Looking For An Alternative To Dentures With Gum Disease? Dentures Vs. Dental Implants And Dental Bridges

Ugh, gum disease! It’s a pain (literally), weakening the gum tissue and bone that hold our teeth in place, often leading to missing teeth. And let’s face it, missing teeth aren’t exactly a confidence booster. But if you’re dealing with gum troubles and missing teeth, don’t despair! Dentures have been a trusted solution for replacing teeth for ages. And so, if you want to see if there is any good alternative to dentures with gum disease, we’ve got you.

This article dives into alternatives to dentures for folks struggling with gum disease. To see if they’re a good fit, we’ll explore dental implants and bridges, two popular tooth replacement choices. So, let’s get right into it!

Periodontal Disease And Missing Teeth: Double Trouble Or Manageable Mayhem?

Gum disease, if we leave the poor guy untreated, can lead to some serious bone loss around our teeth. This loss weakens the foundation that holds our teeth in place, ultimately causing them to loosen and say their goodbyes. Missing natural teeth affects our dazzling smiles and can make it tough to chew properly, impacting our overall nutrition and well-being (not exactly a recipe for a happy and healthy life!).

But hold on a second! While gum disease and missing teeth can be a challenge, it’s not an automatic path to a smile disaster.

Think of it like this: gum disease weakens the foundation of your teeth (the bone), making them more likely to loosen and fall out. On the other hand, missing teeth can make it harder to chew effectively and maintain good oral hygiene, which can further worsen gum disease.

It’s a bit of a vicious cycle, but don’t despair! We’ll show you how to manage gum disease and missing teeth and get your smile back on track.

 

 

Shiny Screws, Shaky Smile? Dental Implant Surgery And Gum Disease: A Match Made In A Not-So-Great Heaven

Dental implants are all the rage these days. Tiny titanium posts surgically placed in your jaw bone act like artificial tooth roots for crowns, bridges, or even dentures. Sounds pretty futuristic, right? And for many people with missing teeth, they offer a long-lasting, natural-looking solution. But what about if you’re also battling gum disease?

Here’s the not-so-shiny side of dental implants and gum disease:

Bone Be Gone

Dental implant treatment relies on a healthy jawbone for successful placement and osseointegration (a fancy word for fusing with the bone). Gum disease often leads to bone loss, which can mean you might need bone grafting procedures before implant surgery is even an option. That’s extra healing time and cost to consider.

Surgery Shenanigans

Implant surgery is a complex procedure with a longer healing time than dentures. If you’re squeamish about surgical procedures, this might not be the most comfortable option, especially if you’re already dealing with gum inflammation.

Not Exactly Gum-Friendly

While implants themselves don’t directly affect gums, the placement process can disrupt the gum tissue. Additionally, if gum disease isn’t well-controlled, it can increase the risk of implant failure around the implant site.

Building Bridges, Not Burning Them: Are Dental Bridges Right For Your Smile? (Especially With Gum Disease)

Dental bridges sound pretty cool, right? They’re like little dental highways, spanning the gap created by missing teeth. But before you jump on the bridge bandwagon, let’s talk about some potential drawbacks, especially if you’re dealing with gum disease.

Healthy Teeth Take A Hit

Bridges need healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap to act as anchors. But here’s the catch: these teeth have to get crowned, which means shaving off some enamel. Not exactly a five-star spa treatment for your teeth, and it can weaken them in the long run. This might not be ideal if you already have gum disease, which can weaken teeth overall.

Bone Loss Blues

Similar to shiny screws, bridges don’t address the bone loss that comes with gum disease. This bone loss can keep on keeping on, potentially affecting the bridge’s stability down the line.

Cleaning Can Be A Challenge

The area underneath the bridge, where false teeth meet the gum tissue, can be a real pain to clean. Food particles can love to hide there, creating a party for bacteria and potentially making your gum troubles worse.

So, are bridges totally out of the question for folks with gum disease? Not necessarily! But they might not be the best first choice. The potential for weakening healthy adjacent teeth, not addressing bone loss, and the cleaning challenges can make them a bit risky.

If bridges are on your radar, chat with your dental prosthetist about your gum disease. They can assess your situation and see if bridges are a good fit or if alternative solutions, like dentures, might be a better option for keeping your smile healthy in the long run.

Gum Disease? Dentures Can Be Your Smile Squad (Here’s Why They Rock!)

Gum disease can feel like a real party pooper for your mouth. Between the inflammation, bleeding gums, and potential tooth loss, it’s enough to discourage anyone. But what if we told you even traditional dentures could be your secret weapon in the fight for a healthy smile, even with gum disease?

Here’s why dentures are like the ultimate smile squad members for those battling to achieve healthy gums:

• Adaptable All-Stars: Bone loss is a sneaky side effect of gum disease. But dentures are the ultimate adaptation champions! Dentures can be relined or adjusted as bone loss is treated to ensure a continued snug fit and proper functionality. They’re like your own personal smile squad, adjusting to support your needs.
• Cost-Effective Crew: Let’s face it: tooth replacement options can be pricey, even if they apply to only a few teeth. Dentures are generally much more affordable compared to dental implants or bridges. This makes them a more accessible option for many people with gum disease, allowing them to restore their smiles without breaking the bank.
• Aesthetic A-Team: Gone are the days of clunky, uncomfortable dentures. Modern dentures are designed to look natural and enhance your smile. They come in various materials and with customisation options, allowing your prosthetist to create a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing fit that boosts your confidence.
• Cleaning Champs: Dentures are removable! This superstar feature allows for easier cleaning of your gums and remaining teeth. This is especially important for maintaining good oral hygiene with gum disease, where keeping plaque and bacteria at bay is key to keeping your smile healthy.

Think of dentures as your cheerleading squad for your smile, even with gum disease. They offer a comfortable, adaptable, cost-effective solution while promoting good oral hygiene and giving you back a smile you can be proud of.

Denture Do-Over! What To Expect (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not Scary)

So, you’ve decided to explore dentures as your partners in crime against gum disease and missing teeth. But what exactly happens during the denture procedure? Is it scary or painful? Spoiler alert: it’s not! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during your denture journey:

Mission Briefing: Consultation And Examination

First things first, you’ll have a consultation with your prosthetist. This is your chance to chat about your needs, discuss your gum disease, and get a thorough oral examination. Your dental prosthetist will also take impressions of your mouth and gums to create custom-made dentures that fit you perfectly. Think of it as the planning stage for your smile makeover!

Try-On Time: Fittings And Adjustments

After your initial impressions are made, the magic happens in the dental lab. Your dentures are crafted based on your impressions. Once they’re ready, you’ll return to your prosthetist for a fitting. This is where you get to see your new smile for the first time! Your dental prosthetist will check the fit and make any adjustments necessary to ensure they feel comfortable and secure. It might be like trying on a new pair of shoes—you might need some tweaking to find the perfect fit.

Mastering Maintenance: Learning Proper Care

Once you’re happy with the fit and feel of your dentures, your prosthetist will give you detailed instructions on properly caring for them. This includes cleaning them regularly, soaking them overnight, and good oral hygiene practices for your remaining teeth and gums. Taking good care of your dentures is key to ensuring they last a long time and keep your smile sparkling!

There you have it! The denture process is a collaborative effort between you and your prosthetist. It’s designed to be comfortable and informative, and your prosthetist will be there to answer any questions you have along the way. So, relax, take a deep breath, and get ready to confidently rock your new smile!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will dentures feel strange at first?

It’s completely normal to experience an adjustment period when getting used to dentures. They’re new friends in your mouth, after all! However, wearing dentures will become comfortable and natural with proper care and practice.

Do I need to remove my dentures at night?

Yes, removing your dentures at night allows your gums to rest and prevents irritation. Think of it as giving your gums a chance to breathe after a long day of chewing!

How long do dentures last?

With proper care, dentures can last for several years. However, they may need to be relined or replaced over time due to natural wear and tear and potential changes in your mouth. Just like your favourite shoes, they might need to be replaced eventually.

Can I still eat my favourite foods with dentures?

While some adjustments might be needed initially, most people can enjoy various foods with properly fitted dentures. You don’t have to say goodbye to your favourite meals!

Gum Disease And Dentures: Smiling Bright Despite The Fight!

Dentures offer a dependable and time-tested solution for replacing missing teeth, even for those with gum disease. They’re comfortable and adaptable and can significantly improve your oral health and overall well-being.

With proper care, dentures can become your trusted companions on the journey to a healthy and happy smile. So, if you’re dealing with gum disease and missing teeth, don’t hesitate to explore the possibility of dentures. You might be surprised at how well they fit into your life!

Contact Custom Denture Clinic to replace missing teeth with high-end, gum-friendly removable dentures.

Call Buderim: (07) 5317 1023

Call Caloundra: (07) 5315 8076

 

Sources:

Babu, B. Dinesh, et al. “Effect of Denture Soft Liner on Mandibular Ridge Resorption in Complete Denture Wearers After 6 and 12 Months of Denture Insertion: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study.” The Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society, vol. 17, no. 3, Jan. 2017, p. 233. https://doi.org/10.4103/jips.jips_113_17.

Di Benedetto, Adriana, et al. “Periodontal Disease: Linking the Primary Inflammation to Bone Loss.” Clinical & Developmental Immunology, vol. 2013, Jan. 2013, pp. 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/503754.

Fixodent. What to Expect at the Dentist | Fixodent. www.fixodent.co.uk/en-gb/advice-tips/preparing-for-dentures/at-the-dentist/what-to-expect-at-the-dentist.

King, Elizabeth, et al. “Should Implants Be Considered for Patients With Periodontal Disease?” British Dental Journal, vol. 221, no. 11, Dec. 2016, pp. 705–11. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.905.

Quirynen, Marc, et al. “Periodontal Aspects of Osseointegrated Fixtures Supporting a Partial Bridge.” Journal of Clinical Periodontology, vol. 19, no. 2, Feb. 1992, pp. 118–26. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-051x.1992.tb00450.x.