Your teeth work together, and losing any one of them can put stress on surrounding teeth which can cause an unbalanced bite, jaw pain, and TMJ disorders. Without replacement, the bone begins to deteriorate, so you may lose nearby teeth as well. That’s why it’s so important to replace any missing teeth immediately.
If you need to replace missing teeth, generally you have two main options: dentures and dental implants. Dental bridges are another option, but they depend on the adjacent teeth as they are attached to crowns that hold the bridge in place. Dental implants are durable, lifelike, and ultimately better for your oral health than dentures. Here’s why:
Dental implants are more stable.
Dental implants are rooted to your jawbone, so they aren’t going anywhere. You can opt for a single dental implant or several teeth. If you are missing several teeth, implant supported bridges can replace them. Dentures, on the other hand, are more like a retainer that can be removed with ease. As a result, they are more prone to sliding around and shifting when you eat. It’s much more difficult to chew with dentures than dental implants. Likewise, dentures can create taste and speech issues. That isn’t the case with an implant which is a more permanent fixture in your mouth.
Dental implants are a permanent solution.
Dental implants retain both the appearance and functionality of normal teeth. Since dental implants are permanent, there’s virtually no maintenance provided you take care of your oral health with brushing, flossing, and routine dentist visits. You will still need to take care of your dental implants just like your regular teeth, but you shouldn’t ever have to replace a dental implant, which makes them much more cost effective over the long term. Dentures, however, require realignment every 3-5 years.
Dental implants actually improve your oral health.
Dental implants stimulate the growth of tissue and bone along your jawline because they act as replacement roots for your teeth. The implants are placed on titanium posts that are surgically rooted into your jawbone. These posts join with bone and tissue as the site heals, promoting a hardy foundation. After implants have fully fused with your mouth, dental crowns can be added as additional protection for the implant. Additionally, the act of chewing with the implant provides stimulation of the jaw bone to stop bone erosion. Dentures act as a cosmetic solution, but because they sit directly on top of your gums, the bone in your jaw is liable to break down over time. Your other teeth may also shift into open space with dentures because they move around more.
Dental implants are becoming the golden standard for tooth replacement, and for good reason. They’re reliable, have a high success rate, and can last a lifetime with the proper care. The ideal candidate has good oral health to begin with, as healthy gum tissue and a strong jaw bone is needed to support the posts. Our team is experienced with dental implants and can answer any additional questions you may have regarding this procedure.