If you’re missing some of your teeth, you’re not alone. Did you know that 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, while 40 million have lost all of their teeth? If you’re in this situation, you know how it can impact your life. Simple things like heading out to dinner with friends or going to a job interview are common scenarios where you can feel self-conscious or embarrassed. And that’s not to mention the problem of not being able to eat your favorite foods, like steak or corn on the cob. If you can relate to any of this and you’ve been debating between dentures or dental implants in Pittsburgh, keep reading to get an idea of which option is the better choice.
What Are Implants?
Implants are replacement teeth and include two main parts: the implant and the crown.
The implant itself acts the same way the roots of natural teeth do. It’s a titanium post that is placed in the jaw, and then given several months to integrate, or fuse, with the bone. It offers outstanding support and will feel incredibly natural.
The implant placement is the first part of the procedure and patients often report that it was so much easier than they had anticipated!
The crown comes next and is the part of the implant that will look and function like the rest of your teeth. After the color and shape are matched precisely, it will be anchored onto the implant where it will blend seamlessly with your smile.
Why Would You Want Implants Instead of Dentures?
Simply put, implants are the next best thing to your own natural teeth for several reasons:
- Implants can last a lifetime with proper care. By contrast, dentures have to continually be re-fitted, as well as replaced from the wear and tear of chewing.
- Since implants replace the crown and root of your teeth, they’ll help your body retain the bone mass in your jaws. This prevents that sunken-in appearance that people can get from years of wearing dentures.
- Implants are much more solid and stable than dentures, which means you’ll have no problems enjoying all the same foods you ate before losing your teeth.
- Implants won’t slip or shift while you’re eating or talking the way that dentures can. You’ll be able to enjoy a dinner conversation without embarrassment.
- Dentures can cause sore spots in the mouth where they rub against the gum tissue, which can be uncomfortable. This is completely avoided with implants.
As you can see, implants can be a life-long solution for missing teeth, as well as a wonderful way of investing in your well-being. If you’d like to know if you’re a good candidate for implants, you can schedule a simple consultation with a dentist in Pittsburgh who will be happy to give you more in-depth information.
About the Author
Dr. Voller has been in practice for over 35 years and has a particular interest in restorative dentistry, where his passion and dedication mean exceptional results for his patients who have lost their teeth. He believes that healthy smiles lead to beautiful smiles, and can be contacted through his website or at (412) 406-8100.