Losing one or more teeth will affect more than your smile. You may feel less confident in your appearance or develop problems speaking, eating, or biting. However, dental implants or dentures can restore your smile.
Many people have difficulty choosing between those dental treatments because they both have advantages and disadvantages. If you need to replace lost teeth, consider the guide below to make an informed decision about dental implants and dentures.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable artificial teeth that include synthetic gum tissue. The entire prosthesis covers the missing teeth by resting on the gums and creating suction to the roof of your mouth. Most dental laboratories make dentures using durable acrylic.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are surgical tooth replacements. An oral surgeon performs the dental implant procedure by surgically embedding tiny titanium screws into your jaw bone where a tooth is missing. After the bone and gum tissues fuse to the screw, the surgeon will install an artificial tooth onto the abutment sticking out on top of the gum line.
It can take at least two months for the screw and jaw bone fusion to occur. However, if you have moderate or severe bone density loss, you may need a bone graft to support the dental implant. Grafting will extend the treatment period before you can enjoy a renewed smile with your new teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Both Treatments?
Dentures and dental implants have positive and negative effects. For instance, dental implants have a 95% success rate, but you might not be a good candidate for the procedure if you don’t have healthy gums or sufficient bone density.
Here are other benefits of dental implants and dentures to consider.
Dentures Are Less Invasive
The most significant difference between dentures and implants is surgery. It can take several weeks or months for a dental lab to make custom dentures that look natural and fit well inside your mouth. However, the process doesn’t require invasive surgery like dental implants.
Dental Implants Permanently Replace Lost Teeth
You might not want to use a removable prosthesis to replace missing teeth. In that case, dental implants are the better option. Since an oral surgeon implants the screws into your jaw bone, the teeth are more durable and will not move, even when eating.
Dentures Are More Affordable
Dental implants can be expensive due to the multiple dental appointments, surgery, and custom artificial teeth. However, dentures are a more affordable option and can produce a beautiful smile.
Dental Implants Prevent Jaw Bone Deterioration
When you lose a tooth, its root is no longer available to stimulate jaw bone growth. However, dental implants replace the missing tooth root, so the bone can restore its density and reduce deterioration.
Allow Coast Family Dental to Restore Your Smile
No matter your stance on the dentures vs. dental implants debate, you can rely on Coast Family Dental in Currimundi, QLD, to expertly handle either procedure. If you need replacement teeth, our family-owned dental practice can create the best treatment plan for your oral health and cosmetic needs. Call (07) 5437 9000 for an appointment.
