Our teeth are designed to last a lifetime. However, tooth loss happens all too often as a result of either age, accident, or disease. In fact, according to the American College of Prosthodontists, about 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and about 40 million are missing all of their natural teeth. When someone is missing a tooth or several teeth, it can affect both oral and overall health. This is one reason why your dentist in St. Petersburg believes that everyone who is missing a tooth or teeth should find the best tooth replacement treatment for them. Oftentimes, this means either getting dentures or dental implants. Join us as we take a closer look at each of these restorative dentistry treatments in this blog. 

Dentures

Dentures, also sometimes known as false teeth, are a type of restorative dentistry that can replace a few missing teeth (often called a partial) or an entire mouth full. This tooth replacement option is removable and may be the preferred choice for people who are missing a series of teeth instead of just one or two here and there. Dentures are custom-crafted to fit comfortably in your mouth, and thanks to advancements in dental technology, dentures can now appear more realistic than they ever have before (so long, Chiclet teeth!). While dentures are usually more affordable than dental implants, they do require some maintenance. Both full dentures and partial dentures need to be removed, cleaned, and soaked every night to keep them in good shape and fitting properly. Dentures also require denture adhesive when putting them back in when you wake up, which can be cumbersome for some people and may cause dentures to slip while eating and talking. However, they may be the best tooth replacement option for you if you’ve been told you have bone loss in your jaws or that your jaws aren’t healthy enough for surgical dental implant treatment. 

Dental Implants

Another tooth replacement option highly recommended by dentists in St. Petersburg is dental implants. Unlike dentures, dental implants are a permanent, non-removable restorative dentistry treatment that can replace either one or several missing teeth. While dental implants are initially more expensive than dentures, the treatment is often superior and can end up saving you money in the long run. Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jaw bone and allowed to heal. Afterward, a custom-created crown tops the implant. Dental implants can also be inserted into the jaw bone and topped with a custom full set of prosthetic teeth. This allows your dentist to replace all of your teeth without the hassle of removable dentures. Since dental implants are permanent, there’s no worry about slippage while eating or talking, and they function just like your natural teeth. Additionally, implants can continue to stimulate the jaw bone-  which can help in appearance as well as function. 

As with any dental treatment or medical treatment, there is no absolute right choice for every single person as everyone is different. It’s best to speak with your dentist in St. Petersburg to find the best tooth replacement option for your specific situation.