Dental Implants in Manchester or Dentures? Which is Best for Replacing Missing Teeth?

21 January 2019

Dental Implants in Manchester or Dentures? Which is Best for Replacing Missing Teeth?

Tooth loss happens naturally in children as their baby teeth drop out to make way for their adult, permanent teeth to make an appearance. However, as any dentist in Alderley Edge will tell you, tooth loss is not natural for teens or adults. Yet, believe it or not, tooth loss is one of the most common problems that an emergency dentist in Stockport has to deal with. A lost tooth should never be taken lightly, and if it happens to you then you should visit a dentist for immediate assistance. One of the best ways to replace a missing tooth is with dental implants in Manchester but first of all, let’s take a look at what causes tooth loss and what you should do.

What you should do when a tooth is lost

Tooth loss can happen in several ways including extraction, decay, and trauma. Many dental patients who lose a tooth do so through a fall or accident whereby there is a hard impact to their mouth and face. If you experience trauma which dislodges a tooth or knocks it out completely, then the first thing to do is look for the tooth, clean it, and call your dentist right away. If you can, try and get the tooth back into its socket and then bite down gently on it to prevent it from falling out. If you can’t get the tooth back in, then place it in some milk.

You need to visit your dentist in Alderley Edge right away but if the practice is closed, then try an emergency dentist in Stockton or visit your local hospital’s A&E department. Speed is of the essence if you want to save your tooth.

What if I can’t find the tooth?

If your tooth is missing or the dentist couldn’t save it, then you’ll need to consider your tooth replacement options. The most common tooth replacement option for a person missing just one tooth or a few teeth in various parts of the mouth is dental implants. Manchester patients should know that this is typically the costliest option initially but when viewed in the longer term, is very cost effective. However, if you can’t have or don’t want dental implants, another option is a partial denture. Which is best? Well to help you decide, we’ve put together some of the pros and cons of each option.

What are dental implants exactly?

Dental implants are substitute tooth roots made from a titanium rod. Once inserted into the jawbone beneath the gums, it acts as a stable platform for a dental crown to be attached.  Implants look a little like screws since they are covered with ridges. These are there to help the surrounding jawbone grow and cover it, in a procedure known as osseointegration so that it becomes a permanent fixture in the mouth. Implants function just like real teeth and look so natural that it’s hard to tell the difference.

Pros of dental implants

There are many benefits of dental implants. Manchester patients should be aware that –

• Dental implants promote bone growth as the pressure of chewing and biting is transferred into the bone. Without this taking place, bone loss would naturally occur, as it does when wearing dentures.
• Maintaining dental implants is easy since all they require is brushing and flossing.
• There are no dietary restrictions since dental implants enable a person to eat anything that they normally eat with their natural teeth.
• When cared for properly dental implants can last for several decades, reducing maintenance costs in the future.
• Dental implants can make you appear younger by supporting your lips and teeth as natural teeth do.

Cons of dental implants 

There are some downsides to dental implants as our dentist in Alderley Edge explains:

• Dental implants are costlier than dentures at around £1500 to £2500 per implant and should a sinus lift or bone graft be necessary prior to the procedure, then the costs are even higher.
• Oral surgery is required for dental implants and this can cause slight post-op discomfort for a few days.
• Conventional dental implants require several stages and can take between 3 and 6 months (mostly healing time) before the treatment is complete.
• Implants are regarded as a cosmetic process and in most cases are not covered by dental plans and/or insurance.

So now you know about the advantages and disadvantages of implants, let’s take a look at dentures.

What are dentures?

Full dentures consist of a set of false teeth on a pink acrylic base (coloured to the shade of your gums for a more natural look) which fit over the gums and are held in place by suction. Partial dentures clip onto existing teeth either side of the gap where the missing tooth once was.

Pros of dentures

There are several advantages in receiving dentures as our dentist in Alderley Edge explains

• Dentures are cheaper than dental implants ranging from a few hundred pounds to a couple of thousand for a really good set.

• Getting dentures is quick and easy and doesn’t involve surgery. Partial dentures fit onto existing teeth using metal clips which help keep them in position.

• Dentures also give a more youthful look since they support the lips and cheeks and get rid of that sunken look which often affects people with missing teeth.

• Most insurance and dental plans include dentures.

Cons of dentures

So those are the benefits of dentures as opposed to dental implants in Manchester, now let’s take a look at the downsides.

• Over time bone loss will occur and this causes once snug fitting dentures to no longer fit properly. As such your dentures will need alterations and eventually replacement.

• A person needs to remove their dentures at night to give their gums a rest.

• Dentures need to be removed and cleaned thoroughly every single day.

• When eating, food can get stuck under dentures which is not only uncomfortable but can cause infections.

• Ill-fitting dentures can slip or fall out when speaking or eating causing great embarrassment to the wearer.

• People with dentures find it difficult to eat many of the foods which people with natural teeth or implants can do. This can lead to a restricted diet and a less nutritious meal.

Everyone and every case are different although ultimately the choice of dental implants or dentures is up to the individual. We’re happy to discuss your best tooth replacement options to help you make an informed decision. Whether you need dental implants in Manchester, are looking for a dentist in Alderley Edge, or require the services of an emergency dentist in Stockport, Church Road Dentist is here for you. Why not call us today on 0161 486 0743 to make an appointment?