Replace Your Missing Teeth with Dentures or Dental Implants
No one ever expects it to happen, but tooth loss is a fairly prevalent problem. In fact, it is estimated that more than 36 million Americans do not have any remaining natural teeth. If you are in this position, your quality of life has significantly decreased as you can no longer chew with ease while speaking can also be difficult. Your confidence also suffers due to an incomplete smile, often causing you to avoid many social situations. To replace your missing teeth, you have many options, including dentures and dental implants. To determine which is the best solution for you, there are several things to consider.
Benefit from Dentures
Dentures have been commonly used to replace missing teeth for more than 100 years because they are convenient and affordable. However, unlike those of the past, they now look and feel more natural than ever before. Prosthetic teeth are attached to a gum-colored base, which is held in place using a denture adhesive. New technology now allows them to fit more securely so you can chew, speak, and smile without any concern.
Dentures are often the most preferred solution because they do not require surgery or a lengthy treatment process. Although they are more cost-effective upfront, they do require maintenance and you will need to have a new arch made every few years as your gum tissue shrinks.
Benefit from Dental Implants
If you want a more permanent solution, dental implants may be the better option. They are like traditional dentures; however, instead of an adhesive holding them in place, an average of four dental implant posts are surgically placed into the jawbone. This allows them to potentially last for a lifetime while also very closely mimicking the appearance and function of natural teeth.
When performed on the ideal candidate, they offer over a 95% success rate while also holding the potential to last for a lifetime. In addition, they are currently the only dental prosthetic that can stop bone loss due to missing teeth.
While they allow you to make a true investment in your quality of life and dental health, they are not right for everyone. In addition, it will require a lengthy treatment process and surgery. You must also be fully committed to your dental hygiene and oral health to reduce the risk of late-term implant failure.
Which is the Right Option for Me?
If you are ready to stop living with the challenges of tooth loss, you will need to schedule a consultation with your dentist. After a careful examination, he will help to determine which option is right for you and create a customized treatment plan to allow you to regain a complete smile.
About Dr. Richard J. Gochman
Dr. Richard J. Gochman received his DDS degrees in 1983 and completed a residency in general dentistry at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital. Due to his extensive training and qualifications, he provides an array of dental services, including dental prosthetics. If you have questions about treating your tooth loss, contact NY Smile Creators today to speak with him.