Implants or Dentures? Which is Right for You?

The quest to restore missing teeth is almost as old as history itself. Archeological excavations have unearthed dentures dating back to 700 BCE, when the Etruscans created crude initial forms of dentures using ivory as a base, into which animal and human teeth were fastened. In fact, despite the persistent myth that George Washington had wooden false teeth (although they existed during his lifetime), they also were fashioned of human teeth in an ivory base.

Fortunately, modern materials and technologies provide a wide range of choices in dental restorations that look and feel natural, restoring both function and self-confidence. Options are now so numerous that deciding which to choose can be somewhat overwhelming. As you’ll soon learn, dentures have come a long way from what you may remember your parents or grandparents dealing with, which makes our question all the more relevant: Are implants or dentures the right choice for restoring your missing teeth?

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Implants?

Dental implants are popular for replacing a single lost tooth, or multiple teeth. But first, what exactly is an implant? An implant is a permanent tooth replacement solution consisting of a screw-like titanium post implanted into the upper or lower jawbone. After bone starts to grow around the post to secure it in place (a process called osseointegration), the top of the post is fitted with an abutment, followed by a permanent crown after the gum tissue around the abutment has healed.

At this point, the implant is - for all practical purposes - the same as an original, natural tooth. Except, of course, it can’t decay! However, the crown is susceptible to being chipped, cracked or damaged just as a crown that’s fit over a natural tooth - or a natural tooth - so use due caution and common sense, and the crown should hold up for 20 years or more.

As advanced as implants are, many factors need to be considered when determining whether they’re the right choice for you and your individual situation. The following pros and cons are courtesy of Forest Park Dental, Healthline and Solstice.

The advantages of implants:

The success rate is 95% when performed by a dentist experienced in this procedure.
Dental implants are as easy to care for as natural teeth.
Implants preserve the integrity of your facial structure and jawbones.
Acting just like natural teeth, implants allow the bone to continue to grow.
You can eat any type of food - as long as you avoid biting down on hard candies, shelled nuts, ice, etc. - which you shouldn’t do with natural teeth, anyway.
Dental implants don’t impair speech.

The disadvantages of implants:

They are significantly more expensive than dentures.
Implants require a certain amount of jawbone material in order to support the posts. If you have lost bone density - through injury, age, gum disease or tooth loss - you may not be a good candidate for implants. Dental bone grafting can be performed to bolster jawbone density, but it’s a more expensive and involved process. Our blog post - “What You Need to Know About Dental Bone Grafts” - explains this procedure in detail.
Some people may not want to go through the lengthy process that traditional implants involve - especially when multiple teeth are involved. NK Family Dental offers the breakthrough Teeth-In-A-Day procedure. If you are interested in this option, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Amir Danesh, our periodontology and dental implant specialist, to learn if you are a good candidate.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dentures?

Dentures are comprised of natural-looking prosthetic teeth that are attached to a gum-colored acrylic base. Some dentures will include a lightweight metal framework that provides extra strength and support. When worn, they offer the appearance and function of strong, healthy teeth. By replacing an entire top or bottom row of missing teeth, dentures can dramatically improve your smile, while also making many everyday activities that involve teeth substantially easier.

With dentures, you have two options: removable complete dentures and partial dentures. Complete - or full - dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw or in both jaws, and rest directly on the gums. Partial dentures are used to fill in gaps. Because of this, partial dentures are more often used when some of the natural teeth remain. Partial dentures are supported by clasps around existing teeth. They may also be attached with precision attachments that are fitted onto crowns.

Keep in mind that with dentures, you get what you pay for. Budget dentures tend to cause the most problems with fit and function, and don’t look as natural as their high-end counterparts. A well-designed, custom set of dentures can restore your face to its proper proportions - even providing you with a more youthful appearance.

The following pros and cons are courtesy of Forest Park Dental, Healthline and Solstice.

The advantages of dentures:

More economical than implants for traditional removable full or partial dentures.
A good solution for those who can’t have dental implants because of bone loss or other medical conditions.
Being fitted for dentures is non-invasive.
The entire process is relatively quick, requiring only a few visits to the dentist.

The disadvantages of dentures:

Dentures may feel uncomfortable at first, especially during the first day or two of wearing them. You might experience increased salivation, difficulty chewing and difficulty speaking.
Adjustments or replacements will eventually be necessary, as the structure of your face and gums change with age.
Partial dentures are known to weaken the adjacent natural teeth that provide support for the dentures.
Dentures limit the types of food you can enjoy.
Dentures may not stay in place, causing discomfort, difficulty in chewing food, embarrassment and loss of self-confidence.
Dentures are more time-intensive and inconvenient to care for than implants. For example, they can’t be worn overnight. Dentures should soak in water or a special cleaning solution during that time.
Infection around the mouth and gums can occur if dentures aren’t properly cleaned and cared for.
Ulcerations (sores) may occur on the gums.

All-on-Four Dental Implants - An Innovative Alternative

NK Family Dental is proud to offer our patients All-on-Four dental implants. This innovative solution combines the advantages of implants and dentures for comfort, convenience, function and durability. All-on-Four replaces all of the teeth in one arch with a denture-like prosthesis held in the jawbone by four implant posts. This prosthesis stays in place and is not removable by the patient (only by the dentist, if necessary).

For the right candidate, All-on-Four can provide the functionality and pleasing aesthetic effect of natural teeth. Our blog post - “All-on-Four Dental Implants: Everything You Need to Know” - describes this procedure in detail.

Highlights of All-on-Four:

Instead of individual implants to replace each missing tooth, All-on-Four requires only four implants to anchor the arch of replacement teeth. This means your smile or your lower teeth can be replaced in less time, and typically with less expense.
All-on-Four may prevent the need for bone grafting, as the four titanium implant posts are strategically placed into the thickest part of the jaw. If you have been told you weren’t a good candidate for traditional dental implants because of bone loss, All-on-Four may be a solution.
With proper care, the replacement teeth can last for 20 years or longer. Because of everyday wear and tear, the teeth may need adjustments over the years, but the implant posts should never have to be replaced.
A typical arch replacement can take from two to three hours, depending upon your individual situation.
Recovery from this procedure is usually rapid, as the implants immediately begin fusing with your jawbone. Most people are able to return to work or resume their regular activities within a day or two.

Another good alternative to individual dental implants are removable dentures with denture stabilization implants. Denture stabilization implants consist of a permanently implanted titanium metal framework that is designed to support removable dentures and keep them steady and secure at all times. Because they are surgically inserted into the jawbone, denture stabilization implants will provide outstanding support for removable dentures.

A great benefit of removable dentures is that they can be taken out of the mouth for easy cleaning. And when it’s time for general use and regular wear, they can be quickly reinserted. Although the dentures can be removed easily when desired, they are highly unlikely to ever fall out or become loose at an inopportune moment. This makes them an excellent solution for many patients. With proper care, a set of removable dentures should last up to eight years.

Although there are many options to choose from, your choice should be guided by your dentist, who can recommend the best solution based upon your individual situation. At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.

Our team of experienced, dedicated dental professionals will help address your oral health concerns, and determine the best solution for you based on your individual situation. We strive to identify treatment options that fit your needs. Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh. Dr. Danesh is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals.

We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!

We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.

Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon!

Causes of Tooth Decay & How to Stop It

As much as we’d like for it to be so, our teeth are, unfortunately, not designed to last forever. Tooth decay will affect every one of us at some point or another. However, there are many actions you can take to prevent it!You may be aware that tooth decay can cause cavities, but do you know what causes tooth decay in the first place, or what other oral results occur due to decay? In this latest dental blog, we’re helping you understand the common causes and results of tooth decay, how your gums play an important part, and how to prevent tooth decay.

Common Causes and Results

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research defines tooth decay, also known as dental caries, as “damage to a tooth that can happen when decay-causing bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth’s surface, or enamel.” When the surface of your teeth become worn down by bacteria and acids, a cavity can develop. Anyone from children to senior adults can develop tooth decay for a variety of reasons.

Starches and sugars in your diet react with decay-causing bacteria to form acids that attack the enamel, or outer layer of your teeth, which causes a breakdown of important minerals that help keep your teeth strong. Consuming food and drinks high in starches and sugars put your teeth at greatest risk for more frequent attacks on your enamel from these acids.

Foods to avoid or consume in moderation, always followed by proper oral care, include - but are not limited to — sugary cereals, pop or other sugary drinks, hard candy, dried fruits and cookies. Tobacco products should also be avoided.

Over time, plaque will develop from the bacteria and cling to the enamel of your teeth, further wearing them down. This process eventually leads to cavities when the enamel is completely worn away.

Other causes of cavities and tooth decay include dry mouth, not maintaining proper oral hygiene and certain medical conditions. When your mouth is dry and experiences a lack of saliva, bacteria and plaque buildup do not wash away as easily, causing a faster buildup of that same plaque and bacteria. Not maintaining proper oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing your teeth daily and in the correct manner can also speed up the development of bacteria, acids and plaque. Finally, some medical conditions or treatments can promote tooth decay. These include conditions and medications that cause dry mouth, as well as some radiation treatments for cancer that change the chemical makeup of saliva which encourages an increase in oral bacterial growth.

So, what happens when you have tooth decay? Untreated tooth decay can lead to tooth pain, infection or, at the most extreme, permanent tooth loss. You may experience a toothache, pressure when chewing or biting, or tooth sensitivity to cold, hot or even sweet food or drink. Signs of an infection from tooth decay include the development of an abscess that can lead to pain, fever or swelling of the face. An infected oral abscess is considered a dental emergency, and you should contact your dentist as soon as you develop signs of an infection.

To detect a cavity and signs of tooth decay, your dentist will examine your teeth for any sticky or soft areas, as well as likely take x-rays to detect any cavities and areas of decay not visible to the naked eye.

What About Your Gums?

Tooth decay and cavities affect your teeth - but your gums also play an important role! Buildup of bacterial plaque causes both gum disease and tooth decay. So, the same sticky plaque full of bacteria and acids that breaks down enamel also irritates your gum line and causes it to recede. This happens when plaque hardens over time into what is known as tartar, which makes it even easier for bacteria to grow.

Gum disease comes in many stages, starting with gingivitis. Plaque built up near your gums will cause them to become irritated, inflamed, swollen or to bleed easily. Further progression of plaque and tartar will lead to bacteria reaching underneath the gum line and attacking the supporting structures of your teeth which keep them in place. This advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis. To learn more about the relationship between tooth decay and gum disease, read our blog post, “What Is Periodontal Gum Disease?”

How to Stop Tooth Decay

The best way to stop tooth decay is to prevent it in the first place. Fortunately, most tooth decay is easily preventable. Here are the three primary ways you can prevent tooth decay:

Maintain properly daily oral hygiene. - At minimum, thoroughly brush your teeth twice per day with a fluoridated toothpaste. You should also floss at least once per day and use a mouthwash after every time you brush.
Watch what you eat and drink. - As previously mentioned, sugary food and drinks like pop make it much easier for bacteria and plaque to build up in your mouth. In general, aim for a balanced diet with limited intake of food and drinks high in starches and sugars. Snacking between meals should also be kept to a minimum.
See your dentist regularly for routine check-ups. - Daily oral hygiene is important, but our teeth still need professional cleanings by a dentist to remain as clean and healthy as possible. Seeing your dentist semi-annually ensures that plaque and tartar buildup are removed and that any cavities or other oral conditions can be diagnosed and treated.

Once tooth decay has caused a cavity to form, the emphasis of treatment changes from prevention to restoration. This is because cavities are irreversible. The only option is for the dentist to repair the tooth by cleaning out the affected area and providing a filling after the decayed part of your tooth has been removed. The filling consists of a strong material compatible with your tooth structure. Dental crowns and root canals may also be required to restore the tooth in the case of an advanced cavity.

Looking for a Chicago Dentist to Treat Tooth Decay?

The best way to prevent tooth decay is by seeing a dentist for early detection, treatment and preventive measures. Located between the border of Bucktown and Logan Square in Chicago, NK Family Dental provides a wide range of services, including periodontics and root canal treatment. Our complete checkups include professional teeth cleaning, digital x-rays, oral cancer screenings, DIAGNOdent cavity detection and fluoride applicators - along with examination for diagnosing your overall oral health.

Schedule your next visit with NK Family Dental through ZocDoc, or contact us directly to schedule an appointment or for any questions you may have.

What Your Toothache Could Mean

When you experience tooth pain, your first reaction might be to turn to Google or WebMD to see what your toothache could mean. Quickly, you might find yourself down a rabbit hole of everything that could be wrong, from the most mild causes to the most rare and severe. Don’t let this dental anxiety and fear get in the way of finding the right treatment for you. So, what could your toothache really mean? In today’s dental blog, we’re going to be discussing the signs and symptoms of toothaches, potential causes and your likely treatment options.

Signs and Symptoms

The Cleveland Clinic describes a toothache as “a pain in or around a tooth.” Toothaches can occur on a sliding scale of tooth pain, some being a mild irritation to others potentially being the sign of a dental emergency. The pain occurs when sensitive nerves within the soft inner pulp of your tooth become irritated or infected.

The signs and symptoms of a toothache can include:

Pain when pressing on the tooth, such as from biting or chewing.
Throbbing, sharp or constant tooth pain.
Swelling or inflammation around the tooth.
An accompanying headache or fever.
Foul-tasting drainage coming from an infected tooth.
Unusually bad breath.

Irritated, red or puffy gums or an abscess on your gums are also important signs to look for if you are experiencing any tooth pain. After all, your gums are essential to keeping your teeth healthy.

Potential Causes

With so many potential signs, there are even more potential causes of a toothache. Seeing a dentist is the only way to officially diagnose your toothache and know what treatment you’ll need. However, it can be helpful to know some of the most common causes of toothaches, as some causes come with other symptoms to look for.

Toothaches could indicate any of the following dental conditions:

Tooth decay, including cavities.
Cracked tooth.
Lost filling.
Infection inside or around the tooth, creating an abscess. These infections are often root canal infections.
Injury to the inside of the tooth, also known as the pulp, which can be caused from an external injury or irritation.
An impacted tooth, which is a tooth that has not grown through the gum line and which commonly occurs in wisdom teeth.

Aside from dental conditions, a toothache could also be a sign of:

A sinus infection, cluster headache or heart attack.
Diseases, such as diabetes.
Vitamin deficiencies.
Shingles or other viral infections.
Alcohol or drug use.
Trigeminal neuralgia or other nerve-related diseases.

Unhealthy gums can also lead to gum disease ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. When the gums are irritated or have receded, your teeth become increasingly at higher risk for developing tooth decay or experiencing injury.

What to Do If You Have a Toothache

If you have a toothache, it’s important to first self-assess the situation and your tooth pain. Some serious conditions may require you to make an emergency appointment with your dentist, while some other symptoms can be managed until you are able to see your dentist at the earliest possible appointment date.

Follow the following toothache first-aid steps from the Mayo Clinic, with the appropriate steps depending on your symptoms.

Contact your dentist right away if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, as these signs could indicate the need for an emergency dental exam:

Persistent pain lasting more than one or two days.
A fever with your toothache.
Any signs of infection, including swelling, red-looking gums, pain when biting or foul-tasting discharge.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

If your toothache is not as urgent, you should still call your dentist to make an appointment at the earliest possible availability. In the meantime, follow these tips at home to help reduce tooth pain and avoid further irritation:

Frequently rinse out your mouth with warm water.
Gently floss to remove any food particles that could be causing irritation between your teeth.
Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever* - but do not place the medication directly against your gums. Follow label directions for dosage.
For toothache caused by injury, place a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to help relieve pain.

*Avoid any OTC antiseptics or products containing benzocaine, and talk to your dentist prior to using benzocaine. Benzocaine has been linked to a serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which, while rare, can be deadly due to decreasing how much oxygen your blood can carry.

The course of treatment your dentist recommends depends upon the cause of your toothache. For severe toothaches, you may require a root canal procedure. Root canals historically have a poor reputation among dental patients, but developments in dental technology and treatment techniques have paved the way for a painless root canal experience with easy recovery. See our previous blog, “What to Expect with a Root Canal,” to learn more!

Chicago Toothache Treatment

A toothache is no walk in the park. Whether your tooth pain is severe or naggingly uncomfortable, we take your dental needs seriously at NK Family Dental. Look no further for your Bucktown or Logan Square dentist in Chicago! We serve a variety of dental needs, including emergency dental exams and root canal treatment. Dr. Nilofer Khan and our professional dental staff look forward to providing you with our high-quality, compassionate dental care.

Give us a call or book an appointment online with Zocdoc today!