Tooth loss remains a significant issue for American adults of all ages. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, over 30 million Americans are missing all of their natural teeth and a whopping 120 million are missing at least one tooth.
Even partial tooth loss can damage your smile and affect your nutrition, health, and quality of life. The good news is that there have never been so many options available to restore missing teeth and improve your oral health.
At Scott Young, DDS, our dentists and dental team offer several general and cosmetic dentistry options at our office in The Woodlands, Texas, to correct full and partial tooth loss.
Dentures have come a long way in the last few decades, and modern dentures look and feel more natural than ever. They’re a great option for people of all ages, and there are several types available depending on your situation.
In general, a single missing tooth can typically be replaced with a dental bridge in most cases. But if you’re missing more than one or two teeth, dentures are an excellent option. And today, you don’t have to wait — immediate dentures are a temporary set that you can wear right away while you wait for your permanent set of dentures.
It’s never too late to replace missing teeth, but the sooner you schedule an appointment for a consultation, the better.
Implant-supported dentures offer the best of both worlds when it comes to replacing missing teeth. They provide the best fit so that you don’t have to worry about dealing with adhesives or constant readjustments as your gums shrink over time. Implants also address one of the most significant side effects that come with losing teeth: bone loss.
Dental implants help to prevent bone loss and generate healthy bone tissue through a process known as osseointegration. When the implant is placed in the socket of a missing tooth, it fuses with the surrounding bone tissue to anchor it in place and prevent bone erosion, a process that can increase your risk of periodontal (gum) disease.
Implants can also anchor a set of dentures in place so that they look, feel, and function like a set of natural teeth. If you’re a healthy adult and have enough bone tissue to support the implants, implant-supported dentures may be a great option for you. The process will take a few months and several appointments.
At your appointment, Dr. Young and our team will perform a comprehensive dental exam and make a recommendation based on your oral health profile and circumstances. People of all ages and backgrounds experience tooth loss for many reasons, and there are many options available whether you’re in your 30s or 70s!
For more information about dentures and the restorative dentistry services available at Scott Young, DDS, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at our office in The Woodlands, Texas.
