According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), close to 70% of adults between the ages of 35-44 are missing at least one tooth. This is usually the result of tooth decay, gum disease, or physical trauma. Luckily, there is no need to go through life without teeth. Many patients with missing teeth find themselves faced with the choice between dental implants and dentures. While dentures have their place in restorative treatment, Newport Dental Group offers implant treatment as a superior alternative.
A denture is a removable prosthesis that is custom-made in a dental laboratory using impressions taken of your mouth. There are two major types of dentures, full and partial. While dentures will never feel exactly like your natural teeth, today’s materials are aesthetically-pleasing and more comfortable than ever.
A full denture is used for a patient that has experienced the loss of an entire arch of teeth. In some cases, we may need to extract the remaining teeth. The prosthetic teeth are set in a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over your gums. The base of an upper denture covers the palate or roof of your mouth. A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.
A partial denture usually consists of a metal framework that clasps to your remaining teeth for support. Partial dentures are a removable alternative to traditional dental bridges.
Dental implants consist of three parts: the implant post, an abutment, and the restoration. The implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone. After a brief healing period, we use an abutment, or support structure, to connect the post to the restoration. Implants can be used to support some restorations, including a single crown, fixed bridge, and fixed overdenture.
Dental Implants have some benefits over full and partial dentures.
The implant post serves as the root component of a prosthesis. As you heal, your bone and the implant will fuse together through the process of osseointegration. This creates a bond powerful enough to support a restoration for decades or even a lifetime, while traditional dentures need to be repaired or replaced every seven to ten years.
Conversely, dentures rest on your gum tissue and require the use of adhesives. With dental implants, you will be able to eat your favorite foods without having to think twice. You will also be able to smile, speak, and laugh with confidence.
In most cases, you can treat an implant just like your natural teeth, with daily brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. Dentures must regularly be removed for cleaning.
Dental implants are the ideal choice for suitable candidates. However, some patients with severe bone deterioration may not qualify for implant treatment. In these cases, we may be able to use bone augmentation to remedy the situation. We can help you determine which option best suits your needs.
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