Our teeth have a significant impact on the way we live our life. They influence our quality of life, including our appearance, how we speak and eat, as well as self esteem and confidence. If missing some, or all of our teeth, our oral health related quality of life can be compromised.
Here our dentists answer some of the most common questions
Should I have a tooth taken out ?
Many of our patients who experience problems with their teeth wonder about whether it’s better to keep all of your natural teeth or simply extract them. The simple answer is that while there are instances where removing a tooth instead of treating it is the simpler option, 90% of the time we recommend saving your natural teeth.
The lack of one or more teeth can cause one side of the mouth to become tilted and may change the appearance of your face, and the other side to become overly used and worn. While this doesn’t happen immediately, we do tend to see these negative effects from tooth extractions over time.
Can I just leave the gap there ?
An empty tooth socket in the mouth opens the opportunity for a neighbouring tooth to super erupt. This is when a neighbouring tooth tries to compensate for the missing tooth by growing and filling the gap since there is nothing there to stop it.
How do I replace a missing tooth ?
What is an Implant ?
A Dental Implant is a very durable solution to replacing missing teeth. It is a piece of titanium that looks like a screw. It is put into the jaw where the missing tooth’s roots were. Over time, bone grows around the implant, which helps to hold it in place.
An artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the metal to fill in the gap left by the missing tooth. The crown is specially made to look like the other teeth in size, shape and colour.
They are also longer lasting, and if looked after properly and with regular dental visits, should last you for the rest of your days
What about dentures ? I hate the thought of false teeth. Are they comfortable ?
As with a new pair of shoes, even the best made denture will feel a little irritating at first as you adjust to how they fit and feel within your mouth. They are typically made of acrylic resin or lightweight metal and are designed to look like your natural teeth. A lot of our patients are very happy with their new dentures .
Dentures VS Implants
Pros of Dentures
- Lower cost
- A good option for patients whose gums are not
- suited to implants
- Simpler and cheaper if you are missing a lot of teeth
Cons of Dentures
- The insecure bond results in movement and slippage
- An adjustment period to get used to wearing them
- Problems with eating or speaking
- Irritation, discomfort and sores
- Regular cleaning is required
- Eventual replacement will be required
- They do not preserve the bone and thus can result
- in further bone recession and even facial collapse.
Pros of Dental Implants
- It offers a secure bond thus no worries about slipping
- Low maintenance
- They look and function like any natural teeth
- It is a long–lasting and often permanent solution
- They preserve the bone
- They prevent gum and bone deterioration
Cons of Dental Implants
- They are more costly than dentures
- Multiple steps including surgical procedures are required
- Some patients require bone grafts prior to dental implants
As with any dental procedure you should discuss with your health professional in length before proceeding. Tell us that you saw us in this magazine to receive a complimentary consultation with one of our wonderful dentists.
Dental at Lake Haven
76 Goobarabah Ave Lake Haven (opposite Red Rooster) CALL 4392 6466
www.dentalatlakehaven.com.au
@DENTALATLAKEHAVEN
Dental at Kanwal
Suite C6, Kanwal Medical Complex, 654 Pacific Hwy, Kanwal (in the Medical Complex near Wyong Hospital) CALL 4393 0020
www.dentalatkanwal.com.au
@DENTALATKANWAL
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