Dental implants and dentures are common tooth replacement options. They differ significantly, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. Choosing between them requires careful consideration of several important factors, such as their unique procedures and maintenance. This blog breaks down each option and compares them to help you decide which may be better for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing or severely damaged teeth. An implant consists of three components: a titanium post, an abutment, and a crown. The post is surgically implanted into the jawbone, then the abutment is attached, and finally, the crown is placed. Dental implants are more invasive than dentures, but their benefits make them popular.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental prosthetics. Dentures can be partial, replacing only specific missing teeth, or complete, replacing all your natural teeth. While dentures are not a permanent solution, they have considerable benefits, making them the preferable option for many patients. Deciding which is better is based on your choice and the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
What Are the Pros And Cons of Dental Implants?
You must understand the pros and cons of each option to make a fully informed decision. Dental implants have many benefits, but disadvantages may make them unsuitable for your needs.
Pros
1. In the long term, dental implants are significantly more durable and, with proper care, can last a lifetime. If worn or damaged, the crown may require occasional replacement, but the titanium post fuses to the bone, becoming a permanent part of your body.
2. Dental implants provide the same bite strength as natural teeth, making eating easy. When fully healed, you can eat all your favorite foods. However, you should remain cautious of particularly hard or sticky foods as they may dislodge the crown.
3. Implants have the unique benefit of preventing bone deterioration. When teeth are missing from the mouth, the underlying jawbone can disintegrate, eventually leading to a sunken appearance. Once integrated, the titanium post will prevent this collapse.
Cons
1. Implants require surgical placement, making the process longer and more painful. There are several weeks of healing between phases, meaning the process can take several months. While it is manageable with rest and medication, the pain is often disconcerting for potential implant patients.
2. If you already have significant bone loss, you may need bone grafting surgery. Bone grafts require additional healing and add to the overall cost. Some patients may be ineligible if the bone loss cannot be corrected with a graft. Sometimes, the body may reject the graft, and you may need another or be deemed unsuitable.
3. Dental implants can be very expensive. Due to the complexity of the process and the surgical elements involved, you can expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,200 per tooth. A full set of implants can cost up to $70,000, depending on your location and chosen dentist. This expense is a common reason for patients to choose dentures over implants.
What Are the Pros And Cons of Dentures?
Dentures are commonly associated with seniors, but there are many scenarios in which dentures can be beneficial. Dentures may be a better option depending on the health of your jawbone, gums, and remaining natural teeth. When you visit your dentist to discuss tooth replacement options, they will perform a thorough examination to determine your candidacy.
Pros
1. The timeline for getting dentures is drastically shorter than dental implants. From consultation to the final result, you may need only three appointments. Dentures can take a few weeks to manufacture, but no surgery is involved. Dentures are often preferable for older patients due to their non-invasive nature. Likewise, they are a temporary solution for those under 18 whose parents don’t want them to undergo surgery yet.
2. The cost of dentures is considerably lower than implants. Based on the material, customization, and your location, you can pay up to $15,000 for a full set of premium dentures. However, cheaper options in less expensive materials range from $600 to $3,000 for a full set.
Cons
1. Compared to implants, which are maintained in the same way as natural teeth, dentures require much more involved care. You must remove and brush them after every meal to remove debris and build-up. They also can’t be worn overnight and must be soaked in a special solution. Dentures also don’t last as long as implants and require replacement every five to seven years.
2. Dentures can cause more discomfort than implants because they are not permanently attached. You may experience some shifting while eating and talking, which can deter many patients. For many, this isn’t an issue and can be managed with a high-quality adhesive and avoiding specific foods.
Expert Guidance for Your Dental Restoration
The choice between dental implants and dentures comes down to your personal preference and your oral health. Your dentist will guide and advise you to ensure you make the best choice for your needs. It’s important to remember that while these two options are the most popular, some alternatives exist, like dental bridges.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Nargiz Zadeh to discuss your choices, explore the options and determine what suits your needs and lifestyle. While making this decision can be complicated, Dr. Zadeh will give you all the information you need to feel comfortable before you proceed.