Trying to decide between dental implants and removable dentures? Then, it’s time to schedule a consultation with our Hobart, IN, dentist. During your appointment, we’ll help you explore your tooth replacement options so you can start smiling with confidence again as soon as possible.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about dentures and the .
What Are Dentures?
A denture is a removable oral appliance that replicates the look and function of natural teeth. The appliance contains prosthetic teeth to replace the ones you’ve lost and may include a pink acrylic base (that resembles gum tissue) for support. Alternatively, many partial dentures have a metal framework and clasps to hold them in place.
Depending on the extent of tooth loss, our local family dentist may recommend either partial or full dentures. While a partial denture replaces one or several teeth, a full denture replaces the entire upper and/or lower arch of teeth.
Benefits of dentures include:
- Generally less expensive than dental implants.
- No oral surgery is required for fitting dentures.
- A faster process from tooth removal to having a full set of teeth.
Drawbacks of dentures include:
- Can slip and shift during eating or speaking. Adhesives or adjustments from our dentist can help alleviate this issue.
- More time needs to be taken to fully adjust to wearing a full set.
- Lack of tooth root stimulation can lead to jawbone deterioration over time.
- Requires regular cleaning and might need fit adjustments or replacements over the years.
Overall, traditional dentures might be suitable for patients looking for a more budget-friendly option or those whose jawbone health or medical conditions make them ineligible for dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
A is a prosthetic tooth root that’s made out of a titanium alloy. This titanium alloy is biocompatible with your jawbone tissue, which means it’ll form a strong and lasting connection.
Learn More → Are Dental Implants Worth It?
Once the implant undergoes a process called osseointegration, which takes several months, our dental implant dentist will place the abutment and dental crown over top. The crown replaces the visible portion of your tooth so you can smile and eat freely. The abutment is the connector piece between the tooth implant and the dental crown.
Benefits of dental implants include:
- Can last a lifetime with proper care, making them a good long-term investment.
- Act like natural teeth, offering more stability and comfort.
- Stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure.
Drawbacks of dental implants include:
- Can be more expensive upfront compared to dentures.
- Surgery is required for dental implant placement and possibly bone grafting, meaning a longer initial recovery period.
- Not everyone is a candidate; it depends on jawbone density and overall health.
Single-tooth implants are ideal for individuals looking for a durable, long-term solution that closely mimics natural teeth, assuming their jawbone structure supports implantation.
What Tooth Replacement Option is Right for Me?
Ultimately, to make the best choice for your smile and oral health, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with our dentist. However, it’s important to understand that there are a few key differences between both treatment options.
While dentures rest on top of your gums, dental implants are embedded in the jaw. This distinction is crucial when it comes to preventing bone loss in the jaw. As soon as you lose a tooth, your body will start to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. The only way to stop this form of bone loss is to move forward with dental implant surgery.
A dental implant exerts pressure on the jaw, much like a natural tooth root. This tells the body that the bone tissue around your empty socket is still in use, preventing jaw deterioration and facial collapse in the long run.
Another major benefit of replacing teeth with dental implants is that the posts never move. Instead, they’re firmly anchored in the jawbone as you go about your day. No more slipping dentures! Instead, you’ll be able to continue eating all of your favorite foods, from steak to corn-on-the-cob.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Our dental implant dentist in Hobart, IN, is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for dental implants, please call Ridgewood Dental at (219) 947-2922. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
