Washington D.C. dentist and expert dental implant provider, Dr. Andrew C. Cobb understands the embarrassment and anxiety that often comes with losing your teeth. He offers a wide range of options for replacing missing teeth including dental implants and dentures. For many patients, dental implants provide the best long-term results for both esthetic and health reasons.
Dental Implants for Missing Teeth
A dental implant is a titanium post that your dentist surgically places into the jawbone beneath the gum line. This titanium post will act as the tooth root providing a strong foundation for the replacement tooth. He will then use that to attach a restoration whether it is a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture.
Dentists recommend dental implants for missing teeth over removable appliances because they last longer and have a more natural-looking result. Dental implants also offer long-term benefits for dental health when compared to dentures as well as dental bridges.
Dentures
Washington D.C. dentist, Dr. Cobb offers options for replacing missing teeth using dentures, partials, and implant dentures. Dentures are custom-made artificial teeth that replace missing teeth and some of the gum tissue. They are not permanent, meaning that you can remove them and put them back in.
Full dentures will replace a whole row of missing teeth. Partial dentures can replace gaps of missing teeth. They are made in a dental lab with impressions of your mouth. Dentures take some time to adjust to and require a lot of care. Patients will also need to replace or adjust them over time.
Cost Comparison
Dentures cost significantly less than dental implants upfront, especially if you are replacing multiple missing teeth. This cost can add up depending on the wear and tear. Dental implants cost more but are a permanent solution. If you take care of them properly, they will last forever.
Another thing to consider is dental insurance will typically cover between 15% and 50% of dentures depending on your dental plan. Since dental implants are a cosmetic procedure, dental insurance will not cover them; leaving you to pay the full cost of dental implants. You must check with your dental insurance provider to see if they cover a portion of the implant crown, bridge, or denture.
Fit and Function
A face without teeth will appear sunken and can add years to your appearance. Both dentures and dental implants will help keep the natural shape of your face and lower jaw area. With dentures, you may need to apply a gooey adhesive every time you wear them to hold them in your mouth.
With a dental implant, you won’t need to do this extra step because it is permanent and you maintain it like a real tooth. Also, dentures may be a bit uncomfortable because they may cover a large portion of your mouth with plastic depending on the type of dentures you need. They may feel weird in your mouth and take some time to adjust to because they are bulky.
Dentures will deliver about a 30-40% normal chewing function. Dental implants will deliver a 100% normal chewing function. The constant worry that your teeth may fall out while eating is not an issue with dental implants. Oftentimes, dentures may slip around or may not fit correctly leaving you with the worry of falling out.
Bone Loss
If you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth, that void can cause bone loss and deterioration in your jawbone. Washington D.C. dentist, Dr. Cobb will recommend affordable dental implants over dentures because they are the only option for missing teeth that stimulates your jaw bone, which helps stimulate bone growth and reduce facial sagging after tooth loss.
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