It may sound surprising, but a high percentage of people experience tooth loss. The reasons can vary from accidents, tooth decay, or gum disease.
When it happens, it is necessary to replace the missing tooth to avoid further oral health problems. Not to mention, this will also help you restore your smile and regain teeth functionality.
If you are missing one or more teeth and are now considering your options, you may wonder what's best for you: dental implants or dentures.
Let's learn the differences between the two.
What Are Dental Implants
When you choose to replace a tooth with a dental implant, the restoration is done starting with the root. A metal post is inserted in the jawbone, acting as the tooth root. Then an abutment is fixed on the metal post. This will serve as a connection between the metal post and crown or artificial tooth.
An implant helps keep a healthy jawbone structure as it will continue to receive stimulation as with natural teeth.
Dental implants are a permanent and fixed solution, and the crown usually has a long lifespan.
What Are Dentures
Dentures are teeth replacements that use the surrounding tissues as support. Dentures are removable and can be either partial or complete.
Partial dentures are suited when you still have some natural teeth that you can use as support. Complete dentures are needed when all of your natural teeth are missing.
Implants Vs. Dentures
While both of these dental restoration procedures can replace missing teeth, there are some significant differences between them, such as:
- Dental implants are fixed solutions, while dentures are removable and need to be removed for cleaning and maintenance.
- Dental implants feel and act just like natural teeth, while some patients have reported that dentures can feel uncomfortable and it takes some time to adjust to them. Since dentures are not fixed, they can also move when speaking and eating.
- There are also hybrid dentures that use dental implants to make them fixed.
- Dentures are less expensive when compared to dental implants.
- The adjustment time for dentures is longer than for dental implants, which feel natural.
- Dentures need to be replaced every few years, while implants only require crown replacement if it has been damaged in any way.
- Dental implant process is longer than the one for dentures.
- Dental implants require surgery, dentures do not.
Are You Looking for Teeth Replacement Options? Let Us Help You!
If it's hard to choose between implants and dentures, then it's best to talk to your Mission Valley dentist. They will help you understand which solution is best for you based on your needs, oral health, and budget.
At Rio Vista Family Dentistry, we can help you find the right solution for you. We are a family-friendly practice and offer advanced dental services in a friendly and calm environment.
Contact us today and schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.
