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Dentures vs. Dental Implants El Paso Losing one or more teeth affects a lot of our oral functions. Patients with missing teeth face difficulties with eating and speaking, while also dealing with the possible loss of confidence from an incomplete smile. With dental restorative treatments like dental implants and dentures, patients can easily put these issues behind them. Dental implants and dentures are teeth-replacing prosthetics suitable for different patients, so patients need to understand both completely to know if they are compatible. DenturesDentures are artificial teeth and gums designed to replace missing teeth. Dentures are usually used to replace an entire row of upper or lower teeth, or both rows in some cases. The artificial teeth are placed on an acrylic gum base and securely held by a light metal frame underneath the gum base. Traditional dentures are usually designed to be removable, allowing patients to clean them regularly and store them safely at night. To get dentures, our professionals will evaluate the patient. We will examine their oral health. If there is a need to remove damaged teeth or carry on any necessary treatment, such will be taken care of. With digital X-rays, we will take measurements of your jawline and mouth. This measurement will be used to create dentures that are customized to each patient. What To Expect From DenturesDentures are generally affordable. Unless a patient wants fixed dentures, they do not require an invasive procedure. Also, they are fairly quick to get, as they require minimal to no healing period. While dentures are suitable for patients who have suffered bone loss, they do not aid the regeneration of bone density. Hence, they may require adjustments or even replacements as the years go by. Using them may feel different in the first few days, but over time they become comfortable. Dentures require conscious daily upkeep, which is necessary for the care of our oral health.  Dental ImplantsIn contrast to dentures, dental implants replace one whole single tooth at a time. A dental implant tooth replacement consists of three parts: a tiny titanium post which is placed in the jawbone through a surgical procedure, an abutment which is later connected to the post, and an artificial crown which is joined to the implant post through the abutment. Dental implants are placed in a surgical procedure that takes a couple of months to heal. The healing process is lengthened because the bone needs to integrate with the implant to form a strong and secure root. What To Expect From Dental ImplantsDental implants are suitable to replace one tooth or as many teeth as a patient requires. The secure root ensures that the implants last a lifetime with possibly an occasional crown change. Dental implants are known as the most favorable tooth replacement option when it comes to implants vs dentures, because of their many benefits over dentures. Implants ensure that your jawbone does not lose its density, as it continues to supply the stimulation needed for growth. Dental implants require minimal care, as keeping good oral hygiene and scheduled dental checkups are all they need to last a lifetime. Choosing Between Implants and DenturesDentures can move, shift, and slip in a patient's mouth. For some, it makes it difficult to eat or even speak clearly. Many patients have to change their diet, too, because the dentures are softer than natural teeth and can become damaged by eating certain foods. All of those concerns can be alleviated by getting an overdenture - a dental implant alternative. This type of denture is attached to dental implants which provide a great foundation for them. They do not require an adhesive either. Please contact our office at 915-213-3455 with questions about dental implant-supported dentures.  Permanent Implants vs Removable DenturesFor dental implant-supported dentures, there are two different types of implants used. Which one best suits the patient's needs will be determined during the assessment appointment. The great news is the assessment will take less than 15 minutes at a single appointment. A commonly used implant type is the bar-retained denture. This utilizes a thin metal bar to be linked to the implant. Small metal clips link the denture to the permanent implant so they will not shift once placed in the mouth. The second type of implant is known as a ball-retained implant. Instead of a metal bar, small sockets are secured to the implant. The denture is then secured by clicking into the socket. What Happens First?It is important for patients to realize that implant-supported dentures require more than just one appointment to be completely placed. The result provides an excellent artificial tooth solution. Patients should also realize they will be given a temporary set of dentures while waiting for the implants to heal. What Is Involved?A local anesthetic is all that is required for the patient to be comfortable with the procedure. They will be desensitized enough so they will be comfortable until the process is complete. A small cut is made along the gumline to expose the jawbone. This allows our professionals to place the implant into the bone. The incision is closed to allow for proper healing before the second stage can begin. Once the implant has fused completely with the bone, a cap will be placed on the implant before the actual placement of the crown occurs. The Final PlacementThe great news is that with modern-day technology, computer-designed dentures are made to exact specifications. This means they are made to perfectly fit the patient's mouth. Unlike traditional dentures which require being shaped and contoured multiple times to make them properly fit, computer-designed and manufactured dentures fit perfectly. For those patients dealing with significant tooth loss and looking for an artificial tooth solution, implant-supported dentures could be the answer. Which Tooth Replacement Will Be Best for You?If you still need more clarity about which of these options you may be a candidate for, our team of experts at Bruce Gopin, DDS, MS will be happy to help. Just reach out to us at 915-213-3455 or schedule a consultation today! |
Bruce Gopin, DDS, MS
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