When you’re missing teeth, especially many or all the teeth in your smile, you may be unsure which method to replace teeth is the best option based on your needs. Considered to be one of the most common forms of tooth replacement, dentures do provide a quick and effective solution. However, it’s worth it to give dental implants a second look, especially if you are concerned about jawbone preservation. Here’s what you should know moving forward as you go over your options.
What Do Dentures Accomplish?
Dentures are designed to not only replace many teeth at a time but do so in the most affordable way possible. Made from acrylic and ceramic materials, dentures are far more natural-looking and comfortable to wear than in the past, but they are not necessarily for everyone.
Much like dental bridges, dentures only work to replace the visible portion of teeth and rest on top of the gums. This means that they do nothing to address the missing portion of the tooth that sits underneath the gums, which is the root.
As a result, the jawbone does not get the same stimulation from dentures as it does from other tooth replacement methods. For many, this is the deciding factor for which tooth replacement option they select.
How Do Dental Implants Compare?
In comparison, dental implants rely on oral surgery to replace teeth. Specifically, the titanium roots responsible for holding teeth in place are implanted directly into the jawbone, allowing them to integrate with the bone and gum tissue. While this treatment is generally more expensive than dentures, it also works to preserve the jawbone because of the way in which the implant becomes part of the bone tissue. This process, known as “osseointegration,” is unique to dental implants.
If your goal is to not only preserve your jawbone, but experience many other benefits via tooth replacement, dental implants may be the best solution for you.
The Long-Term Benefits You’ll Want to Consider
When you choose dental implants to replace teeth, you’re doing far more than simply preserving your existing jawbone. In fact, dental implants allow you to:
- Reduce the risk of future tooth loss
- Keep the jaw’s biting force strong, meaning you can eat the foods you want
- Maintain the shape of your jaw (and as a result your overall facial appearance as well)
- Blood flow to the cheeks (which helps your skin maintain it’s elasticity and youthful esthetics)
It’s true that dental implants cost more and take more time to receive, but the long-term benefits are worth it according to most patients who complete the procedure. If dental implants sound like a better option to you, get in touch with an implant dentist today!
About the Author
Dr. Wendy Winarick has nearly 20 years of experience practicing as a dentist and provides high-quality restorations to patients looking to replace teeth. In order to provide the best dental care possible, she partners with some of the best implant dentists in the area to complete the surgical portion of your tooth replacement procedure. To schedule a consultation with her office, you can contact her through her website.