Choosing Your Dentures: Conventional, Immediate, And Dental Implants To Replace Missing Teeth

Whether you have lost teeth because of gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral hygiene problems, you have options when it comes to replacing your teeth. You can choose conventional dentures, immediate dentures, or dental implants, depending on how soon you want your dentures or how permanent you want your dentures to be. If you have missing teeth and you want a solution, it's time to meet with your dentist to discuss your choices.

Conventional Dentures Require Less Adjustments

When you get a set of conventional dentures, you will spend some time without teeth in your mouth in order to allow inflammation in your gums to decrease. Conventional dentures are placed in your mouth once your gum tissue has healed following the removal of any remaining teeth. This process can take eight to twelve weeks, and during this time, a set of dentures will be made for you. When your gum tissue is healed, the dentures will be fitted to your mouth. You will need less adjustments to conventional dentures, because they will be fitted when your gums are normal size.

Immediate Dentures Allow You to Have Teeth Right Away

Immediate dentures can be placed into your mouth right after you have your old teeth removed. Although your gum tissue will need to heal, the immediate dentures are placed in your mouth during the healing process. As your gums shrink, the dentures may become loose and require frequent adjustments. The benefit of immediate dentures is that you won't have to go without a set of teeth for several months.

Dental Implants Can Permanently Replace Teeth

Whether you need to replace one tooth, or a series of teeth, dental implants can be used for this purpose. Your dentist will place a titanium rod in your gum line, which acts as the root of your tooth. Once the rod sets into place, your dentist will be able to place a permanent crown on top of the rod. The time a dental implant takes from start to finish varies patient to patient. The process can take anywhere from two to nine months depending on your treatment plan.

Dental implants can also be used as anchors for a set of dentures. This makes your dentures fit in your mouth easier, without the use of denture adhesives. When you have missing teeth and you want to make a change, it's time to talk with your dentist like Joe Rosenberg, DDS about your options.