Thursday, April 7, 2011

Dental Implants or Dentures?

At Periodontal Associates in Denver - Aurora, CO, Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller and our hygiene team are often questioned about the option of dentures and dental implants. We offer this fact finding as the first step to exploring the option of dental implants. We welcome your call to our office at 303-755-4500 for more information and a free, no-cost, no-obligation dental implant consultation.


Replacing a Missing Tooth
A natural tooth is anchored into the jawbone by its tooth root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone and keep your teeth stable when chewing solid foods.

Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth (or one needed to be extracted), the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth would have the enamel removed and the whole thing replaced with a three-crown “bridge”.

Dental Implants are the modern alternative. Instead of shaving down two perfectly good teeth, a dental post (Dental Implant) is inserted into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth root with very little discomfort. This post becomes fixed in your jaw (like a natural tooth root). A crown is then placed onto this artificial tooth root that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth.

Quite simply, Dental Implants are the most natural replacement for missing teeth.

Replacing Several Missing Teeth
Traditionally, several missing teeth would have been replaced with a removable partial or full set of dentures.
One of the drawbacks of dentures is that dentures need to be taken out, soaked and cleaned nightly. During the day, dentures can also look unnatural and rub which can cause pain and discomfort. Dentures and partials make it difficult or impossible to eat certain foods such as steak and corn on the cob. Often times, many people will remove their dentures before eating a meal so that they can "taste" the full flavor of the food.


Dental Implants can now be used to anchor partial and full dentures.
Dentures can be well retained with as few as 2 implants. This prevents the slipping, irritation, and pain associated with “floating” partials and dentures. It also prevents the tedious removal of dentures for overnight soaking and cleaning. With Dental Implants, these restorations are anchored firmly into the jawbone becoming much more like natural teeth.

Natural tooth roots and dental implant posts are fixed firmly in your jawbone. When you chew, these tooth roots and posts stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from shrinking. You may have noticed a person who looked prematurely old because of wearing floating dentures and having their jawbone "shrink". Dental Implants help preserve your jawbone and your appearance.


The Success Rate of Dental Implants
After their healing period, the success rate of Dental Implants is close to 96%. If you are a non-smoker with good oral hygiene, the success rate rises closer to 98%!

Does the Procedure Hurt?
Placing a Dental Implant is usually like getting a cavity filled or even easier. It is done under local anesthesia (novocaine) and patients generally experience little discomfort after the procedure. Read a few of the comments that we have received from our patients:

The implant was painless and an easy experience.  --Walter
I had a great experience. I felt comfortable having the surgery done and the staff was incredible. Dr. Heller really made the process easy and I am very happy with the results.  --Sergiane Hendrix
It was the easiest experience I've had....and I had 7 children! --Millie

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
Dental Implants become fixed to the jawbone. Dental Implants have successfully been in patients' mouths for over 30 years without needing replacement. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, Dental Implants should last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of a traditional fixed bridge is between 8-10 years.



What is the cost of Dental Implants? Is it expensive?

It is difficult to define the value of dental implants. Dental implants are NOT expensive, when one factors in the life long use and the benefits that come from having secure, functional, attractive teeth and a winning smile. A winning smile surely adds great value to your professional image not to mention your social life! For some who prioritize dental health, the concept of eating well until death is a very significant motivation for implant treatment. We offer many payment options and for those who qualify, an interest free payment plan.


Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental Implant treatment begins with a FREE evaluation by Dr. Versman or Dr. Heller of Periodontal Associates in the Denver - Aurora, Colorado area. They will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure and discuss your options.

Call us today for your free evaluation at 303-755-4500. Our office is conveniently located near I-225 and Parker Road at 2900 South Peoria Street in the Aspens Dental Park, Building D in Aurora, CO. We serve Aurora and the surrounding cities of Denver, Centennial, Parker, Lone Tree, Bennett, Strasburg, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Englewood and Lakewood, CO.

8 comments:

  1. Dental implants are no doubt better than dentures in many cases.
    False teeth can be embarrassing sometimes. They can be loose when you're smiling or eating and sometimes even fall out from your mouth. Many denture wearers confess they are not so confident with their smile. Having a confident smile with beautiful teeth will do wonders for anyone's self-esteem, With modern technology, there are alternatives to dentures and a dental implant is a great option.

    Dentures have been used for many years now to replace missing or diseased teeth. Through the years, however, experts in dentistry have developed an alternative to using messy, sticky and bothersome dentures. This innovative option is called dental implants or teeth implants. Dental implants, unlike dentures, are permanent; more importantly, you will no longer feel anxious about possible problems when you are eating or talking. You can also laugh and drink normally always thinking about what could happen to your dentures. Teeth implants are more convenient and easier to use than dentures.

    Not only are the dental implants permanent, they are more hygienic than dentures and look like the teeth you were born with. Like anything else, using teeth implants has a drawback. Dental implants cost more than the usual dentures, but well worth the extra cost for the security of having all your teeth stay in your mouth when you eat, and not worrying about having to remove your false teeth at night when you sleep or put them in a container to clean them. Dental implants can be cleaned like regular teeth.

    There are two steps involved when dental implants are placed in the mouth. The first step is placing a prosthetic post that will serve as an anchor on your jawbone. The post slightly sticks out from the gums and aids in holding the prosthetic tooth which is placed on the prosthetic post in the second step. The prosthetic tooth looks natural and replicates the real tooth. A dental implant is made from composite resin. The prosthetic tooth plus the post will look and function just like a real tooth. Once the teeth implants have been placed in the gums, a slight soreness and numbness will be felt briefly. It is recommended that immediately after the procedure, you should eat easy-to-chew or softer food to prevent irritation of the gums with the newly placed teeth implants.

    When the site of the implant is already healed, you can eat almost anything without worrying about causing any problems for the dental implants. Proper and regular checkups with your dentist is advisable. Dental implants can last for many years, but can also wear and move in position through time. The post that was initially placed is something that will not need any replacement unless the bone density changes as you age.

    Overall, dental implants are an easier, more attractive and longer lasting solution to missing teeth or dentures. Contact your local cosmetic dentist or implant dentistry for advice on whether dental implants are right for you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello,

    Extremely helpful information. I really want such knowledge. I am glad that I found this information.

    Dentists in Dubai

    ReplyDelete
  3. This blog contain valuable information about dental implant very nice to read it and best of luck in future...
    Plz look similar kind of url about dental implant.

    http://www.delhidentalcenter.com/dental-implants-treatment-new-delhi-india/

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  4. Cost of Dentures does not matter as everyone must go for its quality.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gone are the days when dentures were the only means of full mouth rehabilitation. Today we try to save each tooth in the mouth if it can serve the purpose of anchorage and support of alveolar bone. In combination with implants and ball attachments we can make comfortable appliances for you, which will help you, smile more confidently and function more efficiently. Cost doesn't matter. It is must for everyone

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  5. This is an intresting blog that you have posted, you shares a lot of things about Cosmetic Dentures, London Dental Implants Veneers London.
    Which are very informative for us. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for sharing the information and I agree with this as in previous days the option for missing teeth were dentures which looks unnatural and many food can't be chewed with the help of dentures.

    For that, purpose number of dental surgeons are providing the service of dental implants and while surfing on internet, I came across a site named as boca jaw surgery who is providing the service of dental implants, oral surgery, maxillofacial surgery and jaw bone grafting.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I would say definitely dentures. They can even attach them to your mouth. In my opinion, they are much better than dental implants, but it might vary by person. http://www.thedentaloffice.ca/dental_services.html

    ReplyDelete

Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman would like to thank you for taking the time to visit their blog and we would love to hear from you!

For more information, to schedule an appointment or a dental consultation, please visit us at www.periodontalhealth.com