Did you know that having a few missing teeth is fairly common? About two-thirds of adults ages 40-64 have lost at least one tooth. On top of that, a quarter of the population over 74 have lost all their teeth.
If you have a missing tooth (or a few), you’re in good company.
Thanks to modern dentistry you don’t have to walk around with a gap in your teeth. There are dental procedures that can fill in your smile once again.
Let’s take a look at dental implants vs dentures and help you decide which treatment is right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is about as close to a real tooth as a fake tooth can get. An expertly crafted tooth is implanted directly into the patient’s jawbone. A titanium base acts as the root of the tooth. Once the procedure is complete, dental implants look and feel like regular teeth.
Implants are a good option when you’re only missing one or two teeth, or a few scattered throughout your mouth.
Upfront, dental implants cost more than dentures. However, they can last 20 years or longer with good care. The best part is that caring for your implants involves the same routine you’re already doing for your real teeth so there’s no extra hassle.
What Are Dentures?
Most of us probably associate dentures with a little old man in a cartoon whose teeth fall out when he laughs too hard. While this can happen with a full set of dentures, it’s not so common that it should be a major concern for you.
Dentures are a great way to replace several lost teeth. They come in partial and full sets that you can take out as needed.
Dentures are less expensive than dental implants, but they do require maintenance and need to be replaced every few years. You’ll need to keep clean both the dentures and your gums where they sit. Little bits of food that aren’t cleaned away can cause infection and lead to gum disease. This can also happen if the dentures are not properly fitted.
Since implanting metal into your jaw is not required, this can be a good option for those who have a weak or diseased jaw. However, since dentures are not connected to your jaw they don’t provide the same support as implants or natural teeth. This can lead to changes in the structure of your face over time.
Dental Implants vs Dentures: The Verdict
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the dental implants vs dentures debate. Which is right for you will depend on your situation.
If you’re only missing one or two teeth, implants are probably the way to go. But if you’re missing several, implants can get expensive. Additionally, if your jaw is weak they may not be able to support implants and you’ll have to go with dentures.
Talking to a knowledgeable dentist is really the best way to determine which procedure is right for you. Feel free to contact us here at Topanga Dental. Our dentist can help you decide on the right choice for your brilliant smile.
