Dental Implants or Dentures: Which Should I Choose?

Written by:

Dr. Justin Soon

Published on:

Dental Implants or Dentures: Which Should I Choose?

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you have a few options for replacement teeth. You can get dental implants or dentures. But what’s the difference between these options? And which one is right for you?

In this blog post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of dental implants and dentures so you can make an informed decision about your oral health. Keep reading to learn more.

What Are The Pros Of Dental Implants?

Dental implants provide many advantages, including improved oral health, increased self-esteem, and better eating and speaking abilities. Let’s look at the pros of dental implants based on several factors.

Cost

Although prices may vary, dental implants are a more cost-effective solution than other options, such as dentures or bridges. Because dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, they can save you money in the long run.

Lifespan

One of the main pros of dental implants is that they can last a lifetime with proper care. Unlike dentures, which need to be replaced every few years, dental implants are designed to be permanent.

Complications

Dental implant surgery is considered to be a safe and reliable dental procedure. However, as with any dental procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with dental implants. The good news is that most dental implant procedures have a high success rate, and complications are rare.

Benefits

Many benefits come along with dental implants, such as:

  • Improved oral health:
    Implants are placed in the jawbone, which helps to stimulate the bone and keep it healthy. This can, in turn, help to improve your overall dental health by preventing gum disease and tooth loss.

  • Natural-Looking:
    Dental implants can give you a more natural-looking smile. They are designed to blend in with your existing teeth, and they can help to restore your confidence.

  • Improved facial appearance:
    Dental implants take the place of real teeth. They improve facial structure and appearance by preventing sagging brought about by jawbone shrinkage.

  • Security and Stability:
    Dental implants are securely anchored into the jawbone, unlike dental bridges or dentures, which rest on the gum line and can be unstable or uncomfortable. This provides a more secure and comfortable fit that can improve eating, chewing, and speaking.

Maintenance

Dental implants don’t require special daily care or cleaning solutions – you can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth. In short, dental implants offer a low-maintenance solution for those looking for a long-term investment in their oral health.

Treatment Duration

The overall dental implant treatment time can vary depending on the number of implants placed and the individual’s rate of healing. The healing process may take a couple of months. However, once the implants have fused to the jawbone, they are permanent.

For these reasons, dental implants are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to improve their smile quickly and efficiently.

What Are The Cons Of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are not right for everyone. There are a few disadvantages to dental implants that you should be aware of before making a decision.

  • Dental implants require an invasive procedure wherein the oral surgery required to place them can be quite invasive. This means that there is a risk of infection and bleeding.

  • One of the biggest disadvantages is the cost. Dental implants can be expensive, and insurance may not cover the entire cost.

  • Dental implants can take several months to heal. This means that you may have to wait a long time to get your new teeth.

  • There is also a chance that the dental implant will not fuse properly with the bone, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Additionally, the procedure comes with the risk of potential complications.

Overall, dental implants have advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before deciding. Talk to your dentist to see if dental implants are right for you.

What Are The Pros Of Dentures?

Many people believe that dental implants are the only way to replace missing teeth. However, dentures can also be a very effective solution.

There are several types of dentures: full dentures (or complete dentures), partial dentures, temporary dentures (or removable dentures), and many more.

Dentures have many advantages, including being less invasive than dental implants, more affordable, and easier to care for.

In addition, dentures can be removed and replaced as needed, which is impossible with dental implants.

For these reasons, dentures are often a good choice for people who are missing one or more teeth.

What Are The Cons Of Dentures?

Dentures are still a popular option for many people, even though dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement.

Dentures have come a long way in recent years and can now provide a good fit and natural-looking appearance. However, there are some disadvantages to dentures that you should be aware of before making a decision.

One of the biggest cons of traditional dentures is that they can be uncomfortable and require a lot of adjustment. They can also slip out of place, which can be embarrassing. In addition, dentures can make eating certain foods more difficult and cause you to speak differently.

If you are considering dentures, be sure to talk to your dentist about the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision.

Which Is Better For Me?

When deciding whether dental implants or dentures are right for you, there are a few things you should take into consideration.

Dental implants are typically more expensive than dentures but tend to be more durable and long-lasting. In addition, dental implants are anchored directly into your jawbone, which helps to provide a more secure fit and prevents the slippage that can sometimes occur with dentures.

However, dental implants require a surgical procedure for placement, which may not be ideal for everyone. On the other hand, dentures can be placed without surgery and are often more affordable.

While dentures may not last as long as dental implants, they can still be an effective option for replacing missing teeth.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which is better for you is to consult with a dentist or dental implant specialist to discuss your specific situation.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the verdict? Are dental implants or dentures better for you?

The answer is that it depends. Both treatment options are effective ways to replace missing teeth, but they have different benefits and drawbacks that you should take into account before making a decision.

If you want a tooth replacement option that will give you the most natural-looking results and improve your quality of life, then dental implants may be the best choice for you. However, dentures may be a better fit if you’re looking for an affordable option that doesn’t require surgery.

At Karrinyup Dental Centre, we offer both dental implants and dentures so that you can find the right long-term solution for your individual needs. We would be happy to help you choose the best tooth replacement option for you – book an appointment online or call us at (08) 9341 6233 to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of dental implants will depend on several factors, including how many teeth are being replaced and how complicated the procedure is. However, in general, dental implants tend to be more expensive than dentures.

People with damaged teeth or those who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or decay are suitable for dental implants. However, it is also important to have healthy teeth and gums, enough bone to support the implant, and the ability to maintain good oral and dental hygiene.

Your dentist will be able to assess your suitability for dental implants during the consultation and develop a customised treatment plan for you.

A dental implant consists of three main parts:

  • The titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone, which replaces the tooth root.

  • The abutment, which is a connector piece that attaches the implant to the prosthetic tooth

  • The prosthetic tooth (false tooth or crown), can be made from a variety of materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin

There are several different types of dental implants that your dentist may recommend, depending on your individual needs. Your artificial teeth may come in the form of:

  • Endosteal Implants:
    These are the most common type of dental implant where the titanium post is surgically placed into the jaw bone. Once the bone has healed, a second surgery is required to place the abutment, which will then support the prosthetic tooth.

  • Subperiosteal Implants:
    These types of implants are placed on top of the jaw bone and are held in place by a metal framework that is surgically attached to the bone. This is typically used for patients with a thin jaw bone or who cannot have a bone graft.

  • Zygomatic Implants:
    These implants are placed in the cheekbone and used for patients who do not have enough jaw bone to support traditional implants, possibly due to significant bone loss.
Dr. Justin Soon

Author

Dr. Justin Soon

Dr. Justin completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Western Australia. Dr Justin completed his surgical implant training under the mentorship of Dr. Glen Liddelow, Dr. Graham Carmichael, and Dr. Brent Allan at the Branemark Centre.

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