By Maylands Dental Centre 
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may wonder which teeth replacement option is better for you. Dentures and dental implants are both viable options. Each has pros and cons, so deciding which is right for you can be tough.
This post will explore the differences between dentures and dental implants. We’ll also look at the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants and dentures so you can make an informed decision about your oral health.
Keep reading to learn more.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are screw-like posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to serve as artificial roots of teeth. They provide a strong foundation for dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Unlike dental appliances that are only supported by the gums, dental implants fuse with the jawbone to create a secure, long-lasting connection. The success rate for dental implants is quite high, and they can last for more than 20 years with proper care.
If you are missing one or more teeth, talk to your dentist about whether a tooth implant is right for you.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
The implant is a small metal post or a titanium screw placed in the jaw bone. The titanium implant serves as the artificial tooth root, taking the place of the lost natural tooth root.
Once the implant has healed, a metal connector piece, called an abutment, is placed on top of the implant. Finally, a dental prosthetic, such as a dental crown, bridge, or denture, which replaces missing teeth, is placed on top of the abutment.
Your dentist will develop a personalised treatment plan to ensure that your dental implants are placed correctly and that you experience a successful outcome.
The entire process is usually done in stages and takes several months to complete, so you will need to visit your dentist several times over a period of months to complete the process. Once the dental implant is in place, it should function like a natural tooth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants are quickly becoming the preferred treatment option for patients missing one or more teeth. And it’s no wonder why – dental implants offer many advantages over traditional dentures.
Here are just a few reasons to consider dental implants:
Dental implants are more durable than traditional dentures and can last for decades with proper care.
- Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth.
- Dental implants anchor into the jaw bone, providing additional support and stability. They don’t slip or move like traditional dentures.
- Dental implants can support a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full denture.
- Because they are securely anchored, dental implants eliminate the need for messy denture adhesives.
- Dental implants are easier to clean than dentures and require no special care or cleaning products.
- The success rate for dental implants is high, and complications are rare.
If you’re considering dental implants, discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your dentist to see if they’re the right choice for you.
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants may be a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth, but they’re not right for everyone. Here are some disadvantages of dental implants to consider before getting them:
- Dental implants require surgery, which carries some risks, such as infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and nerve damage.
- Dental implants require a strong jaw bone to support them, and if your jaw bone is too soft or thin, you may not be a good candidate for implants. Adequate bone density is a requirement for dental implant procedures.
- Dental implant treatment can be costly and may not be covered by dental insurance.
- If you have dental implants, you may need to avoid certain foods that can damage your implants, such as hard candy and sticky foods.
- There’s also a chance that your body may reject the implant, and this can happen even if you follow all of your dentist’s instructions for care after the surgery.
Dental implants are a suitable option for many people, but it’s important to weigh all the disadvantages before deciding about your oral health.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are oral prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. Depending on how many teeth are missing, an individual can receive either partial or complete dentures.
- Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain in the mouth. A metal framework or clasps attach to the remaining teeth, providing retention for the denture. The pontics (false teeth) are attached to the framework. Partial dentures can be removed from the mouth for easy cleaning.
- Complete dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are missing. The upper denture is usually held in place by natural suction, while stronger muscles and the tongue supports the lower. Complete dentures must be removed nightly for proper cleaning and soaking.
Each patient’s treatment plan is unique and depends on individual needs and desires. Dentists will work with patients to determine what type of denture is right for them based on factors such as budget, lifestyle, health history, and cosmetic concerns.
Dentur