Dentures are a common solution for patients who are missing a substantial amount of teeth (usually three or more). Partial and complete dentures are both available, and they can be fixed or removable. Wondering about which one may be best for you? Keep reading to get a better idea — your prosthodontist at Pelican Landing Dental is an expert on dentures in Bonita Springs.
Know Your Options With Dentures
There is no one-size-fits-all in dentures. Instead, they offer a multitude of options for suiting the varied needs of the millions of people who wear them. At their most basic, dentures are a set of prosthetic teeth created for the upper and/or lower jaw. They are made from natural-looking materials to beautifully restore a patient’s ability to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence.
The most basic type of denture is a removable denture. This option rests on top of the gum tissue and, in the case of complete dentures that replace the entire arch of teeth, may require the help of a denture adhesive or cream for additional stability. A partial removable denture is held in place using metal brackets affixed to the natural teeth.
The main thing to keep in mind with removable dentures is that they accelerate bone loss. When you have lost even a single tooth, your jawbone is suddenly without the nutrients and stimulation it requires in that area to stay healthy. A tooth replacement that rests on top of the gums does not replace the missing root structure that the jawbone needs. Bone loss results in the weakening of the jaw and additional tooth loss.
Implant-Retained Dentures Promote Better Health
For patients who are eligible candidates, dental implants offer the best option for dentures. They create fixed dentures that cannot be removed. Because dental implants take the place of the missing root structure, they actually encourage the blood flow that keeps the jawbone healthy and strong for years to come.
Because dental implants stay firmly in the mouth, they offer the utmost security for the denture. Issues that are common with traditional prosthetics — like slippage, discomfort, and difficulty eating certain foods — are no cause for concern with implant-retained dentures.
Which One Is Right for You?
Many patients are eligible for dental implants that support fixed prosthetics. The only way to know for sure if you, too, can benefit from this solution is to schedule an appointment with your trusted prosthodontist in Bonita Springs. During a consultation, your oral health will be evaluated and your smile goals discussed to determine the option that is best for you. Whatever it is, you can feel confident when you partner with an expert periodontist on your tooth replacement journey!
Meet the Practice
At Pelican Landing Dental, general dentists and specialists combine their efforts to offer high-quality dental care for patients of all ages. To learn more about your tooth replacement options, you are invited to contact your dentist in Bonita Springs at 239-948-2111.
