best for you. Restoring your smile can have a significant impact on your overall health and self-esteem, so don’t hesitate to take action.
