When you’re missing one or more teeth, it can affect the way you eat, speak, smile and care for your oral health. We want to help you restore more than just your smile, we want to help your improve your life!

First and foremost, you don’t have to settle with a smile you don’t love. If you’re missing teeth due to a dental emergency or simply from aging, Toland Dental can help you get your smile back with many options that fit your mouth, the function you desire and your finances. In many cases you will need to decide if you want traditional dentures or dentures secured with dental implants.

THE BENEFITS OF TRADITIONAL DENTURES

Dentures are an oral appliance made to look and function like natural teeth. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, our dentist may recommend a full or partial denture. While a full denture replaces an entire arch of teeth, a partial denture only replaces a few teeth. We can help you explore the different types of dentures available, including partial, complete, conventional, and immediate dentures.

Traditional dentures sit on top of your gums and are secured with glue or adhesive during the day. When you’re not wearing your dentures, they’ll need to be submerged in a glass of water or denture cleanser, so they don’t dry out, crack, and warp. The biggest benefit of traditional dentures is the cost. They are usually the most affordable option for those who cannot afford the dental implant surgical procedure.

THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANT-SECURED DENTURES (a.k.a. Snap-On Dentures)

Unlike conventional dentures that rest on top of your gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored to your jawbone so they won’t slip. Many of our patients appreciate being able to eat, talk, and smile with confidence.

An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that replaces several teeth at once. If you’ve lost most of your teeth, we may recommend implant-supported dentures. Your overdenture will need at least four dental implants for support. However, our dentist typically recommends 6 implants for the best and most stable result.

Attachments are placed underneath the denture that connects the implants. When placed in the mouth, the denture fits onto the dental implants, keeping it stable and secure. You’ll be able to enjoy more foods with implant-supported dentures than you would with conventional dentures.

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) that’s placed in your jaw to later support a crown. Many patients appreciate that dental implants look and function like natural teeth. This means that you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods without worrying about slipping dentures. Take care of your dental implants like you would natural teeth by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily.

WHICH OPTION IS BETTER?

While traditional denturesare more affordable than implant-secured overdentures, they don’t solve the problem of jawbone deterioration. As soon as your body detects a missing tooth, it’ll start to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. Once this happens, the area of the jaw where the tooth root used to be will weaken and deteriorate. In addition, teeth adjacent to the gap will also start to tilt toward the open space. Eventually, the patient may experience facial collapse, which alters the shape of the face and makes it difficult to wear traditional dentures.

The best way to prevent further tooth loss and jawbone deterioration is to ask our dentist if you’re a candidate for the dental implant secured over dentures. In general, we recommend dental implants whenever possible so patients can avoid long-term health issues caused by missing teeth.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

You’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure if you have healthy gum tissue and sufficient bone density in your jaw to place the implant. For successful osseointegration, there must be enough jawbone tissue to support the titanium dental implant that’s placed in your jawbone.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH US

The only way to know for sure if you’re a candidate for dental implants is by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Toland. He’ll be able to examine the inside of your mouth, as well as take a 3-d scan of your mouth to get a better picture of your oral health, bone structure, etc. He will also evaluate your medical history to determine if you’re healthy enough to undergo the dental implant procedure.

Dr. Laif Toland is a dental implant specialist in West Melbourne who is accepting new patients! He is dedicated to helping patients smile with confidence after tooth loss. To learn if you’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure, call 321-768-0991.