When seeking full-mouth dental restoration, you will undoubtedly find many options. Making the right choice can be daunting. This blog discusses the two most common options: dentures and dental implants. Both have pros and cons that are essential to consider.
Whether you’ve lost teeth due to decay, gum disease, or injury, lost teeth can profoundly impact your quality of life. Dr. Nargiz Zadeh has the expertise to help you make the choice that improves your life and gives you the beautiful smile you deserve.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental prosthetics that replace missing teeth. They can be made as full dentures, which replace an entire set of teeth, or partial dentures, used when only a few teeth need replacing.
Dentures are non-invasive, as they sit on top of your gums, and their lower cost makes them the ideal option for many patients without dental insurance. Being fitted for dentures is quick, requiring only a few visits before you receive your final, custom-made set.
- Typically, your first step will be a consultation in which your dentist will make a mold of your mouth using an alginate impression or 3D mapping.
- This mold is sent to a manufacturer to manufacture your custom dentures. While you wait, you may receive a temporary set to make eating easier.
- Once your dentures arrive, you will return to the dentist to assess them for fit. They will make adjustments or send them back for alterations if necessary.
- Once your dentures fit comfortably, you will only need occasional checkups to ensure you are comfortable and don’t develop pressure sores.
While dentures are an excellent option, they are not suitable for everyone. For some, dentures can be uncomfortable and can affect their ability to speak correctly and eat without difficulty. They can also require adjustments over time but are relatively easy to modify should your oral structure change.
In some situations, wearers experience jawbone loss due to the lack of structure typically provided by natural teeth. Depending on your needs and circumstances, you may consider dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots implanted directly into the jawbone. These artificial roots act as posts that support dental caps or bridges. Dental implants have several benefits, making them an excellent choice for those who struggle to wear dentures or want a more permanent solution.
Dental implants are barely noticeable because the caps are carefully custom-shaped and color-matched to your skin tone and existing teeth to ensure they blend seamlessly with your appearance, creating a beautiful, natural smile. Due to their secure implantation into bone, they preserve the structural integrity of your mouth and face, preventing bone loss.
Dental implants can last for the rest of your life with proper care and regular checkups. The false caps may require replacement every 10-15 years, but they have been known to last much longer with stringent oral care. Because implants are sturdy and hold their shape, they can also restore normal speech and eating.
Dental implants can be significantly more expensive than dentures due to the surgical component, specialized equipment, and high-quality materials. The process for dental implants typically includes the following:
- An initial assessment with your dentist, who will do X-rays and perform a thorough exam to determine your oral health and bone density and establish your viability for dental implants.
- If there is not enough bone to secure the implants, you may need bone grafts, which can be expensive and take several months to heal.
- Once you have sufficient bone density and structure, your dentist will perform implantation surgery under local anesthetic.
- Next, you must wait for your gums to heal completely and for the bone to accept the implants. The body may reject the implants, which can delay the process.
- Once the implants have healed, your dentist will make small incisions to reopen the gums so that they can attach the abutments to the replacement teeth. Your gums will then heal, securing the implants and abutments in place.
Factors to Consider
Overall Health
Dental implants require surgery, so good general health is vital. Conditions like diabetes and heart disease can complicate the healing process and make you an unsuitable candidate for general anesthetic. Dentures might be a safer option if you have health concerns.
Bone Density
Successful implant placement requires a robust and dense jawbone that can support the implant. If you’ve been missing teeth for a while, you may have bone loss in some areas. Depending on the extent of the bone loss, you may be a candidate for bone grafting or need to consider alternatives.
Age
There is no upper age limit for dental implants as long as the patient is healthy. Younger patients often choose implants due to their longevity and natural appearance, whereas older patients typically choose dentures because they are less invasive.
Cost
A complete set of dentures can cost up to $6,000, while a full set of dental implants can cost up to $90,000. Costs play a significant role in choosing between the two options, especially for patients who don’t have dental insurance. While dentures are cheaper initially, they require frequent replacement and adjustment, which can increase long-term costs.
Making Your Decision
Your dentist will make a recommendation based on the results of your initial evaluation. Ultimately, the choice between dentures and implants is a personal one that depends on your unique circumstances.
At Dr. Nargiz Zadeh’s dental practice, we are committed to helping you find the solution that best suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. We understand this is a critical decision, so whether you choose dentures or implants, our goal is to restore your smile and improve your quality of life.
Contact Dr. Nargiz Zadeh to schedule your consultation. We can then work together to find the perfect solution for your full-mouth restoration.