Is It Better to Have Dentures or Dental Implants?

by | Nov 25, 2022

If you are missing a tooth or teeth, you may be considering dental implants in Rochester, NY, to restore the look and function of your smile. Missing teeth are more than an issue of self-consciousness. If you have a missing tooth and fail to replace it, you can have issues with your remaining teeth, like a misaligned bite or additional tooth loss.

There’s a lot to consider with tooth restoration options. Dental implants are an excellent replacement for a missing tooth, but dentures are more affordable. Which one is right for your needs? The best way to make a choice is to speak with a periodontist about your individual circumstances, but we’ll cover some of the differences between dental implants and dentures here.

Dentures vs. Dental Implants

Choosing dentures or dental implants depends on several factors. Here’s what to consider:

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Intervention for Missing Teeth and Recovery Time

Dental Implants

Dental implants require a surgical procedure that places a titanium post into your jawbone in place of a natural tooth root. The implant fuses to the bone over time in a process called osseointegration. This typically takes several months, creating a strong anchor for the dental crown.

If there is insufficient bone density in the jaw, a bone graft may be required before the dental implant is placed. This is another surgical procedure and will require recovery before placing the implant. In some cases, it can take over a year to complete the dental implant process.

The dental implant process isn’t a quick fix, but once it’s complete, you will have a new tooth or teeth that should last a lifetime.

Dentures

The process for dentures is not as involved. Therefore, getting dentures is faster – typically between six weeks and three months from start to finish. Dentures don’t require surgery or recovery time unless you get implant-supported dentures.

Function and Aesthetics

Dental Implants

Dental implants replace the entire tooth, from the root to the crown, as a permanent solution. They function as a natural tooth allowing you to chew and eat as you would with your natural teeth. This positively impacts your oral health and the look of your face and smile. If a tooth is missing and not restored, your surrounding teeth may begin to shift and loosen. Your face may also change shape.

The dental implant replaces the tooth root, helping stimulate jawbone growth and keeping your smile looking beautiful.

Dentures

Dentures can replace missing teeth, but they don’t often look as natural as a dental implant. They may shift, causing discomfort while chewing or speaking. Because they are not integrated into the jawbone, they don’t provide the stability of an artificial root, and the surrounding teeth can shift.

Support

Dental Implants

Implants are affixed to the jawbone and integrated into it, so they won’t shift or fall out while eating or talking. Since the titanium post replaces the tooth root, the surrounding teeth will receive support, reducing the chances of experiencing additional misaligned or missing teeth in the surrounding areas.

Dentures

Dentures are removable and rest on the gumline. Even with the best adhesive, they’re not as strong, supportive, or secure as a dental implant.

Comfort

Dental Implants

Because dental implants are secured to the jawbone with an artificial root and a crown, they look and function like natural teeth.

Dentures

No matter how high-quality the dentures are, they may shift as the jawbone changes. The missing teeth roots cause the jaw to deteriorate, which loosens the fit of the dentures. This is physically uncomfortable and may create embarrassing situations if the dentures move while talking or eating.

Viability

Dental Implants

Most people succeed with dental implants, but you will need a consultation to determine if your current bone and oral health are appropriate for an implant. You may need additional procedures, like a pre-implant bone graft, before getting the implant procedure.

Dentures

Dentures are an option for almost everyone with more than one missing tooth. If a person is only missing one or two teeth, a dental bridge or dental implant may be a better option.

Longevity

Dental Implants

When properly maintained, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown may need to be replaced every 10-15 years, but this is a lower cost and faster process than the full dental implant.[1]

Dentures

Dentures need to be replaced frequently; especially the jawbone begins to change.

Cost

Dental Implants

Dental implants are usually more expensive upfront than dentures. But dental implants don’t need to be replaced as often, getting more mileage out of the investment. In some cases, many missing teeth may be replaced with a combination of dental implants and a dental bridge or partial denture to lower the overall costs.

Dentures

The upfront cost of dentures may be less than a dental implant, but they will also need to be replaced typically every 7-10 years. You may need to alter or replace your dentures if you lose additional teeth.

Convenience

Dental Implants

Once the dental implant procedure is complete, you simply care for them like your normal teeth by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly.

Dentures

Dentures require a lot of maintenance. You must remove them when you sleep at night, clean and soak them, and continuously buy adhesive.

Get Dental Implants in Rochester, NY

As far as tooth replacement options go, dental implants are the gold standard. They provide a natural look and feel that can last a lifetime with proper care, but they may not be ideal for everyone. Find out if dental implants are right for you at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester. Contact us today to schedule your consultation at 585-685-2005!

 

Sources:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774056/

Latest From Our Blog