Thanks to the ongoing advancements in dental technology, modern dentistry offers incredible solutions for missing teeth. If you’ve been impacted by the loss of teeth, two options typically stand out: dentures and dental implants. This blog explores both choices to help you make an informed decision about which is right for you.
Dentures
Dentures are oral prosthetics that mimic missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. Dentures are available in two types: complete and partial. Complete dentures are a full set of prosthetic teeth used when all natural teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are used to fill in gaps when there are remaining natural teeth.
The Denture Procedure
Dentures involve several steps, which include:
- The initial consultation and examination to determine if you are a good candidate for dentures.
- Taking impressions of your mouth that are used to create trial dentures.
- Crafting, fitting, and adjusting the trial dentures.
- Crafting and fitting the final dentures.
- Follow-up appointments and minor adjustments.
Potential Denture Drawbacks
While dentures have been commonly used for many years, there are some challenges a new user can experience.
- Initial discomfort and adjustment period
- Denture slippage while eating and speaking
- Gum irritation
- Adjustments required over time
Denture Maintenance
Proper care is crucial for extending the longevity of your dentures. Dentures don’t last forever, but proper maintenance can significantly impact their lifespan.
- Daily cleaning with denture-specific cleaners
- Overnight soaking
- Regular dental check-ups
- Replacing dentures every 5-10 years
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial dental roots surgically implanted into the jawbone to support a false tooth or dental bridge. They are an excellent, long-term solution for missing teeth.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The implant process is more complex and time-consuming than dentures. It is also more invasive as it involves a surgical component. The steps to get dental implants include:
- Initial consultation and planning.
- Extraction of damaged teeth.
- Jawbone grafting if the natural bone is damaged.
- Implant placement surgery.
- Healing and fusion of implant to the bone (osseointegration)
- Abutment (crown attachment) placement
- Crown attachment
The process can take several months due to the healing time required between steps.
Potential Dental Implant Complications
Dental implants are a safe, effective, and commonly used tooth replacement method, but with the added surgical component, there are associated risks.
- Infections at the implant site
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Nerve damage
- Sinus damage for upper jaw implants
- Implant rejection
Maintenance of Dental Implants
Dental implants require the same strict dental hygiene as natural teeth, which includes:
- Daily brushing and flossing
- Bi-annual dental check-ups
Another factor to consider with implants is avoiding hard food that can prematurely damage the crowns. These crowns will require replacement every 10-15 years. However, if properly cared for, the implant will most likely last for the rest of your life.
Comparing Dentures and Dental Implants
Let’s recap the critical factors of each method to help you decide which option is best for you.
- Durability: Implants last for life, while dentures need regular replacement.
- Comfort: Implants will feel completely natural once fully healed, while dentures can be noticeably foreign in your mouth.
- Functionality: Implants provide a bite force close to natural teeth, but dentures can slip.
- Appearance: Both options can be precisely color-matched to provide a natural appearance.
- Bone health: The implant posts stimulate bone growth over time, but dentures may lead to a decline in bone density.
- Cost: Dentures can be more affordable depending on how many teeth need replacement. If only a few teeth need replacing, implants can be more cost-effective in the long term.
- Procedure: Dentures are non-invasive and require no downtime between steps. However, implants are highly invasive and require considerable healing periods.
Choosing between dental implants and dentures is an important decision that can depend on numerous factors you should discuss with your dentist. One of the main factors to consider is your overall health and ability to receive anesthesia for surgery. The condition of your jawbone will also impact your dentist’s recommendation.
Budget and insurance coverage are other vital factors influencing your decision, as the prices vary significantly. There is no right or wrong choice; only the choice that best suits your lifestyle.
Making Your Decision
While the choices may feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to phone us and ask any questions you may have. We understand this is a big decision that should not be made without careful consideration. Contact Dr. Nargiz Zadeh to discuss your options and book your consultation.