Dental Implants Compared to Dentures

There are countless dental options available to those that are currently suffering from the loss of one or more teeth. This is why everyone that has recently lost any number of teeth should understand some of the services and treatments that they can use in order to restore the form and function of their smile as well as a few of the main causes of tooth loss and why restoration is necessary in order to have a complete smile and a healthy mouth.

Tooth loss is most often the result of gum disease and tooth decay going untreated. Nearly all of the foods that one eats and beverages that they consume will end up leaving a layer of grime on the teeth. Plaque is the thin, slick material that will cling to the outside of teeth when not immediately removed. Over time, the plaque will interact with any of the new foods that are eaten and produce acids and bacteria. These will attack the teeth and gums, forcing the roots of the teeth to pull away from the area of the jaw that they are anchored to.

In addition to periodontal disease and tooth decay, any serious trauma to the face may also knock the tooth out or severely damage the roots or pulp. No matter the reason for the tooth loss though, there are two main options available to those that would like to restore their smile: removable dental appliances and permanent dental appliances.

Removable dental appliances are dental bridges and dentures. These are synthetic teeth that are custom made for every single individual. They are usually made of metals, plastic composites, and porcelain in order to precisely match the color and appearance of the teeth. For removable dentures, they are often held in place with gravity, pressure from the existing natural teeth, and even mild adhesives. These are wonderful options for individuals that would like to restore the form and function of their smile but currently do not have gums that are healthy enough to undergo an extensive surgery and the healing process that will take place immediately afterwards.

For individuals that would like a more permanent solution, dental implants may be the perfect choice. Dental implants are surgical rods that are placed directly into the mouth and anchored into the jaw in the area that has been left by the lost teeth. As the mouth slowly begins to heal, a very powerful bond will be formed between the rods and the bone in a process known as osseointegration.

No matter the type of dental appliances that are chosen, it is essential for all individuals to immediately seek out treatment if they have lost teeth. This will prevent the face from sagging inwards towards the gaps as well as minimize the chances of bacteria building up on the gums.

Visit RobertMondaviDDS.com to learn more about dental implants and dentures. Dr. Mondavi, Torrance dental implants dentist, uses both implants and dentures for replacing missing teeth and recovering the functionality of the teeth.