Just pull it! I don’t need that one anyway! I’ll just get dentures; that way, I don’t have to worry about taking care of my teeth anymore.
Do any of these sound like you? We certainly hear these comments in the office, and occasionally we’ll agree, but most of the time, it isn’t the best course of action for your oral health. Here is why:
1. Appearance – If you take out a tooth and don’t replace it with a bridge or implant, you will suffer bone loss, and your gums will collapse into that space, making your smile shrink. And how attractive is a smile with large gaps in it? It doesn’t really scream confidence and success!
2. Health – missing teeth means less chewing ability. Healthy foods – fruit, vegetables, nuts, meat…they all require chewing!
3. Function – While dentures can be a good option for some people, it’s not what you should strive for. They can be uncomfortable, they can’t maintain your bone (so again, your smile will shrink), and they do need to be cleaned and repaired. They won’t feel the same as real teeth and may limit what you can eat. As Dr. Dodds tells his patients, “It’s like running a race with an artificial leg. It works, but it’s not as good as the real thing.” Your real teeth (or an implant) won’t fall out at a dinner party.
We will discuss all of your options with you and can also provide estimates of the costs associated with each option. A filling, crown, bridge, implant, or dentures are all things you will need to consider when contemplating the health of your mouth. We want you to feel and look your best!
