Remember how exciting it was to lose a tooth as a child? Losing teeth was easy money, thanks to the Tooth Fairy. As an adult, losing a tooth has more serious implications for your oral health, not to mention your wallet. Fortunately, Modern Dentistry of Shrewsbury offers several options for replacing permanent teeth. Dr. Todd Pizzi discusses dentures in Shrewsbury, MA.
Is Tooth Loss Common in Adults?
Unfortunately, yes. It’s estimated that 65 percent of adults in America have at least one missing tooth, usually as the result of gum disease. Of adults over the age of 65, a shocking 98 percent are missing one tooth or more. Nearly one-tenth of the adult population is missing all of their teeth. It’s true that tooth loss is more prevalent in older age groups, but Dr. Pizzi cautions that this doesn’t exclude the possibility that a middle-aged adult or even a teenager could be affected. He also points out that patients today have more options than ever, including dental implants.
Would I Benefit From Dentures?
First, let’s address some misconceptions about dentures. Many people believe that dentures are an option only for adults who have lost all of their teeth. Actually, this isn’t true. Although dentures were once the go-to solution for fully edentulous patients, partial dentures can achieve similar results in patients who have lost multiple teeth but have mostly healthy teeth otherwise. If you’ve lost more than one tooth on either your upper or lower arch, you may be a candidate for a partial denture. If the remaining teeth are unhealthy and require extractions, Dr. Pizzi may recommend either complete dentures or dental implants.
Are There Risks Associated With Dentures?
Although wearing removable dentures is preferable to living without teeth, dental implants are currently the most natural-looking and functional replacement available. Losing teeth sets off a sort of chain reaction within your mouth, ultimately affecting the gum tissue and bone where the tooth was once rooted. For a patient who has dentures, this deterioration continues long after the tooth itself is removed. Poor hygiene in denture wearers significantly increases the risk that the prosthetic will no longer fit properly. This in turn leads to blisters in the mouth, discomfort, and the need for adhesives to hold it in place. Dental implants provide a more stable, realistic solution to missing teeth or even a single missing tooth.
Questions about removable dentures? To learn more about dental prosthetics, or to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, contact Modern Dentistry of Shrewsbury at (508) 842-8838. We welcome patients living in Hopkinton, Boylston, North and South Grafton, Worcester, and the neighboring communities.
