Should I Get Dentures or Dental Implants?
Our dentists in Shelby Township, Michigan, offer both dentures and dental implants. Yet, it can be difficult choosing between these tooth replacement options. While dentures cost less than dental implants, they don’t prevent jawbone deterioration.
If you schedule a consultation, our dentists can help you find the best solution for your smile.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know.
Dentures
Dentures are an oral appliance made to look and function like natural teeth. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, our dentists may recommend a full or partial denture. While a full denture replaces an entire arch of teeth, a partial denture only replaces a few teeth. We can help you explore the different types of dentures available, including partial, complete, conventional, and immediate dentures.
Dentures sit on top of your gums and must be removed before you go to sleep so your gums have a chance to recover. When you’re not wearing your dentures, they’ll need to be submerged in a glass of water or denture cleaner so they don’t dry out, crack, and warp.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) that’s placed in your jaw to later support a crown. Many patients appreciate that dental implants look and function like natural teeth. This means that you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods without worrying about slipping dentures.
Take care of your dental implants like you would natural teeth by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily.
Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?
While dentures are more affordable than dental implants, they don’t solve the problem of jawbone deterioration. As soon as your body detects a missing tooth, it’ll start to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. Once this happens, the area of the jaw where the tooth root used to be weakens and deteriorates.
Teeth adjacent to the gap will also start to tilt toward the open space. Eventually, the patient may experience facial collapse, which alters the shape of the face and makes it difficult to wear dentures.
The best way to prevent further tooth loss and jawbone deterioration is to ask our dentists if you’re a candidate for the . In general, we recommend dental implants whenever possible so patients can avoid long-term health issues caused by missing teeth.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
You’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure if you have healthy gum tissue and sufficient bone density in your jaw to place the implant. For successful osseointegration, there has to be enough jawbone tissue to support the titanium dental implant that’s placed in your jawbone.
Aren’t sure if you have enough bone density in your jaw? Ask our dentists if you’re a candidate for mini dental implants. Mini dental implants don’t require as much bone to fuse with and typically take one appointment for us to place. The end of a mini dental implant has a ball that clicks into the socket of your new tooth.
Our dental implant dentists will be able to determine if you’re a likely candidate for the dental implant procedure. Even if you’re not a , we can help you explore your other tooth replacement options.
Request an Appointment with Us
Our dental implant dentists in Shelby Township, MI, are accepting new patients. To request an appointment and learn more about dental implants, call Frank P. Ruffino DDS at (586) 799-4240. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
Related Blog Posts
- What are Mini Dental Implants? →
- Eat Your Favorite Foods Again with Dental Implants →
- Dental Implant FAQ →
This blog post has been updated.
