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When a tooth or teeth are missing, it can affect the person’s confidence and ability to talk or eat. Having Dr. Ronald F. Jacob provide a solution to the missing teeth can help a person have more normal functioning of the mouth and an improved state of health and well-being.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ronald F. Jacob to find out the best solution to your missing teeth. Generally, dentists would recommend having either dentures or implants put in to fill the gaps of the missing teeth and restore function to the mouth. Which choice is right for your situation?

OPTION 1: DENTURES

Dentures, which are appliances in the shape of teeth that you put in and take out, are one of the solutions dentists provide for missing teeth. Dentures are able to replace a few teeth or all of them, and they give the added benefit of filling in the face where the facial muscles have drooped. Dentures can provide a nice look that’s similar to natural teeth while also offering improved function for eating and talking.

If some natural teeth can remain in the mouth, Dr. Ronald F. Jacob could use partial dentures. When all of the teeth are missing or the dentist removes the last ones, a full removable denture could be used.

Dentures have some downsides, which include a lack of permanency, feeling uncomfortable and the potential for the teeth moving from their position. On the upside, they improve the look and function of the mouth, can provide new teeth for the entire mouth and offer a solution when the jawbone or gums cannot support the permanent option of implants.

OPTION 2: IMPLANTS

Unlike dentures, which are removable, implants are permanently placed in the mouth. This solution involves posts that go into the jawbone and are finished with replacement teeth. Implants look natural and are able to match the natural surrounding teeth. Plus, they provide a strong replacement to natural teeth to offer full mouth functioning for eating and talking.

Many people prefer implants to dentures when the mouth is able to support them because they create permanent teeth. They are not right for people with weakened jaws or gums, or generally when all teeth are missing. Another downside is that getting implants requires extensive dental work that happens in stages. Because of the bone healing required in this procedure, it is generally reserved for healthy people without certain health conditions. This option tends to be best for healthy people who are missing a few teeth, have a strong jawbone to hold the implants and want to have permanent teeth rather than removable ones.

In the end, the final decision of getting dentures or implants should happen in a discussion with your dentist. When you schedule an appointment, Dr. Ronald F. Jacob at Modern Dental in Palm Coast and Nova Dental in Holly Hill will provide a consultation of your situation and help you understand the pros and cons of implants compared to dentures for your situation. Contact us today so we can help you make this important decision to fit your needs and provide the best outcome.