What Problems Are Caused by Missing Teeth?
The main reason that most people want to replace missing teeth is to look better, but there are many more reasons to replace missing teeth than just wanting a great smile.
Our teeth help us to maintain our overall health by allowing us to chew our food properly and maintain good nutrition and overall health. They also play an important part in helping us speak clearly.
Although the crown of the tooth, the part that shows above the gum line, is what we miss most when a tooth is lost, the root of the tooth (the part we don’t see) plays an important roll in our health, as well.
The root of the tooth is set into the bone of the jaw. When a tooth is lost, bone in the jaw is lost, as well. The bone supports our facial features and when it’s lost our features begin to appear sunken and shriveled. The bone also gives us a stable foundation for chewing and biting and allows us to eat the foods we need and the foods we want.
The Nun Study: What it Tells Us About Our Teeth
The Nun Study began in 1986 and continues today. It was started by the National Institute on Aging to study the relationship between aging and Alzheimer’s Disease. The Sisters of Notre Dame were chosen for the study because of their relatively simple life style.
A surprising finding of the study was that the nuns with the fewest teeth had the highest risk of prevalence and incidence of dementia. The Nun Study suggests that a low number of teeth increased the risk of higher prevalence and incidence of dementia.
So, replacing our teeth can impact both our oral health and mental health.
Replacing Missing Teeth: Dentures vs Implants
The consequences of losing teeth can create, not just physical problems, but mental and emotional problems, as well.
Dentures are a simple and cost effective way of replacing missing teeth. They can be made to support and enhance facial bone structure.
The downside of dentures is that they can be uncomfortable, require nightly care and they rest on the gums, which does not stimulate bone regrowth in the jaw.
Dental Implants are more expensive than dentures but work just like natural teeth. They are cared for just the same as natural teeth. The Dental Implant itself takes the place of the root of the tooth and stimulates bone growth.
All-on-4 Dental Implants are Dentures that are held in place by Dental Implants. Although they are dentures, they are cared for like natural teeth and stimulate bone growth in the jaw.
All-on-4 Dental Implants combine the best of Dentures and Dental Implants
How to Choose What’s Best for You
Choosing Dentures or Dental Implants is a very personal and life-changing decision. The number of teeth to be replaced, the cost of replacement and your overall health are all things to be considered when considering Dentures or Dental Implants.
The best way to decide, is to make an appointment with Dr. Stone for a free initial assessment.
Dr. Stone is a Prosthodontist. He specializes in placing Dental Implants and teaches Dental Implant placement in two colleges in South Florida. He also loves to make Dentures and create Dentures that give the appearance of a facelift to enhance bone structure.
Dr. Stone has an in-house laboratory and works closely with the skilled technicians to create healthy teeth and beautiful smiles.
