Dentures or Implants: What’s the Best Tooth Replacement Option for Me?

Missing teeth doesn’t have to be a long-term issue.
Missing teeth is a common issue, with patients of all ages losing one, several, or all of their teeth at some point. Tooth replacement is essential to ensure proper function and protect your long-term oral health. Given there are many different options available today, making the right decision can be overwhelming.
On that note, here’s what you should know before making your choice.
Overview of Dentures
Dentures are a traditional solution for dealing with missing teeth, but they can vary widely in their specific construction and features. There are full denture sets that replace an entire smile, as well as partial dentures for dealing with only some missing teeth.
The typical dentures most people think of are the former—a full set of replacement teeth supported by a base with the shape and coloration of gum tissue. The replacement teeth themselves can be made from various types of plastics, resins, or even porcelain for high-end dentures.
The problem with full dentures, however, is that they simply sit on the gums, which often leads to issues with stability and comfort. Biting and chewing require transferring pressure through the gums to the dentures, which may cause additional discomfort.
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that affordable dentures provide the simplest solution for full-mouth rehabilitation, as they provide an entirely new smile without the need for any surgeries or other invasive procedures.
Overview of Dental Implants
Dental implants represent some of the most significant advancements in modern restorative dentistry. Often made of titanium and featuring screw-like bases, they are embedded into the jawbone through a surgical procedure. The result is a strong foundation for replacement teeth that improves many aspects of their performance.
Over several months, the implants will bond with the jawbone. At that point, the final replacement teeth are placed either by means of a single dental crown or permanent dentures for full arch replacement.
As tooth implants require surgery, they are generally more costly, which means that certain patients won’t be suitable candidates. Low jawbone density, pre-existing conditions, and other concerns may make undergoing dental implant surgery inadvisable as well.
In cases where dental implants are an option, though, they are often the preferred one. They allow patients to avoid the discomfort and slippage of removable dentures, protect against long-term jawbone deterioration, and enable the patient to bite, chew, and speak confidently, given their strong foundation.
Factors to Consider
There are many potential factors to consider when choosing between dentures and dental implants. Both have considerable benefits for patients with missing teeth and are suited for a variety of different situations.
Cost is among the most pressing factors for most patients. Dental implant placement requires at least one surgical procedure and possibly more if bone grafting is necessary beforehand. Dentures are much more affordable, as they require zero invasive procedures and are relatively quick and easy to both prepare and fit for a new patient.
However, while dental implants cost more at the start, they last longer than dentures. In fact, the implants themselves are typically for life, and crowns and full arch replacements last a decade or more. Dentures are likely to require replacement at least every five years to ensure a proper fit.
Furthermore, living with dentures requires significantly more maintenance than dental implants. You’ll need to remove and clean your dentures, and you may need denture adhesive for fit and comfort. With dental implants, your oral hygiene routine isn’t all that different from caring for natural teeth.
Lastly, dental implants are also more comfortable than removable dentures. Since they use the jawbone as a foundation, any potential pressure on the gums while biting and chewing is avoided. Dentures, in contrast, are prone to slip and move, leading to irritation caused by frequent abrasion.
Personalized Recommendations
While you can consider how these factors might sway your decision, the only way to find out for sure which is right for you is to speak with your dentist. Your case, like any other, is unique, so no amount of general advice will do. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, jawbone integrity, risk factors, lifestyle, and more to determine which restorative dentistry option is right for you.
Find the right tooth replacement option with help from your dentist in OKC.
Replacing your missing teeth can safeguard your oral health, restore function, and boost your confidence. Both dental implants and dentures are potential options that could suit your unique situation. But, the only way to know which is best for you is to speak with a trusted group of professionals, like the team at Lake Pointe Dental Group. Schedule a consultation today to find out more about your tooth replacement options.