Our Dental Blog

Advanced tooth loss impacts everything from our ability to eat, to our facial structure. In order to restore the health, function, and yes, appearance, of smiles with advanced tooth loss, we may suggest dentures. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist will discuss the difference between removable and implant-secured dentures, and why addressing tooth loss is so vital for a smile’s health.

Removable Full and Partial Dentures

If you’ve lost a number of teeth, but not enough to warrant a full denture, we may prescribe a partial. The prosthetic will contain natural looking replacement teeth, and a base made from acrylic that mimics the appearance of gum tissue. Metal clasps will be used to attach the prosthetic to natural teeth and hold it in place. We can even address gaps that are spread out across your smile.

If you’ve lost all, or a majority, of your teeth, then we will take detailed impressions of your smile to design and create a full denture. The prosthetic will contain a full row of teeth, with an acrylic base that looks like gum tissue. Suction will hold them in place. Both fulls and partials will be created with lifelike materials, and will last about 5 to 10 years before requiring replacement as the shape of your jaw ridge changes.

Implant-Secured Dentures

Now, what if we didn’t need clasps or suction to keep them in place? What if instead, we inserted multiple dental implants? Each dental implant is a screw-like device made from titanium, a biocompatible material. Once inserted into the jawbone, they bond with the bone tissue over a period of three to four months, which secures them like natural tooth roots. We then attach the completed prosthetic. Your dentures will be fixed in place, you don’t need to remove them for cleaning or soaking. Since they stimulate the growth of jawbone tissue and prevent the loss of density, this means they have the potential to last for decades, if not a lifetime, with proper care and attention.

Don’t Ignore Your Missing Teeth

Whether we decide a removable or implant-secured option is right for you, know that addressing your tooth loss is also vital for safeguard your oral health. Replacing missing teeth restores your ability to eat your favorite foods, speak without difficult, and avoid an aged appearance due to loss of jawbone density following tooth loss. If you have any questions about addressing your missing teeth or about our prosthetic options, then contact our team today.

Ready for Custom-Made Dentures

We would like to help people with advanced tooth loss enjoy a full and functional smile once again. To learn more about our removable and implant-secured options, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.