If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be wondering what option is the best for restoring your oral health, and replacing your missing teeth. There are a number of options – but two of the most common choices are dental implants and dentures.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of dental implants, and why they are usually a better long term option for replacement teeth, compared to removable dentures. Let’s get started now.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants consist of two primary parts – the dental implant itself, and the implant restoration.
A dental implant consists of a small, screw-shaped rod. This rod is usually made of titanium, but some implants also contain zirconium. Both titanium and zirconium have a natural ability to bond with gum and jaw tissue.
The implant is placed where the root of the missing tooth used to be, and functions as an “artificial” root. After it is placed, it heals for a period of about 3-6 months.
After the dental implant has been healed, it can be finished with an artificial tooth to restore a single tooth, or multiple false teeth, using a dental bridge.
5 Reasons Why Dental Implants Are Better Than Dentures
Wondering why dental implants are typically a better restoration option, compared to partial dentures and full dentures?
- Dental implants don’t slip while speaking or eating – Even with denture adhesive, dentures can slip when you are speaking and eating. This may not always be obvious to many people around you, but it can be very annoying. If you wear dentures, it can take a long time to get used to them.
However, dental implants are attached to your mouth, so they do not slip or move while speaking and eating. They feel completely natural to you – and they look completely natural to others! - Dental implants look like your natural teeth – Whether you replace a single tooth, or need to replace multiple missing teeth with natural teeth, dental implants are the right choice. While most dentures are made of acrylic resin, dental implant restorations are made of porcelain, which is carefully selected to look just like your existing teeth. This means that dental implants are the best choice for a natural tooth replacement.
- Dental implants don’t increase the risk of jaw and gum deterioration – Dentures can increase the risk of gum recession and jaw deterioration. In the long term, this can mean that bone grafts may be required in the future, if you decide that you want a dental implant.
Jaw and gum deterioration happens when the natural root and structure of a tooth is missing. Because dental implants serve as an artificial “root”, they stimulate the surrounding tissue, strengthening it and preventing it from deteriorating. - No more denture maintenance – Maintaining dentures can be a pain. Oral hygiene with partial dentures is often difficult, and removing full dentures every night and cleaning them isn’t fun.
With dental implants, all you have to do is brush, floss, and maintain your teeth just like you would normally! No other special care precautions are required. This makes your life more simple and convenient. - Dental implants can last longer– While dental implants may seem expensive, they can actually be cheaper in the long term, compared to dentures. This is because it is common to need denture replacements every 5 years or so – so the cost of dentures can add up!
For these reasons, and quite a few more, dental implants are often a better alternative to dentures. While they are not cheap, they are well-worth the investment – and they are usually cheaper in the long run!
Dr Sethi from Central Periodontics & Dental Implants Canberra City
Interested In Dental Implants? Come To Central Periodontics Today!
Central Periodontics is the premier choice for dental implants in Canberra City. Our experienced periodontist, Dr. Bikram Sethi, has years of experience with dental implants, dentures, and bridges.
Not sure if dental implants or dentures are right for you? Schedule an appointment today. We would be happy to see you, and Dr. Sethi can help you determine which restorative treatment is the best for you! Contact us now to get started.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.