Growing older may be inevitable but getting dentures doesn’t have to be. Did you know that nearly 70% of adults aged 35-44 have lost at least one permanent tooth because of an accident, failed root canal or decay? By the age of 74 over 25% of adults will have lost ALL of their permanent teeth. These findings of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons show that, statistically, you or someone you know will need some form of tooth replacement during your life.
With all the cosmetic dentistry options available in Tennessee, how can you tell which solution will work best for your smile? Consider a few things:
Comfort
Dentures have improved over time, but this restorative option can still slip and slide in your mouth when you talk or eat. You need to be cautious about the foods you choose and remember to remove and thoroughly clean them to avoid gum disease and infection.
Dental implants function exactly like a normal tooth. Once placed, a dental implant will be as strong and comfortable as the rest of your natural teeth. You can eat any food with confidence. Dental implants also don’t affect your daily oral hygiene routine and can be brushed and flossed as usual.
Durability
Because the jaw’s shape and size shifts over time, dentures need to be replaced every 5-10 years. Dental implants generally last 20-25 years but can last a lifetime with proper care and oral hygiene.
While some patients may not be candidates for dental implants because of jawbone loss or gum issues, talk with Tennessee cosmetic dentist Dr. Dennis Wells to discuss which tooth replacement option is best for you.
If the cost of dental implants is causing you to pause, consider the initial cost of dental implants over the lifelong cost of maintaining and replacing dentures. Our cosmetic dental team is happy to answer your questions and show you before and after pictures of patients whose smiles have been restored with implant dentistry. Call Nashville Aesthetic Dentistry – Dennis J. Wells, DDS today at 615-371-8878 to schedule a consultation.