Tag: dentures

Can Dentures Be Fitted To Receding Gums? And Other Tooth Replacement Questions Answered

Removable dentures are one of the most commonly used options for replacing missing natural teeth. If your dentist has recently suggested removable dentures for tooth replacement, you will surely have questions about this treatment option. In this regard, one of the most frequently asked questions about removable dentures is whether they can be used with receding gums. If you are also looking for an answer to this question, you have come to the right place. So, read on to find out the answer to this question so that you can make an informed decision about this tooth replacement option. 

Receding Gums: Causes And Treatment Options?

Gum recession is a pathological process in which the gums start to move away from their normal attachment position on the teeth. Gum recession can occur due to a variety of reasons. Some of these are given below:

 

  • Gum Disease – the harmful bacteria inside inflamed gums release toxins that irritate the gums. This results in the movement of the gums away from their normal position. 
  • Physical Irritation – physical factors such as using excessive force during brushing or too much use of toothpicks can also cause gum recession. 
  • Overhanging Restoration – if a filling overhangs and touches the gum tissues, it can cause irritation and recession of the gums. 
  • Trauma – an accidental injury to the gums can also cause their recession. 

 

Which Is Better, An Implant Or A Bridge, If You Have Poor Gums?

Dental professionals recommend against getting any type of tooth replacement while there is underlying gum inflammation. This is because dental bridges are dependent on the supporting healthy teeth for their support. If there is gum disease, the teeth may already be mobile resulting in the pre-mature dislodgment of the bridge. Similarly, dental implants rely on the health of the bone tissue for the support. Again, if there is gum disease, it may have already caused extensive bone tissue damage. Hence, dentists always treat gum disease before considering any type of tooth replacement. 

What Causes Receding Gums On One Tooth?

Typically, gum recession occurs on all the teeth. However, there are certain cases when it can also occur in isolated teeth. Some of the reasons for isolated gum recession are:

  • Trauma to the affected tooth 
  • Misaligned tooth which receives excessive force during brushing 
  • Using too much toothpick 

Regardless of the location of gum recession, it should never be taken lightly and immediate dental assistance shoul be sought. 

What’s The Best Solution For Teeth Gap And Receding Gums?

Teeth gaps and receding gums are two separate issues. Teeth gaps typically appear when there is excess space in the jaws than needed for accommodating all the teeth in alignment. Alternatively, if a tooth is lost prematurely, the neighbouring teeth move towards the vacant space, creating extra spacing between all the teeth. Regarding the solution of teeth gaps, dentists utilise various options. These are:

For receding gums, the following options are available:

  • Periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planning
  • Gum grafting 

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix Receding Gums?

Cosmetic dentistry can help in restoring the aesthetic flaws caused by gum recession. However, other procedures need to be performed to treat the underlying cause. For example, if gum recession is because of periodontal inflammation, your dentist will remove the plaque and tartar deposits through scaling and planning and then treat the cosmetic issue. In some cases, treatment of the underlying issues restores gum health and attachment. On the other hand, when there is severe gum recession, a gum grafting procedure is performed to correct the optimal length of the gums.

Can Fake Teeth Chew Just As Good As Real Teeth?

There is nothing as good as one’s natural teeth. However, this does not mean tooth replacement options do not restore one’s ability to chew food. Instead, it depends on the type of tooth replacement. For example, removable dentures, especially complete dentures, rely solely on the underlying bone and soft tissues for their support and retention. Hence, they do not effectively restore one’s ability to chew food. On the other hand, dental implants are inserted directly into the jawbone, like natural teeth. Hence, they optimally restore one’s ability to chew food efficiently. In fact, dental implants are the next best thing for your natural teeth. 

What Happens If Your Gums Recede Too Far?

The most significant complication of gum recession is the exposure of the tooth roots, which are more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay than the tooth crowns. So, if the gums recede too far, it can cause root sensitivity and decay. 

Will My Teeth Fall Out From Receding Gums?

Gum recession is an indication of underlying gum disease. In the advanced stages of gum disease, there is extensive bone loss, resulting in the teeth becoming loose in their sockets. If this condition is not corrected in a timely manner, the teeth may start falling off. 

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Having Dentures?

Like all tooth replacement options, removable dentures have their own merits and demerits. These are:

 

Pros of Dentures

 

      • Cost-effective 
      • Simple fabrication technique 
      • Repairable can be used to replace single, multiple, or all missing teeth 

Cons of Dentures

 

    • Service life is limited 
    • Can fracture easily if dropped 
    • Can get warped if exposed to sudden extreme temperature changes

Finding an excellent removable denture specialist in your area can be difficult. But, if you reside in Hornchurch, Harrow Dental Practice is the best place to visit. Whether you need removable dentures or teeth whitening for your stained teeth, we provide all the services under one roof. So, contact us today and request an appointment so that we can give you a healthy, lasting, and adorable smile. 

Dentures Vs Implants – Choosing The Best Tooth Replacement Option For You

Tooth loss is a global problem that affects people of ages and walks of life. It has been estimated that every British adult has at least 6 missing teeth in their mouths – and this number is increasing at an alarming rate. So, with the demand for tooth replacement options increasing in the UK, which option should one select? If you search the internet or ask a dentist, you will find that removable dentures and implants are among the most commonly used options for replacing missing teeth. 

But, the next question that may come to your mind would be, “ which is better: implants or dentures?” if you are looking for an answer to this question, you have come to the right place. This blog provides a comparative overview of removable dentures and implants so that you can make an informed decision about replacing your missing teeth. So, continue reading to find out more. 

What Are Dental Dentures?

A denture is a removable appliance used to replace one or more teeth. Removable dentures gain support from adjacent healthy teeth, underlying soft tissues, and jaw bones. A denture that replaces one or more teeth is called a partial denture. These dentures possess metallic extensions called clasps that encircle the supporting teeth and provide retention. On the other hand, dentures used to replace all missing teeth in a jaw are called complete dentures. These dentures rely solely on the underlying soft tissue and jawbone contour for their retention and support. 

What Is The Difference Between Dental Implants And Dentures?

As discussed earlier, a denture is a removable appliance that rests on the oral soft tissues and jawbone, gains support from the neighbouring teeth, and is used for tooth replacement. On the other hand, an implant is a screw-shaped fixture inserted directly into the jawbone like natural teeth, and it serves as a replacement root. Once the implant becomes fully anchored in the bone, a suitable prosthesis is attached to complete the artificial tooth structure. So, the main difference between a denture and an implant is that one is a removable prosthesis while the other remains fixed within the bone. 

Are Dentures Better Or Worse Than Implants?

Removable dentures are a time-tested and cost-effective option for replacing missing teeth. However, they also possess certain drawbacks compared to implants. For example, removable dentures do not restore sufficient chewing and speech efficiency compared to implants. Similarly, dentures have a limited lifespan and can break easily if dropped. Finally, materials leaching out of dentures may cause allergies or other adverse reactions. Hence, implant-supported teeth are better and longer-lasting than dentures. 

Why Would Someone Choose Dentures Over Bridges Or Implants?

When choosing between implants and dentures, dental implants are an obvious choice. However, there are two instances when one may have to go for dentures instead of implants. First, when one is not eligible to get implants, such as those with a history of cancer radiotherapy in the region or bisphosphonate use. The second case is when one cannot afford the higher cost of implant therapy. Other than that, dental implants are always the first choice whenever tooth replacement is considered. 

What’s Better, Dental Implant Or a Partial Denture?

If you are looking for a tooth replacement option for one or more missing natural teeth, dental implants are the best option. Why? Because they are durable, safe, and restore one’s ability to eat and speak without difficulty. In fact, dental implants can be regarded as the next best thing to one’s own teeth. So, when choosing between a partial denture or an implant-supported prosthesis, dental implants should always be your first choice. 

Are Dental Implants The Same As Bridges And Dentures?

No. Although the function of dental implants is the same as bridges and dentures – to replace missing teeth – implants work differently. Removable dentures rest on oral tissues and gain support from the adjacent teeth. Similarly, bridges are fixed prostheses that derive support from adjacent healthy teeth. On the other hand, dental implants are embedded into the jawbone like natural teeth. Hence, they offer the best aesthetics and function among all tooth replacement options. 

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Snap-On Dentures?

Snap-on dentures are also known as implant-supported dentures. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of these dentures are discussed below. 

Pros of Snap-on Dentures 

  • Excellent esthetics
  • Lifelong durability 
  • Optimal oral hygiene maintenance 
  • Optimal restoration of one’s ability to eat and speak 

Cons of Snap-on Dentures 

  • High treatment cost 
  • Extreme surgical skill and precision required for successful tooth replacement with snap-on dentures

Can You Get Implants After Having Dentures For Years?

Technically, it is possible to get implants after having dentures for many years. However, when dentures are worn long-term, they tend to exert pressure on the underlying jawbone and oral tissues, causing bone resorption. As a result, the bone becomes brittle and is insufficient to support the implants. In these cases, dentists have to restore optimal bone volume through bone grafting. So, it is advisable to consider dental implants for long-term tooth replacement. 

What Are Implant Retained Dentures?

An implant retained denture is one that is supported by dental implants. Conventionally, removable dentures are supported by the adjacent supporting teeth and the underlying jawbone and tissues. However, implant-retained dentures supported by one or more dental implants, depending on the number of missing teeth. 

Are you fed up with your existing dentures and would like to enjoy the comfort and convenience of dental implants? Head on to Harrow Dental Practice in Hornchurch. So, book an appointment today and walk away with a beautiful and lasting smile with implants.