Comparing Traditional and Implant Supported Restorations
Maintaining your smile is important because it means you are preserving your oral health. Dentures, partials, and bridges have been the traditional way to replace missing teeth. While dental implants may not have been used throughout dentistry as long as classic restorations, they benefit your oral health just as well by permanently replacing missing teeth. Our Ankeny dentists can help you be better informed and prepared for your dental restoration needs.
Stability
Restoring missing teeth improves everyday activities such as chewing, eating, and speaking. Traditional dentures replace full arches of missing teeth but use the surrounding teeth for support. Partial dentures are reasonably stable, when they are initially applied, but can weaken the teeth that sustain them. Full arch dentures are held by suction or adhesives and can be easily be dislodged during meals and conversations.
Dental implants replace the tooth in its entirety and support and stabilize the denture. Implant supported restorations such as partials and full arch dentures will not dislocate or wear out your existing teeth.
Oral Health
Confidence can diminish when you lose teeth, as well as the ability to effectively speak and chew. Your bone density is also reduced if there are empty spaces left by missing teeth, as there are no tooth roots to provide support. This is when adjoining bone is used to fill in the space left by the lost tooth. Your jaw may become more delicate, and your face can appear to be prematurely aged.
Classic restorations like dentures do not prevent or halt the resorption process. This is because they rest atop the gums and do not support the jawbone. Implant supported restorations replace the tooth’s root which allows for the restored jaw bone to integrate and strengthen.
Procedure
While dental implants offer many benefits, they do require a more invasive procedure than simple dentures and bridges. Implant posts must be surgically placed into the jawbone and take three to four months to bond during recovery. Implants may also require more procedures, such as bone grafting if it is determined the patient does not have adequate bone density.
If the extensiveness of procedures makes you uncomfortable, then traditional restorations may be the best option for you.
For More Information – Contact Us Today
Contact Advanced Family Dentistry in Ankeny to schedule a consultation to find the best dental replacement options for you. No matter what replacement method you agree to, we will help you regain confidence in your smile!