The changes in the field of Medical and Dental care for Tooth Replacement have occurred very rapidly during the last couple of decades. The loss of teeth was until recently viewed as an irreversible condition for most people. In today's environment, advanced technology through Modern Dentistry has provided patients with the ability to have Dental Implants, or Dentures, thus allowing patients to have confidence when smiling, can eat comfortably, and maintain a healthy mouth.
In this blog post, you will learn about the workings of these treatments, who is a candidate for them, and where they fit into the larger landscape of Medical and Dental Care. You will also learn about their advantages and disadvantages, how to care for them, and factors to consider when making your decision on what option is best for you.
Understanding Medical & Dental care together
Dental health and oral health have a close relationship. Poor oral health can negatively impact overall health: heart health; digestion; diabetes management; and mental well-being. Under the Medical & Dental Model, dentists and physicians?closely collaborate to discover ways in which oral problems impact total body health.
Examples include:
- Infections in the gums may increase the likelihood of developing heart disease.
- Leaving cavities untreated can trigger chronic inflammation.
- Missing teeth will likely cause a difficulty in chewing, leading to poor nutritional consumption.
Consequently, the restoration of missing teeth with Dental Implants or Dentures goes beyond the aesthetic value. They play a significant role in supporting healthy eating patterns, providing vocal clarity, improving the shape of the face, and building self-esteem.
Why replacing missing teeth matters
Most individuals will delay treatment for a missing tooth, especially if that tooth is not visible when they are smiling. But, over time, missing teeth can lead to a number of complications, including:
1) The shifting of nearby teeth.
2) The loss of bone in the jaw.
3) The sagging of the facial muscles.
4) The inability to chew food in a proper manner.
5) Changes in speech.
6) Frequently biting the cheeks or tongue.
Dental implants and dentures both were designed to alleviate the above-mentioned problems. Both types of treatments restore function and beauty to your mouth and provide protection to your other teeth and jaw from future damage.
What are Dental Implants?
Implants place artificial roots—often made from Titanium—continue healing naturally with the body as a result of osseointegration (the process of merging with the jawbone).
Crowns, bridges, and dentures can be added to these implants after the implants have been healed to form stable and attractive replacements for missing teeth.
- Implants have gained in popularity over the years because:Implants very strongly resemble and function just as well as natural teeth.
- Implants protect you from losing bone in your jaw.
- Implants provide long-term durability if they are appropriately maintained. Implants do not require other adjacent teeth to provide them with the necessary support.
- Implants are frequently suggested as an adequate long-term option for both the single and many missing teeth.
What are Dentures?
Dentures refer to removable devices that replace teeth and the tissue that surrounds teeth and jaws. Dentures have been around for many years - however, modern dentures look and feel more comfortable and natural than any prior design, plus they provide a much stronger base than ever before.
There are two types of dentures that you need to be aware of:
- Full Dentures are for patients who have completely lost their natural teeth.
- Partial Dentures are for patients who are missing multiple teeth, but not all teeth.
Dentures will always rest on top of the gums and are typically acrylic based, but when a partial denture is designed it may incorporate some metal components for increased strength.
Final thoughts
With the advances in Medical and Dental technologies available today; patients are able to have their natural-looking teeth restored with Dental Implants or Dentures. Choosing between Fixed (Implants) or Removable Dentures does not change the main objectives of Dental Implant and Denture services; that is, to restore oral health, comfort and confidence to the patient.
The best form of treatment for your specific situation is based on the patient's Health Status, Financial Resources, Bone Structure and personal choice. An experienced Dental Professional is best qualified to provide an objective assessment of the recommended treatment for you.
The loss of teeth does not have to limit your ability to Smile or Live life to its fullest. With the many benefits of Dental Implants and Dentures, such as better chewability, better speaking ability and an improved sense of self-confidence and being a better member of your community, you can enjoy the benefits of Dental Implants and Dentures using an Integrated Medical & Dental approach to complete health.