Dental implants and dentures are both common ways to replace missing teeth. How do you know which is the best option for your particular case? Dr. Jim Lassiter discusses both dentures and dental implants in Jay, FL.
All About Dentures
Removable dentures are typically used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. They’re usually made up of a resin and metal base that supports ceramic or plastic teeth. Some of the biggest upsides of dentures are that they’re cheaper upfront than implants and you can get your final restoration sooner.
However, there are definitely drawbacks to dentures. When you lose teeth, your jawbone deteriorates without the tooth root there. Since dentures don’t replace the tooth root, the jawbone will continue to deteriorate through the years. The denture won’t fit right and you’ll need to pay for it to be readjusted or replaced down the road.
Dentures also only give you back about 30-40% of your bite function. Certain foods will have to be eliminated from your diet because they won’t be able to be chewed with your dentures. Finding a usable adhesive is important as well. With an adhesive that doesn’t work well, the dentures can slip or fall out when you’re eating or talking.
With removable dentures, it’s important that you clean them thoroughly each night. This means you’ll have to take them out to clean and/or soak them at the end of the day. You want to make sure adhesive and other things don’t build up on them.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
At our dental office, we recommend dental implants as the top choice for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are made up of three separate parts. First, a titanium post is implanted in the jaw. Then, a piece called an abutment is attached to connect the post to the final restoration. The final restoration is typically a dental crown, but dental implants can also support a dental bridge or fixed denture.
With dental implants, you’ll pay more upfront, but won’t have to pay anything else down the line. Implants take longer to get a final restoration because it takes 3-6 months for the implant post to heal. However, this is the only dental restoration that can replace the tooth root. This means that the implants will fuse with the jawbone, stopping further deterioration and the stability you need.
Dental implants give you back 100% of your bite function. You can eat all foods freely with implants. You also don’t have to worry about them slipping or sliding and can follow a normal oral care routine. As long as you brush and floss regularly and continue bi-annual dental visits, implants are a solution for years to come!
Getting Dental Implants in Jay, Florida
Do dental implants sound like the best solution for you? Call us or schedule an appointment online.