Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?
Have you experienced tooth loss? If so, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our dental implant dentists in Plymouth, MI. Our office is proud to offer both dental implants and dentures to patients so they can smile with renewed confidence. The type of treatment we recommend will ultimately depend on your oral health, budget, and personal preference.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about dentures, dental implant treatment and why the latter is often preferred by patients.
Dentures
are an oral appliance made to look and function like natural teeth. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, our dentists may recommend a full or partial denture. While a full denture replaces an entire arch of teeth, a partial denture only replaces a few teeth. We can help you explore the different types of dentures available, including partial, complete, conventional, and immediate dentures.
Dentures sit on top of your gums and must be removed before you go to sleep so your gums have a chance to recover. When you’re not wearing your denture appliances, they’ll need to be submerged in a glass of water or denture cleanser so they don’t dry out, crack, and warp. You will need to regularly clean your dentures as if they were real teeth to prevent the growth of bacteria, which can cause bad breath.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) that’s placed in your jaw to later support a crown.
There are several benefits of dental implants. For example, many patients appreciate that dental implants look and function like natural teeth. This means that you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods without worrying about slipping dentures.
Take care of your dental implants like you would natural teeth by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily. The results of the dental implant procedure can last a lifetime with proper care.
Should I Get Dentures or Dental Implants?
While dentures are more affordable than dental implant treatment, they don’t solve the problem of jawbone deterioration. As soon as your body detects a missing tooth, it’ll start to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere.
Once this happens, the area of the jaw where the tooth root used to be weakens and deteriorates. Teeth adjacent to the gap will also start to tilt toward the open space. Eventually, the patient may experience facial collapse, which alters the shape of the face and makes it difficult to wear dentures.
The best way to prevent further tooth loss and jawbone deterioration is to ask our dentists if you’re a candidate for the . In general, we recommend dental implants whenever possible so patients can avoid potential long-term health issues from missing teeth.
If you’re missing a number of teeth, implant-supported dentures are another option to consider. They’re similar to traditional dentures, but they’re supported by strategically-placed dental implants so they won’t slip or slide when you chew or talk. Ask our dental implant dentists which options work best for your particular case.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
You’re a candidate for dental implants if you have healthy gum tissue and sufficient bone density in your jaw to place the implant. For successful osseointegration, there has to be enough jawbone tissue to support the titanium dental implant that’s placed in your jawbone.
Our dentists will be able to determine if you’re a likely candidate for dental implant surgery. Even if you’re not a candidate, they can help you explore your other tooth replacement options.
Book a Dental Implant Consultation
Ready to take the next step? Our dental implant dentists in Plymouth, MI, are accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. To book an appointment, please call Plymouth Dentistry at (734) 459-7110. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.