An excessively-damaged or lost tooth must be extracted and replaced in a timely manner to prevent facial sagging and an array of additional oral health problems. The question is what route to take when replacing the tooth in question. Dental implants and dentures are the top options. Though most people favor dental implants, dentures are still a viable option in 2019. Let’s take a look at both options to determine which is best for your mouth.
Dental implants1 are artificial teeth connected to the jawbone and topped with a protective crown. It will take several months for the dental implants’ titanium rods to firmly connect to the jawbone through a process of osseointegration. This process involves the titanium implant forming a strong connection with the jaw’s living bone to serve as a base for a crown. Though dental implants certainly require some patience and are more costly than dentures, they are well worth the wait. Once your dental implants are in place, you will feel as though you have brand new teeth in your mouth. You can smile, laugh, eat and open your mouth for any other reason in front of others without worry of onlookers thinking less of you. Your dental implant really will look and function just like a regular tooth.
Also referred to as false teeth, dentures are prosthetic tooth replacements. Dentures remain secure in the mouth with the support provided by surrounding hard/soft tissue within the oral cavity. Though dentures are certainly functional, they are outdated compared to dental implants. Do not commit to dentures until you have thoroughly reviewed the merits and drawbacks of dental implants. Without further adieu, let’s take a closer look at the differences between dental implants and dentures.
Dentures make it that much easier to chew food, pronounce words and maintain your facial appearance. Dentures provide essential support to the cheeks and the lips. This tooth replacement solution corrects and prevents additional facial collapse that results from lost teeth. Though dentures are not as aesthetically pleasing as dental implants, they are certainly more visually appealing than empty spaces between your teeth resulting from tooth extractions or lost teeth.
Unlike dental implants, dentures must be cleaned every single day. Dentures, similar to regular teeth, allowing plaque and tartar to accumulate. If you do not clean your dentures every single day, they will eventually accumulate harmful plaque and tartar that compromises your oral health. Another problem with dentures is they must be worn throughout the entirety of the day. The only time you can remove your dentures aside from refitting sessions at the dentist’s office is for sleep.
Faithfully remove your dentures prior to hitting the hay and your mouth tissues will have an opportunity to recover. This recovery period is necessary to prevent a potentially nasty fungal infection. Those in need of dentures should refrain from smoking. If you smoke after your dentures are placed in your mouth, the heat from the cigarette or cigar will damage denture acrylic and possibly burn the soft tissue in your mouth.
Dental implants look and function similar to the natural teeth that still remain in your mouth. Spend the extra money for dental implants and you will find eating and speaking is easy and comfortable, especially when compared to dentures. Take proper care of your dental implants and they might last for several decades or even the entirety of your life. Perhaps the best aspect of dental implants is their convenience. Once your dental implants are in place, there is no reason to remove them from your mouth. In terms of maintenance, dental implants are similar to regular teeth. Your dental implants must be brushed and flossed to eliminate plaque and food particles in your mouth.
In short, yes. However, the chances of dental implants failing are minimal, especially if you are a non-smoker. The lifespan of your dental implants hinges on the strength of your jawbone, your unique oral health and your willingness to floss and brush with regularity. The crown placed atop the titanium implant has the potential to become discolored. Dental implant connections must be replaced every few years. However, these minor negatives pale in comparison to the downside of dentures as detailed above.
As time progresses, more and more patients will favor dental implants over dentures even though dental implants require upwards of a 6-month wait for the process of osseointegration to complete. Opt for dental implants and you will not have to worry about whether you can eat certain foods. Ask anyone who wears dentures about their dietary limitations, and you will be inundated with complaints about no longer being able to eat sticky and crunchy food. Dentures trap food particles, dramatically spiking the chances of gum disease.
There is no risk of ruining dental implants by dropping them as they remain in your mouth at all times. If your dentures were to slip out of your hand during a cleaning session, they would likely break upon contact with the hard floor. There is no sense worrying about breaking your dentures when dental implants are available for slightly more money.
If you can afford dental implants, you have every reason to choose them overdentures. Though comparably costly, dental implants are more reliable, convenient and visually pleasing. Meet with our dental health team for an in-depth analysis of your mouth and we will determine if your unique jawbone is capable of supporting dental implants. Even if your face is comparably small and you do not have a well-defined jawbone, you will still likely qualify as an excellent candidate for dental implants.
We have your tooth replacement needs covered. Whether you are interested in dental implants, dentures, dental restorations, a 6-month cleaning or a dental examination, contact us today. You can schedule an appointment online or reach us by phone at (925) 693-7077.
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