The latest innovations in dentistry allow your dentist to preserve teeth for longer than ever; however, tooth loss is still a common problem. In fact, at least 35 million Americans have lost all their teeth in one or both arches. 90% of the edentulous population wear dentures. Although they are effective, they have several disadvantages, too. If you hate wearing them, you aren’t out of options. You can enjoy a nearly perfect replica of your natural smile using dental implants.
Disadvantages of Dentures
Dentures have a bad reputation for looking and feeling fake, but they are more realistic than ever. Your dentist uses advanced technology to create an acrylic arch featuring your replacement teeth. It is held to your gum tissue using suction or an adhesive to restore a beautiful, functional smile. Although they are more practical than ever, many patients have a few complaints about them, such as:
- Taking a while to get used to wearing them.
- Doesn’t stop bone loss attributed to missing teeth.
- Can affect speech and functions.
- Can decrease your ability to taste.
- Requires daily maintenance and care.
- Can cause slipping and irritation.
- Needing to be replaced every few years.
If you despise your dentures for any of the reasons listed above, you have another option to replace your missing teeth. You can stabilize your denture using dental implants.
Benefits of an Implant-Supported Denture
A dental implant is unique because it mimics the entire tooth structure from the root up. Don’t worry, if you’ve lost all your teeth in an arch, you won’t need to replace each tooth individually. Instead, 4 to 10 titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone. They act as roots while securing your denture to your jawbone. You’ll enjoy the next best thing to your real teeth while benefiting from a few other advantages as well, such as:
- Over a 95% success rate to last for decades.
- Looks natural to smile confidently.
- Regain as much as 70% of your natural biting force.
- Stimulates new bone growth in your jaw.
- Provides your facial tissue with support.
- Easy maintenance and care.
- Long-term, cost-effective solution.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you’re ready to anchor your denture in place, your first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. Generally, if you have good oral and general health, you can benefit from dental implants; however, if you’ve lived without teeth for a while, you may need bone grafting before your placement surgery. This will thicken your bone to ensure your jaw can support your new teeth.
You don’t need to settle for anything less than the best. It’s time to see if an implant-retained denture is right for you.
About Dr. Ernie Costello
Dr. Costello is a graduate of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. He has completed advanced training in general dentistry. If you have suffered significant tooth loss, he can rebuild your smile. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.