Missing teeth aren’t just affecting the way you look - it can also impact your overall health. People with missing teeth struggle to chew their food properly which can lead to digestion issues, experience tooth shifting, and even jawbone mass loss.
If you are dealing with missing teeth, the good news is that you have a lot of options to restore both the look and function of your smile.
Two of the most popular dental restoration procedures are dental implants and dentures. Keep reading to find out which one may suit you best!
How Do Dentures Work?
Dentures are removable teeth replacements that can cover either the entire arch or part of it. For patients who have multiple missing teeth, dentures can effectively help them restore their oral health.
Dentures are a cost-effective solution for people with unhealthy or weak jaws, who could not otherwise get a dental implant. However, patients with dentures need to be careful to use the right adhesive to prevent them from falling out while eating or speaking.
Dentures will also require a bit of maintenance. Because they are removable, food and bacteria can accumulate between the dentures and the gums, leading to gum disease. Patients need to take out their dentures and clean them and their mouth every single day, just like they would clean their natural teeth.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are a type of prosthetic designed to permanently replace missing teeth. The prosthetic is made from 3 components:
- Metal post
- Abutment
- Dental crown
The metal post gets surgically implanted into the jaw, helping the implant look and function just like a regular tooth.
Singular dental implants are recommended if you have 1-2 missing teeth that are placed apart on your arch. However, there are also implant-supported dentures available for more extensive tooth loss. The patient receives around 4 implants in their jaw, after which the dentures are attached on top.
Dental implants in Cookeville are more expensive than dentures, but they are permanent. With the right care, people can enjoy their new smiles for decades. Plus, caring for a dental implant is identical to caring for a natural tooth:
Which One Is for You?
Both dental implants and dentures are great ways to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. However, the only way to know for sure which one is the right procedure for you is to book a consultation with a dentist.
Dental restoration is a complex procedure that needs to make sure your smile both looks great and functions correctly. For this, the restoration specialist will need to perform a thorough assessment of your current oral health and determine which course of action is right for you.
If you want to learn how to improve your smile, Dogwood Family Dental is here for you.
Book a consultation with Dr. Taylor Enochs Engler online today.
