Losing a tooth can be a
traumatic experience. Though it may seem that this is a dire situation, modern
dentistry is able to provide you with options for replacement. You will
still have to choose between traditional dentures or dental implants, but this
article will tell you what you need to know to make an informed decision.
Dentures have been used
to replace missing teeth for centuries. They even go back far beyond the
popular legend that Abraham Lincoln had a wooden set! Dentistry has been
able to stay with the times as a tried and true method for tooth replacement.
Early orthodontists have
tried their hand at dental implants as long ago as 600 A.D. Archeologists
have discovered that the early civilizations of the Maya were permanently
replacing teeth with seashells! The techniques used for dental implants
have changed greatly, but let’s look at all the parts involved in a dental
implant.
A natural tooth is made
up of two parts, the root and the crown. The crown is the visible part
above the gum line while the root is the pronged part below the gum line that
holds the tooth the jaw. When a small number of teeth are lost or
extracted, a dental implant is generally the best option for replacement.
When a tooth is lost or
removed the supportive gum and bone tissue are dematerialized. The rest
of the jaw is supplied with nutrients while segment under the toothless gum no
longer receives the minerals it needs to maintain its health. As a
consequence, the jaw portions neighboring the loss receive less minerals and
nutrients as they should, increasingly the likelihood of their eventual loss as
well. As the deteriorated area increases that part of the jaw can
severely break down and cause other teeth to shift, facial drooping and speech
issues.
The dental implant
technique uses a titanium fixture to replace the missing root and revitalize
the area. An artificial crown is then mounted upon the tooth to restore
the natural look, feel, and function. Dental implants are recognized by
the body as an organic tooth so the jaw is resupplied with nutrients.
This is the key difference in choosing between dentures and dental
implants. Dentures do not support the jaw and poor jaw health can be
anticipated with long term use while dental implants are a better long-term
option for younger patients. Implant supported dentures are the best choice for
those with several missing teeth in one general area. Dental implants are
positioned and the denture plate is designed to snap on to the posts.
Different procedures can also affect
your taste of food. Dentures block part
of the palate plate which plays an important role in taste and smell. With a reduction in the enjoyment of the
taste of food, it can reduce food consumption and lead to poor nutrition. People with reduced or lessened sense of
taste lose interest in cooking and tend to eat more sweets. They also have a tendency to consume foods
with higher fat and salt. Research has
also shown that it can lower the consumption of dairy products which can make
osteoporosis worse in the elderly women.
Another technique for
dental implants is called All-on 4. This
concept is considered to be the best in its class for permanent dental implant
supported dentures. This concept is a
permanent non-removable solution which specializes in tilting the implants to
provide more stability to the denture.
It allows for it to have a better anchored anterior bone and avoid
important anatomical structures such as facial nerves. People with supported or permanent dentures
also have fewer changes in speech patterns.
Patients are also fitted and able to wear teeth the same day. To view information about All-on 4’s please
visit: http://www.nobelbiocare.com/international/en/home/products-and-solutions/treatment-concepts/all-on-4.html
The care between all
of these options is different. Regular dental implants require only
normal brushing, flossing, and checkups while dentures require daily removal
and soaking in a cleaning solution. All-on 4’s dentures will require normal
brushing and flossing are not as likely to need adjustments or continuing
dental visits. Dentures also require
night time removal and cleaning and will snap right back into place the next
morning and All-on 4’s are a permanent solution which is left in the
mouth.
Searching for answers to
your missing teeth problem? Schedule an appointment with Wernick Family Dentistry
to learn about your options and make the best informed decision to ensure a
long-term solution.
