Working in an oral surgery office, we hear it almost every day “I’m so sick of failing teeth, dental problems, pain. My life would be easier if I just had all my teeth pulled and got dentures“. Another thing we hear almost every day are denture-loathing comments from people who thought the same way, did it, and lived to tell the tale. Their story goes something like this: “ I had all my teeth pulled and got dentures. I thought that would solve my dental problems. Now, the dentures don’t fit right, they hurt, I can’t eat and most of the time I go around without teeth because these plastic things just don’t work for me”.
Dentures Open The Door For a Whole New Set Of Dental Problems
Dentures are intended to provide a cosmetic, prosthetic stand-in for your natural teeth, they are definitely not intended to replace the function of natural teeth. Dentures are a plastic prosthesis which are made to fit on an edentulous (without teeth) ridge in order to provide the appearance of natural teeth. Dentures sit on top of the gums, and are not solidly anchored in the jaws. Many people complain that it is difficult to bite and chew the foods they enjoy with dentures. Over time, the jaw bone itself begins to recontour, shrink and deteriorate because there are no teeth in the jaw to keep the bone stimulated. This causes dentures to become loose, ill-fitting, painful and dysfunctional. In fact, a denture must be re-made every 3-5 years in order to provide optimal function. Studies show that replacing teeth with a complete denture only provides about 10% of the function of natural teeth.
Whenever Possible, Repairing The Natural Teeth Is Best
You might find this advice strange coming from an oral surgery office who does not restore teeth, but rather removes them and replaces them with dental implants. The truth is, no amount of money can buy a solution that provides 100% restoration of dental function and appearance to improve upon the perfection of natural dentition. At the Dallas oral surgery practice of Dr. Robert A. Weinstein, patients are encouraged to repair damaged teeth whenever possible. This is because there is simply nothing better to eat, laugh, talk and chew with than natural teeth.
When Teeth Must Be Removed, They Should Be Replaced With Dental Implants
Sometimes, repair of natural teeth is not possible or practical. When any teeth must be removed due to damage and tooth decay, it is important that they be replaced with a functional and natural looking replacement. Dental implants provide the most functional, reliable and natural looking and feeling tooth replacement available today. In fact, where a denture provides just 10% restoration of dental function, dental implants can provide up to 90% restoration of dental function. In addition, when dental implants are implanted in the jaw bone, they keep the bone cells stimulated, preventing the shrinkage and deterioration of the jaw. Patients avoid losing facial volume and don’t begin to look prematurely old due to “sunken face” syndrome.
There Are Many Ways To Replace Teeth With Dental Implants
Because every patient is different, has different habits, desires and needs, there is no “one-treatment-fits-all” when it comes to implant replacement of teeth. Even when discussing full mouth replacement, there are various treatment approaches which must be considered. For some patients, an implant retained denture provides the stability and aesthetics that meet their needs. For other patients, the All On Four treatment technique is ideal and provides the most complete functional and aesthetic restoration. A consultation with Dr. Weinstein to discuss your needs, goals and budget will help you decide the best treatment option for you.
Go To A Restaurant And Order What You WANT
It is amazing the things we take for granted when we are not coping with dentures, dental problems, loose teeth or dental dysfunction. For most of us, when we go out to a restaurant we look at the menu and order whatever entree sounds good. For those of us who are denture wearers and dealing with chronic dental problems, the menu is a giant list of things you cannot have. Wouldn’t you love to go out to eat and choose anything you want? If you have suffered long enough with dental dysfunction, schedule a complimentary consultation to find out if replacing your missing teeth or loose denture with dental implants is right for you.