Missing teeth can be frustrating and even embarrassing. If you’re missing teeth, you should know that you aren’t alone. Approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and 40 million are missing all of their teeth. Fortunately, with modern dental technology, you have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to replacing your missing teeth. One popular option that has been around for a long time is dentures. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist about traditional dentures and dentures retained by dental implants in Norwalk so you can make the best decision for you.

Traditional Dentures

Dentures are removeable appliances for your mouth that replace both missing teeth and some gum tissue. There are complete dentures, which replace all the teeth in either the top, bottom, or both jaws, and there are partial dentures which are used to fill in gaps when some natural teeth still remain. They are generally supported by clasps around existing teeth. Here are some of the benefits of dentures in Norwalk:

• Dentures are more affordable than implants.
• They can be placed on patients with bone and gum loss.
• Dentures involve a less invasive procedure.
• The process for making dentures is fairly quick.

However, there are a few downsides to dentures as well:

• Dentures often require adjustments and replacements as the structure of your face changes.
• They can be uncomfortable as you are getting used to wearing them.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone in order to replicate the root of a missing tooth. The post fuses with the jawbone in a process called “osseointegration.” The implant is then used to support replacement teeth. It can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, and even support dentures. Here are some of the pros of this procedure:

• Dental implants can last upwards of 20 years.
• Implants have a 95% success rate.
• Tooth implants preserve the integrity of the jawbone and facial structure.
• Dentures supported by dental implants are much more stable than traditional dentures.

As great as dental implants are, not everyone makes the perfect candidate. Implants require a healthy jawbone and gums in order to be secured properly. If you have experienced jawbone shrinkage in the past, they may not be the best option.

Dental implant retained dentures have many advantages over the traditional route, but they aren’t for everyone. Talk to your dentist to determine whether or not implant supported dentures would be the best choice for you.

About the Practice

At Sommers Family Dentistry, you have not one, but two highly skilled dentists providing a wide variety of services including dentures and dental implants. Dr. Norman C. Sommers completed dental implant training at Midwest Implant Institute. He is joined by Dr. Adam P. Sommers. Both dentists are members of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and the North Central Ohio Dental Society. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (419) 668-3606.