If you are missing one or more teeth, you will have several options to choose from.
We would all like to maintain healthy smiles in the long-term, and keep our natural teeth intact for life. Unfortunately, the reality is that a combination of factors, such as poor oral hygiene, ageing and accidents, can lead to tooth loss. The good news is that if you are missing one or more teeth and are looking for ways to restore the strength, function and appearance of your smile, there are a few different treatments available. Two of the most popular and effective options include dentures and dental implants — both treatments have their own set of benefits and the one that you ultimately choose will really depend on your particular needs. Read on to find out more about these restorative treatments and how they work…
Why replace missing teeth?
If you are missing one or more teeth, there are a number of benefits to restoring your smile to its full function. Both dentures and implants help to restore one’s ability to bite and chew food properly, and can also go a long way in improving functions like speech.
Replacing missing teeth also helps to support facial muscles that can otherwise deteriorate and sag over time.
There are, of course, also aesthetic benefits to replacing missing teeth, especially if there are visible gaps when you smile.
What do the treatments involve?
If you are a suitable candidate for dental implant surgery and you choose to go ahead with the treatment, your dentist will place a prosthetic root, also known as a post, into your jawbone. Over the course of a few months, the post will fuse with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. When this process is complete, you will return to your dentist who will then fit a crown to match your surrounding teeth.
Dentures, on the other hand, are removeable and can be used to replace full sets of teeth, or just a few missing teeth. In order to fabricate your dentures, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and assess the alignment of your bite. The dentures themselves are made in a dental laboratory and are customised to look as natural as possible once they have been placed in your mouth.
How does the maintenance differ?
If you have a dental implant placed, you will simply need to maintain proper oral hygiene habits as you would for your natural teeth. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans.
Dentures, however, need more daily maintenance. They should be removed and soaked in water or a cleaning solution overnight; and removed after eating for regular brushing. You should also see your dentist for occasional refits and/or repairs.
How can we help?
At Extreme Dentistry in Darwin, we offer a comprehensive range of restorative dentistry services, including dentures and dental implants. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to explore your treatment options, we encourage you to come in and see us. We will discuss your particular needs, oral and overall health, lifestyle and budget before recommending a course of action that will work best for you.
If you choose to go ahead with dentures, you will have the choice of full or partial dentures, depending on your situation. Dr Anand will perform an assessment before confirming whether or not you are a suitable candidate for the treatment. Depending on the condition of your teeth and bone, dental implants may be recommended as an alternative.
To find out more about the dentures that we offer at Extreme Dentistry, please have a look here.
To find out more about dental implants and how they work, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange an appointment, please give us a call on 08 8948 1225 or get in touch with us here.
