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Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Whether it is from smoking tobacco, poor hygiene or an injury, tooth damage and loss are both particularly high despite advances in medicine. According to the World Health Organization, 15-20% of middle-aged (35-44 years old) adults suffer from severe gum disease which may result in tooth loss. Additionally, 30% of aged 65-74 have no natural teeth (1). It is easy to understand why dental hygiene and alternatives to natural teeth are so crucial to the quality of life for adults across the globe.
A few decades ago, the only option for replacing broken or lost teeth would be using a bridge or removable dentures. Using a bridge is limited in its application because the patient has to have existing teeth which are still healthy. Additionally, a bridge may also cause future dental issues for teeth around the bridge. Removable dentures are bothersome, feel unnatural, and can even be dangerous according to recent reports of Zinc poisoning linked to denture creams (2).
Breakthroughs in dental medicine have allowed dentists to use specially designed dental implants rather than dentures or a bridge. Instead of resting on the gums like dentures or relying on nearby teeth like a bridge, dental implants are a permanent and reliable solution to tooth loss. The success rate for dental implant procedures is outstandingly high. Furthermore, dental implants don’t shift or decay and will last a lifetime.
Dental implants are comprised of three parts: a titanium implant, abutment and crown. The titanium implant acts as an anchor by fusing with the jawbone. The process used to fuse the titanium implant to the jawbone ensures stability by connecting directly to the bone with no tissue, cartilage or ligaments between them. The abutment fits over the titanium implant and connects to the crown. This three part system allows for a natural looking implant that is both a long-term and effective solution.
Whether you have lost teeth from gum disease or an accident, dental implants will improve your quality of life while reducing the potential for future dental work or Zinc poisoning. For those suffering from lost or broken teeth, dental implants offer numerous benefits. Contact a trusted dentist today to learn more about dental implants and how they can help you.