While it is natural to mourn the loss of natural teeth, it helps to work with a professional at a dental clinic in Eagan, MN, and learn more about the possibilities for replacements. Taking the time to explore all options will make it much easier to decide on a course of action that allows the patient to feel happy with his or her appearance, and also be able to continue enjoying the benefits that come with teeth. Here are some things to know about the two main methods used to replace natural teeth.
Denture Plates
Dentures have been around for a long time. In fact, there is some difference of opinion as to when the first set of dentures was produced. While the origins of this dental solution may be a matter for historians to work out, the reality is that many people opt for this solution when they no longer have natural teeth.
A professional at the dental clinic in Eagan, MN, can make impressions that are used to create a viable set of upper and lower denture plates. They are configured to set comfortably on and around the gums, and are secured in place with a dental adhesive. The plates are relatively simple to remove and can be kept clean with ease. Some types of dentures can even be altered slightly as the contours of the gums begin to shift, making it possible to get more years of use from each set.
Dental Implants
Another possibility is to get dental implants. This approach calls for embedding implants directly into the gums. While the process will take more than one visit and requires some degree of invasive surgery, the implants will provide excellent service for a number of years. In most cases, the only thing that will have to be replaced in the years to come will be the crowns that fit over the body of the implants.
Deciding between dentures and implants is something that takes time and thought. The professionals at Dakota Dental and Implant Center understand this, and will make sure that each patient has all the information needed to make an informed decision. Once the patient has come to a conclusion, it will be a simple matter to schedule the necessary tests and preparation and be on the way to restoring a beautiful smile for the patient.