Are you missing teeth? Do you have damaged teeth? Are you suffering from gum disease or tooth decay? If your smile has been affected due to injured or missing teeth, restorative dentistry options are here for you. 

Dental implants are a restorative dentistry option that allows patients to replace missing teeth with ones that look, feel, and perform like natural teeth. They are the most effective, predictable, and longest-lasting option to replace one or multiple missing teeth. However, dental implants are not the same thing as dentures. Here is how to know which is best for you. 

Causes of Missing Teeth

There are a number of reasons why a person might lose teeth as an adult. Common reasons a person might be missing teeth could be due to dental health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, injuries, or even hereditary issues. If you have missing teeth, you should consider restorative dentistry.

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is the type of dentistry that works to keep your mouth full of teeth. This means having work done to replace missing, injured, or decayed teeth. Common restorative dental procedures include: 

• Dental fillings
• Veneers
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Dental implants 
• Dentures 

What are Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are an option for you if you need to restore your mouth and replace lost teeth. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry explains that dental implants are like artificial tooth roots, similar in shape to screws. They are placed into your jawbone and they bond with your natural bone. They become a sturdy base for supporting one or more artificial teeth, called crowns.  Next, a connector, called an abutment, is put on top of the implant to hold and support the crown. The crown will then be made to match your natural teeth and fit your smile perfectly. 

Modern dental implants are some of the strongest devices available to restore your mouth and support replacement teeth. They can allow your new teeth to look and function naturally. 3 million people in the United States have implants, a number that grows by about 500,000 each year.  Dental implants are the only dental restoration option that can preserve natural bone, which can actually stimulate bone growth.

If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime, whereas dentures typically need to be replaced as time goes by.

What are Dentures?

Another replacement for missing teeth, dentures can be taken in and out of the mouth by yourself. A full set of dentures include a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, while the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue. Colgate explains that modern dentures are natural looking and comfortable, however they will never feel the exact same as your natural teeth. Dentures are custom-made in a lab based on impressions from your mouth, and can help restore your mouth to normal working function. 

People who get dentures might find that it takes a few weeks, or sometimes months, to get used to eating and speaking with them

. Further, dentures need to be handled with care to make sure you get the most out of them. Additionally, proper care can help your dentures last longer. Colgate explains to care for your dentures you should: 

• Care for them standing on a soft surface, as they can break if dropped.
• Not let the dentures dry out. They should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water when you are not wearing them. 
• Brush your dentures, gums, and tongue daily with a soft-bristled brush.
• See your dentist if you ever experience an issue with your dentures, being sure to not adjust them yourself. 

If you have missing teeth, the best option is to talk with your dentist to find what restorative dentistry option is best for you. While dentures might work for a family member of yours, they might not be the best option for yourself. 

Call Dr. Ania 

If you have  periodontal disease, tooth decay, or have an injury that has impacted the integrity of your smile, improve your quality of life by calling Dr. Ania for an appointment today. Whether you are a candidate for dental implants or dentures, Dr. Ania will determine the best course of action for your condition and get you a full, restored smile soon. Schedule an appointment today by calling our office now at (303)-872-9940. You can have your smile back, contact us now!