As the field of dentistry grows, dental patients benefit from a wider range of choices. For those of you missing one or more teeth your choices can include bridges, partial or full dentures and implants. For people missing all of their teeth on one or more arches, here are some pointers comparing dental implants vs. dentures.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. An implant is an artificial tooth bonded to a post that is implanted into the bone, where your natural tooth formerly resided. An implant can be secured into the space left by the root immediately after the dentist extracts the tooth. This newer procedure eliminates the need to cut into the gums and drill into the bone. Because the post can be implanted immediately, it eliminates the need for a series of visits. You will have to be careful to let the new implant heal. It will still take several months for the bone to grow securely around the post.
Dental implants can replace one tooth or a full mouth of teeth. They are a good alternative to dentures if you are a qualified candidate. Your implant dentist will give you a full examination with an emphasis on bone thickness and overall health. You need to have enough bone to support the implant and be healthy enough to endure surgery and recovery.
Advantages of implants over dentures include the obvious–permanence and stability of these teeth. They also look and feel very natural and comfortable. They require the same care as your natural teeth, including regular dental checkups.
Dentures
Everything old is new again. And the use of dentures is a very old and standard fix for a toothless grin. Dentures come as full arches–upper or lower, in partials for people who still have a few teeth left, and in overdentures. Overdentures are fitted over existing teeth that are used to anchor the dentures in place.
Immediate dentures are for use immediately after teeth are extracted and during the healing period. They are exchanged later for final dentures that are fitted after all swelling has gone down.
Dentures are used by many millions of people and offer a proven solution for anyone who is not a candidate for implants. Dentures fill out sagging facial muscles, and offer an effective way to eat and speak. People don’t realize how seriously these basic functions are compromised by the loss of teeth.
If you would like to learn more about the advantages of dental implants and dentures from a highly qualified Toronto implant dentist please visit the website of Willow Dental Associates or just schedule your personal consultation.
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