Are you in Los Angeles thinking about various teeth replacement alternatives for your missing teeth? Research shows that 70% of adults between the age of 35 and 45 have one or more missing teeth. In fact, one in every 4 people above 74 years old doesn’t have any teeth left. Although science shows that teeth loss is common as you get older, there are various teeth replacement options that you can consider to improve your smile and self-confidence.
Dental implants and dentures are some of the best replacement alternatives for teeth that one can come across if they require more than one artificial tooth. So, which is the best treatment for a missing tooth? In this article, we are going to look at various types of tooth replacement options and compare between dental implants vs dentures and other teeth replacement alternatives. Keep reading to find the most suitable treatment for your teeth.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants consist of tiny screws made of titanium inserted into your jaw in order to replace the missing roots of your teeth. Dental implants are considered the best treatment for missing tooth because they are firmly secured into one’s jaw bone to preserve the structure of the jaw. Moreover, dental implants provide an unmovable secure anchor for the final restoration of your teeth.
Types of dental implants
There are various kinds of dental implants that you can get depending on the number of missing teeth you have. Some of the most recommended types of tooth replacement dental implants include:
Full arch dental implants
In case you have a complete arch of teeth that are missing, then you need to get full arch dental implants in Los Angeles. The procedure involves installing about 4 to 6 dental implants to replace the missing teeth along the arch. However, the dentist will not install the permanent set of teeth immediately after the procedure. You will first require enough time for your jaw to heal after the placement of the dental implants.
The healing period may take several weeks so expect your jaw to be fully healed between 3 to 6 months. During this recovery period, your dentist will begin to create a permanent set for your implant dentures. The best thing about getting full arch dental implants in Los Angeles is that if you properly brush and floss your teeth, they can last for a lifetime.
Full mouth implants
One of the best types of tooth replacement options if most of your teeth are missing is full mouth dental implants Los Angeles. The implants replace any missing or failing teeth in the lower and upper jaws. If you’ve lost most or all of your teeth to cavities or gum disease, then full mouth dental implants Los Angeles are likely your best treatment option for missing teeth.
Once you book an appointment with your dentist, get ready for tooth extraction in case you have any remaining teeth. This is because a full mouth dental implants Los Angeles procedure involves placing several screws along your jawbone e.g. 10 screws. The installation procedure may take 2 surgeries to complete. Once the implants are fixed, the dentist will give your jaw several weeks to heal so that the implants can be properly integrated into your jawbone.
Full mouth dental implants Los Angeles can last for 15 years or more if you practice good oral hygiene.
All on 4 implants
If you are missing several lower or upper sets of teeth, you need to talk to a dentist about all on 4 dental implants in Los Angeles. This type of procedure involves replacing the missing teeth with only 4 implants. The four dental implants provide support and anchoring for the installation of the new set of permanent teeth.
Once you book an all on 4 dental implants in Los Angeles procedure, the dentist will fix the posterior dental implants by tilting them at a 45 degree angle towards the rear end of your mouth. The implants are placed into the jaw region called the anterior maxilla because it has a high bone density.
All on 4 dental implants in Los Angeles offer a better alternative to dentures because they can last for more than 20 years if you take great care of them.
All on x implants
Another best treatment for missing tooth that you can opt for is the all on x dental implants in Los Angeles procedure. This all on x dental implants in Los Angeles procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing full mouth implants using four implants on the upper or lower arch.
If you want a dental implant procedure that does not require you to undergo several surgeries, then this all on x dental implants in Los Angeles procedure is excellent for you. The procedure requires only one appointment and the dentist will give you local anesthesia to manage the discomfort. Apart from being time effective, all on x dental implants in Los Angeles offer durability if you take proper care of them and go to frequent dental checkups.
Benefits of dental implants
The above types of dental implants indicate that dental implants may be the best treatment for missing tooth compared to other forms of teeth replacement procedures. Some benefits of dental implants include:
- Dental implants are so identical to natural teeth that people won’t tell the difference when you smile
- Most dental implants are a better alternative to dentures because they are permanent and can last for life if you take good care of them
- Dental implants help to prevent bone loss
- Implants prevent gum disease
- Dental implants prevent premature aging by preventing your facial muscles from sagging
Disadvantages of dental implants
The disadvantages of dental implants include:
- Some dental implant procedures e.g. all on 4 dental implants in Los Angeles and full mouth implant procedures are expensive
- Most dental implant procedures are not covered by insurance
- Dental implant procedures require surgery
- Although dental implants help to prevent bone loss, you may still lose some of the bone surrounding the implants
- It takes several weeks or months to heal from dental implants
Alternatives to dental implants
If you want to consider another alternative to dental implants, there are several options to choose from. Check out these types of tooth replacement procedures below to find the best alternative to dental implants.
Dental bridges
Dental bridges refer to a dental procedure that replaces a missing tooth with an artificial tooth. If you have several missing teeth, you can opt for dental bridges as an alternative to dental implants. This is the best treatment for missing tooth because the bridge is connected to the teeth on both sides of the gap to form the artificial tooth.
During the procedure, the dentist will examine your gum to make sure you do not have any gum disease or tooth decay. The dentist will then file the teeth surrounding the gap on both sides and use a mold to make the bridge. Once the procedure is complete, it will take about two weeks for the bridge to adjust and settle fully. Dental bridges can last up to 10 years with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene.
Advantages of dental bridges
Dental bridges offer the following benefits:
- Dental bridges are a long lasting alternative to dentures
- Dental bridges help to improve your chewing after multiple loss of teeth
- The bridges help to keep the rest of the teeth from shifting
- Dental bridges will restore the natural shape of your face
- A dental bridge is the best treatment for missing tooth because it can improve your speech
Disadvantages of dental bridges
The disadvantages of dental bridges include:
- Dental bridges require the dentist to file down and alter the perfectly healthy teeth surrounding the gap
- As an alternative to dental implants, dental bridges are not as long lasting
- Dental bridges do not stop bone loss
Dentures
Dentures are a set of temporary false teeth used to replace natural teeth lost due to gum disease, tooth decay, or serious injury. If you have missing teeth and do not want any invasive procedure done on your gums and jaw, then dentures offer you a better option than dental implants. Once you book an appointment for fitting dentures, the dentist will take measurements of the size and shape of your jaw to ensure that the dentures fit perfectly across your gums. Dentures last between 7 to 10 years after which they will need to be replaced.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures are dentures that fit a certain portion of your gum instead of the entire gum. If you have more than three consecutive missing teeth along a jaw, then partial dentures are a great teeth replacement option. The partial dentures will fill the space between your teeth, providing you with a solid grip whenever you eat or speak. Removable partial dentures can last for 7 years if you maintain them well.
Advantages of dentures
Benefits of dentures include:
- Dentures are easy to maintain
- Dentures are a great alternative if you don’t have a healthy jaw or gums
- Dentures help to improve the quality of your life by giving you a radiant smile
Disadvantages of dentures
Some of the disadvantages of dentures include:
- Over time, dentures wear down thereby requiring you to replace them with a new set
- Before you get the dentures, the dentist runs several procedures e.g. making molds, removing decayed teeth, and taking measurements of your gum
- Some dentures may make loud clacking sounds which may be embarrassing
Dental implants vs dental bridges
Although both dental implants and dental bridges are excellent forms of dental treatment for missing teeth, dental implants offer a more natural placement compared to dental bridges. Additionally, dental implants can serve you for life if you practice good oral hygiene while dental bridges can only last for 10 years. Moreover, dental implants are more affordable compared to dental bridges.
Dental implants vs dentures
Both dental implants and dentures provide you with stable teeth for excellent chewing power. So, which is the best option between dental implants vs dentures? As experienced professional dentists at Southland Dental Care, we recommend dental implants over dentures.
Below are some reasons why dental implants are the best option for you if you’re stuck between dental implants vs dentures:
- Dentures require you to use a dental adhesive in order to keep them glued in your mouth each time you use them. Dental implants do not need any adhesive because they are firmly fixed in your jaw.
- Dentures have a large volume which causes them to cover your mouth’s roof, making it difficult for you to taste, speak, or swallow saliva in the beginning. Dental implants do not have any effect on your palate, speech, or saliva.
- Dentures are not able to prevent progressive bone loss in the long run, which may cause your face to collapse. Dental implants have a significant impact on preventing bone loss.
Therefore, we recommend dental implants because they are more reliable and durable, and will improve the quality of your dental life as compared to dentures.
Cost of dental implants in Los Angeles
Perhaps you are yet to book an appointment because you are worried about cost of dental implants in Los Angeles. Dental implants cost in Los Angeles may be more affordable than you think. All you have to do is reach out to your dentist and inquire about their payment plan so that you can properly budget for your appointment.
Reach out to Southland Dental Care today to find out our cost of dental implants in Los Angeles.
Book an appointment at Southland Dental Care
Are you ready to book an appointment with the best periodontist in LA? Call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanookai the Best periodontist in Los Angeles. Whether you need an artificial tooth installed or you have several missing teeth and you want to discuss the best types of dental implants to get, Dr. Hanookai the Best periodontist in Los Angeles will guide you. We also offer other types of dental treatments such as dentures and bridges.
Call us today to book a consultation.