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Tooth loss is something we all experience at some point, and so it’s worth knowing how it can be dealt with thanks to modern dentistry techniques. There are lots of options out there, so here are the main paths you’ll need to pick between if any of your teeth are AWOL.
Exploring Your Options for Tooth Replacements: Bridgework and False Teeth
Lots of health issues can impact your self confidence, but missing teeth is often overlooked. One option to fill the space left by gnashers that have gone walkabouts is bridgework. This is an artificial tooth that bridges the gap between two natural teeth, as the name suggests. It’s usually made from porcelain or metal alloy, so it looks and behaves like your own teeth.
The downside is that in order to fit a bridge, dentists may need to file down your existing healthy teeth on either side of the space where your missing tooth was. This may or may not be appealing to you, depending on the state of the rest of your teeth, and your own preferences.
On the other hand, false teeth don’t require any filing down, as they use clips attached to adjacent remaining natural teeth, instead of being fixed into place with cement as a traditional bridge would be. This makes them more comfortable than bridges but also means they can sometimes slip out when eating certain foods; apples and chewy candies are particular culprits in this context!
False teeth are removable, so you can take them out at night for cleaning and still enjoy a complete smile during the day. That does leave you with the potentially embarrassing option of having your teeth set in a glass on your bedside table, in line with the old trope from TV and movies. This might not be ideal if you’re on the dating scene, but can be worked around if you’re savvy with your planning or simply honest with any prospective partners.
The Benefits of Dental Implants: Regaining a Natural Smile
If you’re missing one or several teeth, dental implants may be the perfect solution. And since you can get dental implants in New Orleans and most other major towns and cities nationwide, you won’t have to go far to have this work done.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that your dentist surgically places in your jawbone to support replacement teeth or bridges. It’s made from titanium and looks like a small screw – it actually fuses with the bone over time! That might sound strange, but it’s a tried and tested practice that has been a staple of dentistry for years, so you don’t need to worry about its efficacy.
Once secured, dentists can then attach crowns (replacement teeth) onto the implant for a natural look and feel. In addition to looking amazing, dental implants have many other benefits too such as preventing jawbone loss, which often occurs when there are gaps between remaining natural teeth due to missing ones. They also help maintain facial structure by providing support for cheeks and lips; plus they make eating much easier since food won’t get caught on them as it does with removable false/bridge solutions.
With proper care and maintenance, these implants can last up to 25 years so you’ll be able to enjoy your new smile for a long time.
The one thing to note about dental implants is that there is a longer period of recovery following the procedure, usually lasting several weeks or months because a lot of healing needs to be done. The payoff is worth it in the long term, but you’ll need to plan your life accordingly around this. Working with an experienced practitioner will ensure that you get all the advice and info you need.
A Look at the Pros and Cons of Removable Dentures
Removable dentures are a popular option for those missing teeth, particularly among those who are not especially enamored by the idea of going down one of the more surgically invasive or permanent routes or dealing with pain as a result.
They’re made from acrylic resin that looks like natural gums and can be embedded with false teeth to replace any gaps in your smile. They’re also a breeze to maintain, following in the footsteps of full-blown false teeth as discussed earlier in terms of cleaning and storage when not in use.
However, there are some drawbacks associated with removable dentures too. For example, they don’t provide as much stability as fixed solutions such as bridges or implants. It also takes time to get used to the feeling of having something constantly in your mouth – this could cause discomfort initially until you get accustomed over time.
Furthermore, since these types of dentures sit on top of existing gum tissue rather than being implanted into bone as other options do, their grip may become looser through use. This means that they can end up requiring regular readjustment by a dental professional every few months or so, depending on how worn down the material is getting.
Taking Advantage of Today’s Technology with All-on-Four Dental Implants
The latest technology in dental implant solutions is the all-on-four system. This involves placing four implants into the jawbone to support a full arch restoration (upper or lower set of teeth). It uses only two longer, specially designed titanium posts that act as anchors for supporting an entire bridge – which means fewer trips to the dentist and less recovery time after the procedure.
In addition, this type of system also has other advantages, such as providing more stability when compared to traditional dentures. It’s much easier for patients to maintain their oral hygiene too since there are no false teeth requiring any special care. Finally, because these posts don’t rely on existing natural tooth roots, they can be used even if your mouth is already lacking those important structures.
In short, all-on-four dental implants provide a great solution if you’re looking for something stronger than removable prostheses, but still want the convenience of having a full set of teeth in one go. So long as you’re comfortable with the potential costs, it’s worth exploring.
The Bottom Line
Your best move is to consult with a dental expert and decide together on the most appropriate option for replacing your missing teeth. You won’t regret taking this step when your smile is restored to all its glory.
