Compare dental implants and dentures to find the best option for your smile
Do you have missing teeth? There are solutions at your Calgary SW dentist. It is important to have a full set of teeth to speak, eat, and drink normally. After a long period with gaps between your teeth, you may experience sagging of your facial structure. This occurs because the bone no longer has anything to support, and it begins to weaken. A full smile is possible at any age, even if you have had missing teeth for some time.
Why You May Lose Your Teeth?
Tooth loss can happen for various reasons. Each situation will be treated differently depending on how and what caused the issue.
- Gum Disease – Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss. It starts as gingivitis where your gums are inflamed and if not remedied can lead to periodontal disease. This problem causes shrinking gums which begin to expose your tooth’s root. Pain is often experienced because there is no longer protection for the inner workings of your teeth. It can even destroy bone.
- Cavities – Without proper brushing and flossing, negative bacteria erode your enamel and leave small holes in your teeth.
- Injury – Have you fallen, and a tooth has popped out of its socket? This can damage the surrounding bone which may or may not be visible to the naked eye.
- Smoking – Tobacco use heightens your risk of tooth loss. It reduces blood flow to the gums and your immune system has a harder time fighting infection.
- Disease – If you have a health complication such as diabetes this may lead to tooth loss due to low immunity and an inability to fully fight off infections.
- Genetics – Some people are prone to tooth loss. Certain dental issues may be more common in your family and may cause a tooth to fall out on its own.
- Bad Diet – Disregarding your health means you are feeding bacterial infection. Consuming a lot of sugars increases the formation of acid which deteriorates your enamel. Healthy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins can keep your oral health in check.
Regular dental check-ups, cleaning, and at-home care will help keep dental issues away.
Solutions – Dental Implants vs. Dentures
When deciding on which option is right for you, you need to consider all the pros and cons, what makes you most comfortable, and your Calgary SW dentist’s advice. Dental implants and dentures both allow you to have a fully functioning smile once again, but here is a little more detail on each.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium rods that are inserted into your jawbone to support a set of artificial teeth. The implant takes time to fuse to your bone and living tissue before it becomes secure.
If You Want the Following, Then Calgary SW Dental Implants May Be the Treatment for You:
- Comfort
- Help to preserve your bone and the shape of your jaw
- Fixed in place so nothing falls out unexpectedly
- Resistant to infection
Some of the Cons of Dental Implants Are That They Are:
- A costly procedure
- Wait time can be lengthy if you need a bone graft before the implant
Dentures
Dentures at your Calgary SW dentist is a removeable or permanent oral appliance with artificial teeth and gums. It can be used with implants.
There are two types of dentures:
1. Complete or Full Dentures – When all your teeth are missing, these sit on top of your gums along with the upper, lower, or both arches. They are worn during the day and taken out at night.
2. When you have no natural teeth still in place then this is likely the option for you.
These Can Be Good If You Are Looking For:
- A non-surgical procedure
- No recovery time
- Quite an affordable procedure
Reasons You May Not Want Dentures:
- Instability as they can slip around and rub against your other teeth, cheeks, and gums
- Require replacement after several years
- The clasp can be visible making these less aesthetically pleasing.
Full Information for a Decision
Now that you have more information about replacing your missing teeth, it will be easier for you to decide on which option you prefer. Of course, your Calgary SW dentist will always tell you if this is a viable treatment and provide a full consultation to determine the course of action. At Glenbrook Dental, we walk you through every step of the procedures involved with prosthetic devices so your oral health will stay in good shape.