Dental Implants Vs. Dentures: Choosing The Right Solution
Posted on: 24 February 2023
Loss of teeth affects not only your appearance but your oral health as well. If you lose one or more teeth, filling the gap can reduce the risk of oral health problems.
Tooth replacement is also a viable option that supports remaining healthy teeth on both sides not to move or become crooked. Two of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth are using dentures or dental implants.
Here's a rundown of what you should know about the two teeth replacement procedures.
Procedure
Of the two procedures, a dental implant is more complex but is more reliable. The implant needs enough bone to fit the screw-like inserts that hold the crown.
First, the dentist extracts the damaged root and then drills a hole in the jawbone to accommodate a dental implant. The dentist then implants a prosthetic root made of metal, called the post, deep into the bone. When the bone grows around the post, the dentist will place a crown and fix it in place.
Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth that dentists make to fit your mouth regardless of your bone density. Dentures are bound to the gums with a particular type of adhesive.
A dentist usually orders the primary set of dentures from the laboratory. The dentist will then place the initial dentures in your mouth and adjust the alignment. The lab will use the primary set of denture results to design the final set.
Cost
For many people choosing between dentures and implants, the cost is usually the most important factor. Dentures are much cheaper than implants, especially when replacing many teeth. The price of the two procedures may vary depending on many other factors, but generally, the cost of dental implants can be quite high.
Functionality
Dental implants are a product of titanium comparable to natural teeth in performance. After recovering from a dental implant procedure, you can chew, talk and smile normally.
Dental implants fuse with the bones and prevent the bone from receding, keeping the jaw dense and strong. Dentures are more fragile than dental implants and can easily break. As a result, you may not be able to chew or bite as hard with dentures.
With the loss of bones in the jaw over time, dentures may become loose in your mouth. When dentures become loose, have them relined or replaced soon.
When carefully reviewing all the options for replacing missing teeth, consider what you expect from the prosthetics. Knowing your priorities will help you make an informed final decision. You can also consult a dentist for professional advice on the right kind of tooth replacement.
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