Two of the most popular options to replace missing teeth are dentures and dental implants. But how do you know which is the better choice? Dr. Georgia Haddad of Beach Cities Dental Group discusses the positives and negatives of both dentures and dental implants in Oxnard, CA.
What to Know About Dentures
Removable dentures are typically thought of to replace a full arch of missing teeth, but partial dentures are also an option. They’re made of a resin and metal base that supports ceramic or plastic teeth. Some of the best benefits of dentures are that they’re less expensive upfront and you can get your final restoration faster because there’s no surgical element.
However, dentures do come with a lot of drawbacks. While they’re cheaper upfront, you may incur more costs down the line. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area starts to deteriorate. Because dentures don’t replace the tooth root, the jawbone continues to deteriorate in that area. It gets to the point where you have to get the denture readjusted or replaced to continue to use it without issues.
Dentures only give you back around 30-40% of your bite function. They require adhesive to stay in your mouth. Because of this, you risk the restoration slipping or falling out when you’re eating or speaking. You’ll have to remove certain foods from your diet because the dentures can’t handle them. At night, they need to be removed and thoroughly cleaned properly.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are often considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. They’re made up of three separate parts. First, a titanium post is implanted into the jawbone. Next, a piece called an abutment is used to attach the post to the final restoration. The final restoration is usually a dental crown, but implants can also support a fixed bridge or denture.
Many people balk at the price of implants upfront. But with implants, you don’t have to worry about additional surprise costs down the road. Implants are the only option that replaces your tooth root as well as the crown. This prevents the jawbone from deteriorating further and can even help to reverse some of the deterioration that’s already occurred.
Dental implants do take longer to get as well. This is because the implant posts are surgically placed in your jawbone. After this is done, it takes 3-6 months to properly heal before proceeding. But this process is what gives implants the stability they’re known for. They fuse with the jawbone during this time. Implants give you back 100% of your bite function.
Even with advancements in dental technology, dentures are still bulky and take some getting used to. You don’t have this problem with implants. Particularly when they’re topped with a dental crown, they both look and feel the most natural. There’s no extra maintenance either. Simply brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly like normal.
Getting Dental Implants in Oxnard, California
Do dental implants sound like the right option to replace your missing teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment online.