812-683-2006
Find Your Perfect Tooth Replacement Option
We know losing one or more teeth can be embarrassing and can negatively impact your oral health. Advancement in modern technology allows us to create better and more effective tooth replacement options. We also know that it can be confusing and overwhelming to find the perfect replacement option for your dental needs.
At Troutman Family Dentistry, we want our patients to have a thorough understanding of all of their tooth replacement options. For your convenience, Dr. Troutman created this patient-friendly guide to help you differentiate between dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Keep reading to find out more about your restorative treatment options.
Dentures
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 90 percent of the population with missing teeth have dentures. For many years, dentures and dental bridges were the only solutions to fixing missing and damaged teeth. They provide adequate solutions to patients in need of restorative treatment, but is it enough when it comes to your smile?
How They Work
Dentures are custom-created restorations made of false teeth set into a base that sits on top of the gums. They’re made from acrylic resin and can replace any number of missing teeth on one or both arches. Depending on the patient’s needs, they can receive full dentures or partial dentures. Regardless of denture type, dentures allow patients to achieve a complete smile once again.
Benefits of Traditional Dentures
The benefits of dentures are:
- Easily replace all missing teeth
- Reduced chance of developing TMJ
- More affordable than implants
Drawbacks of Dentures
Some patients notice the following drawbacks with dentures:
- They can slide or move in the mouth
- They’re not anchored, so they don’t prevent jaw deterioration
- Difficult to control in the mouth
- They need to be refitted regularly
- Difficult to maintain and care for
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can be a popular option for patients looking to “bridge” the gap between missing teeth. A bridge is comprised of two or more dental crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and false teeth in between. The crowns fit over the bordering teeth to anchor the bridge down.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Patients enjoy the following dental bridge benefits:
- Relatively simple procedure
- A great option for patients who only have a few missing teeth
- Quick turnaround time
- Affordable while still offering support
- Easier maintenance than dentures
Drawbacks of Dental Bridges
Some of the drawbacks of dental bridges include:
- Less natural-looking
- Need to be replaced every 5-7 years
- Adjacent teeth are damaged when the crowns are placed
- Don’t prevent resorption due to lack of implants
- Less natural-looking and durable than dental implants
Are Dental Implants Right For Me?
The success rate of dental implants is around 98 percent. Still, it’s important to consider the condition of your oral health, financial situation, and smile goals. While Dr. Troutman only recommends dental implants to patients who can commit to the process, the long-term success rate of implants is noteworthy.
After your surgery, you can enjoy the various benefits that dental implants provide such as:
- Longevity
- Improved smile
- Restored eating and speaking ability
- Gum and jaw support
- Convenience
- Low maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cost difference between dentures and dental implants?
For both treatments, the cost will vary depending on each patient’s specific needs. However, you can expect to spend more on dental implants than dentures. While dentures may be the cheaper option, dental implants can last a lifetime, ensuring it’s more cost-effective in the long run.
For more information about the price of restorative dentistry solutions, call our Huntingburg dental office at (812) 638-2006 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Troutman.
How do I know which restorative treatment is best for me?
To find out which restorative treatment is best suited for you, schedule your consultation with Dr. Troutman. During this initial visit, he’ll evaluate your oral health condition and discuss your smile goals. Then he’ll recommend the restorative option he thinks is best for you. Call our Huntingburg office today at (812) 638-2006 to get started!
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants are safer than ever thanks to the advancement of dental technology. Dr. Troutman is proud to have the latest dental technology at his Huntingburg dental office to provide faster, safer, and more accurate implant placement. To ensure your implant placement is successful, Dr. Troutman also provides supplemental procedures to ensure your implant stays sturdy and durable for a lifetime.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
On average, it can take about three to six months to complete the process, sometimes up to nine months. The length of dental implant treatment varies based on several factors:
- How many teeth are missing
- Which dental implant solution best suits your dental needs
- Your insurance coverage
- Whether you need a supplemental procedure or not
- How well do you take care of your smile after implant placement
Visit Troutman Family Dentistry For Tooth Replacement Options
Ensuring that you’re fully informed about the details of each available restorative option is critical to your overall dental health. There are several restorative treatment options available and your condition determines which is the best for you. If you have questions, please call our office by dialing (812) 638-2006 to set up a consultation with Dr. Troutman today.
You can also fill out our contact form and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. We’re proud to provide services to Huntingburg and the surrounding areas such as Jasper, Holland, and Bretzville, IN. We look forward to helping you find the perfect restorative solution for your dental needs.