Tooth loss is more common than you might think. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, over 36 million don’t have any teeth, and 120 million people in the U.S. are missing one or more teeth. Tooth loss can affect your self-confidence, and smiling, laughing, and speaking can be embarrassing if the missing tooth is visible. In addition, the surrounding teeth will start to shift, creating spaces between your existing teeth, which will impact your smile further.
The two most common treatments for tooth loss are partial dentures and dental implants, and implants are more beneficial.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss because the implant is drilled directly into the jawbone. The dentist will drill a hole into the jawbone where the tooth is missing and place the implant. You’ll have to wait until the implant fuses to the jawbone, and according to the American Dental Association, this could take several months.
When the implant is completely integrated, your dentist will fit a crown on the implant, and it will look like the rest of your teeth.
What Are the Benefits Of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have several benefits you cannot get from partial dentures.
- Dental implants are held in by the jawbone and provide a natural appearance. Many partial dentures have wire brackets to anchor the partial to the surrounding teeth, and depending on which tooth you lost, you may be able to see the bracket.
- Caring for dental implants is easy, and you just have to brush and floss regularly, the way you do with your natural teeth. Partial dentures need to be soaked in solution daily and brushed to remove any plaque or debris on the partial.
- Dental implants are permanent and never need to be removed, and the most you’ll need to do is replace the crown after 10 or 20 years. Partial dentures have to be removed and soaked at night while you sleep.
- Partial dentures can be damaged if you eat something hard or sticky. Also, if your partial denture replaces any of the front teeth, biting food like pizza or sandwiches can damage the partial. Dental implants are drilled right into your jawbone and can handle any food, and you won’t have to worry about food restrictions.
If you suffer from tooth loss and want to choose the most natural-looking and most convenient treatment option, dental implants are the better option.
