Dentures vs Dental Implants

Do you have missing teeth on your jaws and need to replace them? If so, the dentist can recommend dentures or dental implants to replace the missing teeth. However, dentures and dental implants have several differences. Therefore, the dentist will examine your teeth first to determine which tooth replacement technique is right for you.

A denture is a dental prosthesis that your dentist can use to replace missing teeth on your whole jaw or a part of it. On the other hand, a dental implant is a biocompatible titanium screw that integrates with your jawbone to replace the roots of your missing teeth.

Choosing the Right Replacements for Your Missing Teeth

Before choosing a dental restoration for your teeth, you should consult your dentist. Your dentist will recommend a dental restoration procedure depending on your conditions. The dentist can also advise you on the pros and cons of each dental restoration technique to enable you to weigh them and help you choose the right ones for you.

Dentures

If you have missing teeth on your whole jaw or a part of it, the dentist can recommend dentures to replace them. Depending on the number of missing teeth, the dentist can recommend full or partial dentures.

When getting dentures, you don’t need enough bone since the dentist places the prosthesis over the gums. Therefore, if you have an unhealthy jawbone and not ready for a bone graft, the dentist can recommend dentures.

Some of the pros you enjoy when you get dentures include:

• You can get dentures even if you have an unhealthy jawbone, thus doesn’t require bone grafting
• Dentures are cheaper than dental implants since they don’t require surgery
• The procedure for getting dentures is non-invasive since the dentist doesn’t have to drill through your jawbone
• It is easy to fix dentures if they get damaged
• Denture allow your gums and jaw to heal after tooth extraction

The cons of getting dentures include:

• Dentures can slip out when you are eating or speaking
• They can affect your speech as well as the taste of food
• The dental prosthesis can cause bone deterioration and sore gums since you have to remove them for cleaning
• Partial dentures pose a risk of tooth decay and gum problems on the adjacent teeth
• Unlike dental implants, dentures are less comfortable and lack stability

Dental Implants

Dental implants are replacements for your missing teeth roots. Therefore, the procedure for placing the implants involves surgery.

When you choose dental implants to replace your missing teeth, the dentist will first examine your jaw to check if there is enough bone for the titanium screws. If the jawbone is not enough for the dental implants, your dentist might recommend a bone graft.

After placing the dental implants, your dentist will recommend some months of recovery before placing the tooth cap or full-arch bridge.

Depending on the number of teeth you are lacking, there are several types of dental implants. If you have only one missing tooth, the dentist will recommend a single dental implant. For multiple missing teeth, the dentist can recommend all-on-4, all-on-5, or all-on-6 dental implants to hold a dental bridge in place.

Some of the pros of getting dental implants include:

• Stability since the titanium screws integrate with the jawbone
• Dental implants maintain the original structure of the jawbone
• Implants are more natural-looking since they are under the gums, and you don’t have to remove them for cleaning
• More durable and have a longevity period of more than 20 years if well taken care of
• Titanium is biocompatible thus has no side effects on your jaw or gums

Dental implants have some demerits, such as:

• Dental implants are more expensive compared to dentures since they require surgery
• You might require bone grafting if you don’t have sufficient bone to support the dental implants.

With the pros and cons of dentures and implants, you can weigh them and make a choice.

The Takeaway

Now that you know the differences as well as the advantages of dentures and dental implants, you need to consider other factors such as your smile needs and ability to take care of your dental restorations. Therefore, at Golf Links Dental we listen to your concerns before advising you on the right dental restorations.