Choosing Between Dental Implants and Dentures

If you are looking to replace missing or failing teeth, there are two common solutions: dental implants and dentures. However, each has its advantages and disadvantages. This blog will explore the differences between implants and dentures to help you decide which is best for you.

Dental implants

Dental implants are the preferred choice for patients looking for a permanent tooth replacement option. They can last up to 15 or 20 years with proper care. However, the patient will need to undergo oral surgery to get them.

Implants are biocompatible titanium or ceramic posts that are inserted into the jawbone. Once they have fused to the bone in a process known as “osseointegration,” they are typically capped with dental crowns, which are toothlike caps used to repair damaged teeth. The result is a dental restoration that resembles natural teeth in appearance and function.

Pros and cons

The pros are unique to dental implants because implants themselves are unique from other dental restorations. Some benefits include:

• A long lifespan: Implants can last up to 20 years.
• Look and feel like real teeth: Others will unlikely be able to tell the difference.
• Stimulate the jawbone: There is no need to worry about a sunken facial appearance due to bone loss.
• Enhance one’s smile, speech, and chewing ability: Implants restore the functionality and appearance of the teeth, making eating, talking, and socializing easier.

While dental implants have a small risk of infection, dentists will take every step necessary to prevent improper placement, infection, and other issues. In addition, the entire dental restoration will likely take months, as the implants must fuse to the jawbone and heal before dentists can place the crowns. Fortunately, having an experienced oral surgeon place implants and following their aftercare instructions can help reduce these risks and shorten the healing process.

Dentures

Dentures are the traditional tooth replacement option, consisting of two removable oral appliances that look like teeth. Most patients do not need pre-prosthetic surgery in order to get dentures. This helps to make them a more affordable dental restoration. However, people must remove the dentures before sleep to prevent health problems and for cleaning. Typically, that means soaking them overnight in water or a cleaning solution.

Benefits and risks

Although they do not carry the risks associated with surgery, dentures have disadvantages. They leave the jawbone unstimulated, resulting in bone loss and a sunken facial appearance. There is also an adjustment period for eating and talking with dentures, as they may initially slip out. However, most people can adjust in about a month’s time.

After the adjustment period, dentures can improve one’s nutrition by enhancing chewing ability. Speech should improve as well. Patients can also enjoy the confidence of a full smile. The primary benefits of dentures over implants are their affordability and accessibility.