One study from the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that one in five adults over 65 years of age has lost most or all of their teeth. While rigorous dental hygiene and regular dental appointments can go a long way toward preventing tooth loss, no one can fight what naturally comes with age. However, a person can certainly do something about it.
Phoenix dental implants and other types of prosthodontics (artificial dental fixtures), such as overdentures, are viable options for replacing tooth loss. So, how do you know if it?s right for you? You might find that you?re the perfect candidate for either of these options.
What Are Dental Implants and Overdentures?
While both dental implants and overdentures are replacement alternatives for missing teeth, each prosthodontic is different and provides specific benefits.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium or titanium alloy posts that are placed where a tooth root used to exist. These serve as the base of an artificial tooth. An abutment is built on top of that so that it creates a connecting piece for the rest of the tooth. (Viagra) A replacement tooth, also known as a crown, is the final piece. Crowns can be customized to perfectly match your natural teeth in a way that no one will know it?s an implant. Dental implants are designed to perform like an actual tooth.
Overdentures
Overdentures, also known as implant dentures, cover dental implants but are structurally supported by the implants, as well. As dental implants fuse with bones to become fully integrated, overdentures both protect the healing implants and serve as functional teeth to use in the meantime.?Overdentures are considered optimal choices for people that have lost their teeth and need multiple implants to replace them.
Who Needs Dental Implants and Overdentures?
There?s a widely held belief that only older populations need dental implants. Loss of bone density and dental wear and tear are factual occurrences as people age. So, it?s not unusual to see older adults choosing dentures and implants to help maintain their oral health. However, every person of any age might need implants, particularly if they have lost teeth. Some of the more common reasons that people might need dental implants include:
- Injuries that affect the face, mouth, and jaw.
- Extreme tooth decay.
- Extensive gum disease.
- Cleft lip and cleft palate.
As any of these issues could impact a person of any age, dental implants and overdentures are for anyone that might need the procedure.
Other Reasons to Consider Implants and Dentures
Outside of medical reasons, another reason to think about getting implants or dentures is to bolster your sense of self. How people feel about what they look like is important. Poor self-image contributes to depression and anxiety. So, how you feel about yourself matters. When you look good ? and you know it ? you feel better.
If you have been considering getting dental implants, or overdentures such as All on 4 Phoenix, remember that your dental and mental health matter. Take back the power of your smile and oral health.
