According to a study conducted by the American College of Prosthodontists, it’s estimated that around 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and nearly 40 million Americans are missing all their teeth. For many, this number might be surprising, because like many traumatic events, losing all your teeth can lead to feelings of isolation, like you’re the only one in the world going through these struggles.
Even if your dentist explained the physical process of removing teeth, what is usually not covered — but what is frequently experienced by patients — are the negative psychological and emotional effects of losing teeth. In a recent study based on a self-reported questionnaire, nearly 45 percent of the participants said it had affected them greatly. Other studies also seem to corroborate this finding, as well. For many, teeth are incredibly personal. They help us to eat and communicate with those most important to us, and when they’re missing or damaged, they can affect how we see ourselves. For many patients, their absence can feel like a great loss: our teeth can represent all the most important facets of our lives.
How to Get Back to Normal
Although losing teeth can feel like an irrevocable change, something you can never fix, that simply isn’t true. There are several treatments available which can help you to function normally, and return to a life you’ve been missing. FOY® Dentures can give patients this option. While many patients are worried by the prospect of traditional dentures, implant dentures can provide a natural tooth replacement solution that will fit better, and avoid accidents like teeth slipping.
What Are Implant Dentures?
Traditionally, dental implants have provided patients with a permanent solution for missing teeth, and are generally thought of as an alternative to dentures. Unfortunately, replacing an entire arch of teeth with multiple dental implants can painful, expensive, and difficult — which is where implant dentures come in. Implant dentures incorporate 4 dental implants per arch, as a means to anchor dentures semi-permanently to a patient’s mouth. Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots constructed out of precious metal, generally titanium, that are inserted into a patient’s jaw bone. Through the process known as osseointegration, these roots fuse with bone and tissue to create a bond that mimics that of a natural tooth root.
Four of these implants will attach securely to your custom designed dentures, fixing them into place and providing even pressure to the jaw. These are a great compromise when replacing missing teeth, because they allow you the freedom and natural feel of dental implants without requiring a number of procedures.
The first step to figuring out if implant dentures is the right procedure for you, is by setting up a consultation with your dentist.
To learn more about the benefits of implant dentures, please call (803) 781-9090 or email Smile Columbia Dentistry in Columbia, SC to talk to Dr. Adam Hahn about this exciting denture option.