Tooth loss can occur for multiple reasons. Trauma, decay, and disease are the primary reasons why teeth are lost or extracted. Whatever the cause, solutions are available to help restore the ability to chew properly, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Dentures provide a great way to replace one or more lost teeth.
When teeth are missing the bones that supported them start to deteriorate resulting in shrinking gum tissue. When gum shrinkage occurs, the area around the mouth appears to shrivel. Starting the teeth replacement process as soon as possible is beneficial to preventing this face altering action.
There are different types of dentures, and placing them as soon as healing allows is best. Your dentist will provide several options from removable partial dentures to fixed dentures to supplant several teeth or an entire arch.
The variety available will provide a wide range of things to consider such as budgetary needs, the timeline involved, and commitment to daily care the patient requires.
The denture will be fabricated to match remaining natural teeth. If an entire arch is to be placed, your dentist will work with the lab to make the denture is as close a match as possible to the opposing arch.
Once the denture is placed, appearance might be slightly different as the skin around the mouth may appear smoother. And your smile will be very different when teeth fill in the vacancies created by lost or extracted teeth.
Dentures can be partial or complete; removable or fixed … the need and desired investment will most often dictate the type of denture your dentist will recommend.
With a partial denture, at least a few natural teeth remain. A complete denture is implemented when all teeth from either or both arches are lost or extracted.
A removable denture is just that. It is to be taken out each night and stored in a denture soak or the appropriate storage container.
A fixed denture is permanently cemented in place with crowns placed on remaining natural teeth. Or dental implants can be placed to support a denture.
Whatever type of denture you select, your appearance will be enhanced. You will be able to eat most foods without difficulty and speak clearly as words are formed when the tongue and teeth work together. Dentures can be an ideal solution to replace lost teeth.
Consult with our friendly and skilled team at Richardson Dentistry to find out if dentures are right for your smile.
