Whether you’re missing one tooth or all of your natural teeth, you probably want to replace them as soon as possible. The problem is that many people find traditional dental restorations less than satisfactory. Dentures, which are removable artificial teeth, are the most common way to replace teeth lost to disease or trauma. People who wear a full set often complain that they don’t fit snugly in the mouth. This can make for embarrassing moments if the dentures fall out when you laugh, sneeze, cough, or even yawn forcefully enough to loosen them.
Removable dentures can make it difficult for you to enjoy your favorite foods as well. In fact, you must follow many food restrictions so as not to damage them. To clean dentures, you remove them from your mouth and place them in a glass of water with a special cleansing tablet overnight. Some people find this inconvenient. Yet another common complaint is that removable dentures can cause facial sagging.
A dental bridge contains one or more replacement teeth attached to teeth on either side of the gap. These adhere to neighboring teeth for support. It’s necessary to remove a small amount of tooth enamel from the supporting teeth before installing a dental bridge.
Dental Implants as an Alternative to Removable Dentures and Fixed Bridges
All treatment methods have benefits and drawbacks. Dentures do offer many benefits, such as an improved smile, better speech, and a return of full functionality to your mouth. Bridges are often a good option when you’re only missing one or a few teeth. Dental implants give you all the benefits without the drawbacks. They are non-removable and function just as your natural teeth do. You have few, if any, food restrictions and you don’t have to worry about them slipping out of place or finding special cleaning products for them.
The Process of Receiving Dental Implants
Each replacement tooth requires an artificial tooth root to support it. These are called abutments and look like a small screw. Dr. Durham uses a dental drill to install them in your jaw and then allows adequate time for your jaw to heal. This can take up to several months. The new roots need to fuse with existing bone in a process called osseointegration before he can attach your replacement teeth. Once this has occurred, you return to Durham Dental and Dr. Durham attaches each new tooth. The result is permanent, natural-looking teeth that you will make your feel proud and self-confident.