When you lose one or more of your teeth, you will want to get your smile restored as soon as possible. As such, you might search for a “dentist near me” and ask for the treatment that you can get the soonest.
However, as there are several options available, you might want to do your homework first and know more about the possible treatment that you can get, which are dentures and dental implants. Here are some of the things that you need to consider when choosing between traditional dentures and dental implants:
Drawbacks of Dentures
While they are considerably cheaper than implants and involve a less complex process, dentures come with some drawbacks that you should be aware of before you decide to get them:
- Dentures have to be removed to be cleaned regularly. This is the only way you can remove debris that can be uncomfortable and for you to prevent bad breath.
- Dentures could move and slip out while you’re eating or talking unless they’re secured in place by adhesives.
- There are certain foods that you can’t eat comfortably because of dentures that affect the way you chew. In fact, these devices only have about 10% chewing power compared to your natural teeth.
- Dentures can’t prevent bone loss in your jaws, as the jawbone has to be stimulated by high-pressure chewing for it to keep its volume. However, since the dentures limit your ability to chew, the jaw bone is lost over time.
Why You Should Go for Dental Implants
1. They Are Just Like Your Natural Teeth
This is perhaps one of the biggest advantages of implants. With dental implants, you won’t be able to tell that you have them as it hardly affects your speaking or chewing. You can also brush your teeth and floss as you normally would with natural teeth.
2. They Last a Lifetime
Compared to dental bridges and dentures that need replacement every few years or so, implants can last a lifetime. It’s because dental implants are made of titanium that integrates with the jawbone really well, and they’re not rejected by the body, as they’re bio-compatible. Dentures, on the other hand, can be loose and uncomfortable as years pass and the density of the jawbone changes.
3. They Keep the Jaw Bone Stimulated
As mentioned above, to prevent bone loss, the jaw bone needs stimulation. If there’s no implant for a year after losing a tooth, that part of the bone can already lose 25% of its volume. This can only get worse as the years pass.
4. They Can Prevent Premature Aging
Facial sagging is one of the effects of bone loss due to missing teeth. This can make a person look older than their real age, as the lower part of the face begins to “collapse” and excess wrinkles appear around the mouth. The chin can also look more jutted and the lips thinner.
5. They Keep Adjacent Teeth in Place
One of the things that could happen when there’s a gap between your teeth is that those adjacent to the empty space can shift towards it. This can cause movement of your other teeth, too, and affect your bite and the appearance of your teeth. Having dental implants can help ensure that your remaining natural teeth stay in place.
Conclusion
It is evident that dental implants come with benefits that no other restoration treatment can offer. However, it’s worth noting that not everyone is eligible to get them. Your dentist will first assess whether you have enough bone density to support an implant. If not, you will be provided with other restoration options.
If you lose your tooth in a dental emergency, it’s a good idea to ask your dentist about it immediately as it requires certain preparations, and the treatment itself can be costly. You might also want to check if your insurance covers it or if you need to prepare for it financially. Likewise, you need to get as much information about implants and other restoration procedures from a reputable dentist only.
Whether it’s a scheduled visit or you need emergency dental services in Raleigh, NC, Dr. Thomas E. Cooke, D.D.S. can provide you with his expertise in anything dental-related. Visit our clinic today or call to learn more about our services!
