Losing a tooth due to a sports injury, medical condition, or some other factor can greatly impact an individual’s confidence. Although the eyes are like the windows to the soul, smiles are like the curtains on the window. Without a smile, the drapes would not be able to be drawn back and many people would not be able to meet or feel welcomed into a new friendship. There are several dental options available that can help a person with a missing tooth feel more comfortable with their smile including dental implants and dentures. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of getting dentures vs. dental implants in order to make an informed decision.

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth can not only be harmful to your self-esteem but can be detrimental to your health as well. One of the most concerning issues that can arise from a missing tooth, or especially from missing teeth, is bone loss. Your jaw bone relies on the teeth in your mouth for support and stimulation. When a tooth is missing, it can no longer press into the jaw bone and that section of the jaw bone weakens. The weak spot can spread to the rest of your jaw, causing major health issues. Missing teeth can also cause your mouth to be at greater risk for gum disease or losing more teeth. It is important to replace missing teeth to avoid worrisome health problems.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are a great option for replacing teeth. Dentures are removable prosthetic replacements that are made to replace missing teeth. They are made to fit your mouth so that they can support your individual missing teeth and are supported by the surrounding teeth within the mouth. Dentures are usually the most useful for individuals who are missing more than one tooth and may be a good choice for someone who has already had issues with gum disease or jaw bone deterioration. Usually, dentures are held in place by some sort of adhesive and are made to look natural in the mouth. Dentures help individuals who have lost teeth talk, eat and smile more easily.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are another excellent option for missing teeth. Dental implants are a better choice for individuals who are only missing a single tooth. Usually individuals who get dental implants have lost a tooth due to an accident rather than gum disease or periodontitis. A dental implant is a dental prosthetic that includes a fake tooth that is fastened to a miniature metal post that is mounted to the jaw bone. The metal post acts as a root of a tooth and supports the implant as well as the rest of the mouth. Dental implants overtime will fuse with the bone and the teeth, becoming a permanent fixture in the mouth.

Dentures Vs. Dental Implants

Now the question becomes which to choose, dentures vs. dental implants? Dentures are the better choice if you are looking for a removable option. They are also the best choice if you are looking for an inexpensive option or a replacement for multiple teeth. Dental implants are more expensive at first but over time they may be more convenient in that they do not require as much maintenance and you are more likely to forget that it is even there. It may also be advisable to consider getting a dental implant if you are only missing one tooth. 

Do You Need Dentures Or A Dental Implant?

We at Hendersonville Family Dental offer all sorts of dental services and are experts in the dental field. We understand the difficulty of deciding between dentures vs. dental implants, and that is why if you are missing a tooth, we would be happy to help advise you or help you learn more information. Let us be your resource for dentures and dental implants. Contact us today!