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Implants Versus Dentures

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Implants Versus Dentures

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Implants Versus Dentures“. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

^{^[1]}If you are missing teeth, you’re not alone. More than 35 million Americans do not have any teeth, and 178 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth.

Most people want to replace missing teeth simply to regain their smile –and that’s a great reason. However, missing teeth can have a big impact on your life in a lot of ways. Spaces between your teeth may affect how you chew and eat, leading to nutritional and digestive issues. Even a single missing molar can affect how you chew. Without teeth to support the jaw structure, your facial features may start to look old and distorted, with sunken cheeks and skin wrinkling around the mouth. And, a lack of teeth can make it hard to talk.

While dentures are still a good option for many, modern dental techniques provide alternatives to traditional dentures to replace missing teeth, including implant-supported dentures.

Dentures (complete and partial). An option if you’ve lost all or most of your teeth.
Implants and implant-supported dentures. An alternative to traditional dentures growing in popularity.

Implant Supported Dentures

With continued denture use, the underlying bone changes and dentures slowly lose their fit. Eventually, so much bone loss can occur that a well fitting complete denture can no longer be made. Because of potential bone loss and improved comfort, implant supported dentures are a good way to replace missing teeth or to replace conventional dentures that no longer fit well.

Implants can help support dentures in both the upper and lower jaws. They are particularly beneficial for lower dentures. Almost every lower denture wearer would benefit from having two implants to support and retain the denture.

In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implant-supported full bridges or dentures are designed to be long-lasting. Implant-supported full bridges and dentures also are more comfortable and stable than conventional dentures, allowing you to retain a more natural biting and chewing capacity.

In addition, because implant-supported full bridges and dentures will replace some of your tooth roots, your bone is better preserved. With conventional dentures, the bone that previously surrounded the tooth roots begins to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.

In the long term, implants can be more esthetic and easier to maintain than conventional dentures. The loss of bone that accompanies conventional dentures leads to recession of the jawbone and a collapsed, unattractive smile. Conventional dentures make it difficult to eat certain foods

^{^[2]}Dentures Vs. Dental Implants: Pros & Cons Of Each

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry 30 million Americans are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws. If you are in this situation you might be considering dentures or dental implants. But before you decide which option is right for you, it’s important to understand their differences. Let’s review the pros and cons of each.

Advantages Of Dentures

Dentures are less costly than implants, making them the most affordable option for most patients.
Many people choose to start with dentures. Since they are less expensive a patient may try them out and see how they feel.
If you have just had teeth removed recently, starting with dentures will allow your body time to heal before considering implants.
Depending on the location of the missing teeth, dentures may be a perfect solution. (Patients often find upper dentures look good and are easy to wear.)
The process to create the dentures is non-invasive. No surgery required.
If additional teeth are lost in the future, it is easy to modify the dentures to accommodate the loss.

Disadvantages Of Dentures

They do not quite look as natural as dental implants.
They must be removed and thoroughly cleaned regularly. Many patients find the cleaning of cups and adhesives undesirable because they are messy and expensive.
Dentures are not worn overnight.
Sometimes dentures slip around making it difficult to speak and eat.
Certain foods cannot be eaten with dentures. Examples include caramel, apples and corn on the cob.
There’s an increased risk of gum disease if food is trapped by the dentures.
They frequently need replacement (every 3 to 6 years compared to 20+ years for dental implants). Also, they’ll break if dropped, requiring replacement.
Partial dentures are known to weaken the adjacent natural teeth that provide support for the dentures.

Advantages Of Implants

They’re easy to care for. Just brush and floss as you do your natural teeth.
Implants look and feel like natural teeth since the root and tooth is replaced.
Implants allow you to eat any food including things that are sticky and crunchy.
Dental implants don’t affect speech.
Bones and adjacent teeth are preserved. Further deterioration is not a problem. They’re less likely to require future dental procedures.
With proper care, dental implants will last for decades.

Disadvantages Of Implants

They can be expensive, with single implants costing up to $4,000 per tooth.
Implants require surgery to install and generally have a lengthy healing process.

At the end of the day, your dentist is your best resource to help you decide what option is best for you and your mouth. Keep in mind that you may decide to start with dentures and eventually progress to implants, but implants are a more permanent option. But both implants and dentures are a big investment. So regardless of which you pick, make sure you have the best dental insurance possible. Click the image below for a FREE consultation with a Solstice team member today – we will make sure you have the right plan for you!

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

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Dental Implant Failures Are Tied To Certain Health Factors

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Dental Implant Failures Are Tied To Certain Health Factors

Introduction:

Although dental implant surgery (DIS) has a high success rate, it is not suitable for everyone. It also has the potential to cause long-term complications.

We’ve put together this content that explains “Dental Implant Failures Are Tied To Certain Health Factors” Be aware and take care of your teeth.

^{^[1]}Early And Late Dental Implant Failure

A dental implant is a metal post that’s surgically attached to the jaw bone to support an artificial tooth. Once in place, a restorative dentist or oral surgeon mounts a replacement tooth to the implant.

Dental implants have a high success rate, but some people experience dental implant failure. It’s estimated that about 5 to 10 percent of dental implants fail, either shortly after a procedure or months or years later.

If you’re scheduled to have dental implant surgery, or if you currently have an implant, here’s what you need to know about implant failure and other potential complications.

^{^[2]}Potential Complications From Surgery

There are several potential complications that can occur following DIS. The sections below will outline some of these.

Below are some of the more common problems that may develop following DIS.

Infection

An infection at the implant site is the most common complication Trusted Source of DIS.

Treatment for an infection depends on the severity and location of the infection. For example, a bacterial infection in the gum may require antibiotics or a soft tissue graft. A bacterial infection in the bone may require the removal of the infected bone tissue and possibly the implant, followed by a bone and soft tissue graft.

Gum Recession

In some cases, a person may find that the gum tissue around the implant begins to recede. This can lead to inflammation and pain. Getting a prompt assessment from a dentist is essential to prevent the removal of the implant.

Loose Implant

In the first few weeks of Trusted Source following DIS, the dental implant will grow and fuse with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration, and it is crucial to the long-term success of the implant. This process can take many months.

If the implant fails to fuse with the bone, the dental surgeon may remove it. A person may be able to reattempt the implant procedure once the area has healed.

Nerve Or Tissue Damage

Sometimes, a dental surgeon may inadvertently place a dental implant too close to a nerve. This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain. Short-term symptoms are most common in dental implant surgery, but a person may experience long-term symptoms.

A nerve or tissue problem requires immediate attention. Injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in the lower jaw can be potentially serious Trusted Source. Some possible symptoms of an IAN injury include:

Persistent numbness on the side of the implant, including the lower lip and chin
Persistent pain or discomfort
Tingling, tickling, or burning sensations in the gums and skin

Less Common Problems

DIS may also result in some less common problems, such as sinus issues and damage to the dental implant itself.

Sinus Issues

Upper jaw dental implants can protrude into the sinus cavities, causing inflammation of the sinuses. This is known as sinusitis.

Some potential symptoms of sinusitis include:

Pain, tenderness, or swelling around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead
Green or yellow nasal mucus
A blocked nose
A reduced sense of smell
Sinus headaches
Toothache
Bad breath
A high temperature

Damage From Excessive Force

As with any tooth, excessive force or impact can cause a dental implant to crack or become loose.

Some people may apply excessive force to dental implants without even realizing it. For example, some people grind, or brux, their teeth while sleeping. People who are prone to this behavior may need to wear a mouthguard to prevent damage to the implant as well as their natural teeth.

Long-Term Issues

Peri-implantitis is a type of gum disease that causes loss of the bone supporting the implant. It develops due to chronic inflammation at the site of the implant.

According to one 2017 reviewTrusted Source, peri-implantitis can take about 5 years to progress and cause symptoms. These symptoms typically include bleeding or swelling around the site of the dental implant.

There is also a rare possibility of the body rejecting a dental implant. Based on a 2019 review, researchers are investigating the risks of using dental implants made from titanium or other metals. Some people have a rare metal sensitivity that causes their body to reject metal implants. The researchers recommend that people undergo metal sensitivity testing before receiving such implants.

Conclusion:

DIS is not suitable for everyone. A person will need to undergo an extensive dental examination by a surgeon to determine whether or not they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

For Assistance, Visit Apple Tree Dental

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

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Dental Implant Failures Are Tied To Certain Health Factors

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Facts About Dental Implant Recovery Process

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Facts About Dental Implant Recovery Process

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Facts About Dental Implant Recovery Process”. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

^{^[1]}Dental implants are a common treatment for the loss of teeth. This paper summarizes current knowledge on implant surfaces, immediate loading versus conventional loading, short implants, sinus lifting, and custom implants using three-dimensional printing. Most of the implant surface modifications showed good osseointegration results. Regarding biomolecular coatings, which have been recently developed and studied, good results were observed in animal experiments. Immediate loading had similar clinical outcomes compared to conventional loading and can be used as a successful treatment because it has the advantage of reducing treatment times and providing early function and aesthetics.

Short implants showed similar clinical outcomes compared to standard implants. A variety of sinus augmentation techniques, grafting materials, and alternative techniques, such as tilted implants, zygomatic implants, and short implants, can be used. With the development of new technologies in three-dimension and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) customized implants can be used as an alternative to conventional implant designs. However, there are limitations due to the lack of long-term studies or clinical studies. A long-term clinical trial and a more predictive study are needed.

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry says that more than 300,000 dental implants are placed each year in the US. So how fast can one return to normal day-to-day activities once the procedure is completed?

^{^[2]}What Is A Dental Implant?

A dental implant procedure is done to replace a tooth that has decay or other periodontal diseases. This is one of the most effective ways to replace teeth that are beyond repair. Dental implants are replacements for tooth roots and are made of titanium. An implant is attached to the gum or jaw and acts as an anchor to place the artificial tooth called the ‘crown’.

A dental implant is a complicated dental procedure and requires effort and time. Hence, it might take longer to recover from it, compared to other procedures.

How Long Before I Recover From a Dental Implant Procedure?

The recovery time for an implant procedure varies from person to person. Each person’s dental constitution and condition is unique. While some can return to their daily routine in a few days, some others could experience ongoing pain even for weeks.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the subsiding of pain does not indicate a full recovery.

A dental implant is done in a few steps and each step requires a specific time to be effective or as a cool-off period:

The implant is placed first into the socket and is left there for a few weeks or months. This period allows the jaw to grow around it and strengthen the implant (Osseointegration).
An abutment is later attached to secure the implant and is left for the complete integration of the implant.
The final step is the placement of the artificial tooth or the crown. The placement of the crown is generally not a painful process and so does not require a long recovery time.

Factors Affecting Dental Implant Recovery

The strength of the jawbone- the jawbone needs to be strong to hold the implant
Chronic illnesses like diabetes and leukemia can slow down recovery
Tobacco usage affects the healing process

A dental implant usually requires a relatively long time for a complete recovery. But people who undergo the process can go on with their daily routine as the pain and any discomfort can be easily treated

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

Implants Versus Dentures