Have you ever watched an extreme sport or a stunt fail video that features someone losing teeth? Ouch, right?! Accidents happen, and so does aging. Getting older can come with lots of aches, pains, and changes, and sometimes that means losing teeth. Whatever the cause of tooth loss, current trends and technology in dentistry offer lots of treatment and restoration options. From dentures to dental implants, Raleigh, NC based New Hope Dental Care has you covered.
We work closely with an oral surgeon and a periodontist to guide our patients through the process of deciding which kind of replacement is best for them. Whether our clients choose dental implants or dentures, we work with them through the process of permanent restoration and aftercare.
Ask us about our permanent restoration and aftercare procedures.
Dentures
Did you know the earliest dentures were created by the Etruscans in northern Italy as early as the 7th century BC? Back then, they were made from human or animal teeth and held in the mouth with golden bands. We’re really glad things have improved since then.
Here’s a quick fun fact: George Washington did not actually have wooden dentures, as is commonly believed. By the time he became president, his dentures were being made from hippopotamus and elephant ivory.
Today, dentures are generally made from heat-cured acrylic polymethyl methacrylate and rubber-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate. That’s a mouthful, isn’t it? Fortunately, you don’t have to be able to pronounce the words to use the replacement option.
People generally go the denture route when they have lots of missing teeth, less healthy gums, or weak jaw bones that cannot support dental implants.
Implants
Dental implants have a much shorter history but have grown in popularity over the last few decades. According to the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, dental implants were introduced in the 1970s, generally for people who were missing all of their teeth and could not use dentures for various reasons. Now, however, they are used by people who need to replace single or multiple teeth and can last for many, many years with good oral hygiene.
Implants are generally made of titanium and then covered with a crown, bridge, or other oral structure, leaving a really natural look. They have become the preferred treatment option for most dentists over the years, mostly due to their durability and customer satisfaction.
Decisions, decisions
Both replacement options take some adjustment and upkeep, but which is better for you? While this decision should ultimately be made between a patient and their dentist, we want to lay out some of the most basic information that you may want to know about each treatment.
Traditional removable dentures don’t require surgery. If you’re not a fan of invasive procedures, they may be the way to go. However, implants support facial structure and natural appearance better because of the implant’s integration with the jaw bone and skull. There is also little to no chance of an implant falling out while you are eating or speaking, which can be pretty embarrassing.
Implants require longer healing time, but they do not require the constant purchase of adhesives or removal for brushing at night. Once they’re in, they’re in. On the other hand, dentures work well for filling large gaps left by missing teeth and are adjustable should discomfort occur after creation and placement.
There are many other factors to consider, and we would be happy to speak with you about them all at your next appointment.
Speak to the knowledgeable staff at New Hope Dental Care about which option is right for you.
Restoration with New Hope
When our patients choose dental implants, we work very closely with them from preparation to restoration. The restoration part of the process includes choosing the crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture. These structures are generally made from porcelain or zirconia, which offer natural-looking smiles and are used in posterior and anterior areas of the jaw.
Our denture patients are cared for, too. We encourage continued regular maintenance as well as denture care to increase success and satisfaction with full or partial dentures.
Whichever treatment or restoration you choose for your tooth loss, New Hope Dental Care will be with you every step of the way. Our wonderful staff will help you find the best option for getting back your beautiful, toothy grin.