Dental implants and dentures are both effective solutions to tooth loss.
Your oral health plays an important part in your overall sense of wellbeing, so if you are missing one or more teeth, you will know how significantly tooth loss can affect your day-to-day life. The good news is that there are a few options when it comes to dealing with missing teeth. But how do you choose the course of action that is best for you?
The right solution for you will depend on your particular needs, as well as factors like your budget, the condition of your jawbone and any remaining teeth, and your personal preference. Two of the most popular restorative treatments include dental implants and dentures — read on to find out how these options differ, and how to know which one is most appropriate for you.
How do the procedures differ?
If you are considering dental implants, your dentist will check that you have enough jawbone to support the titanium screw, which will later be capped with a crown. You should also have healthy gums and jaws in order to be a suitable candidate for this treatment.
As part of dental implant surgery, your damaged tooth root will be extracted before a metal prosthetic root is inserted into the jawbone. You will then have to wait a few months for your jawbone to fuse with the implant in a process known as osseointegration. Once this process is complete, your dentist will attach a crown in order to restore full oral function and achieve a natural-looking aesthetic.
The success of dentures, on the other hand, are not reliant on how much jawbone you have. They can be used to replace all or just a few of your teeth. Your dentist will begin by taking an impression of your gums. Your dentures will then be fabricated in a dental laboratory. When they are ready, your dentist will fit them, ensuring that they feel comfortable and stable in your mouth. Your dentures will be held in position with an adhesive to prevent them from slipping.
How do you maintain implants and dentures?
One of the benefits of dental implants is that they can be cared for just like your natural teeth. You should commit to a consistent oral hygiene routine that includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. It is also advisable that you see your dentist for routine check-ups and cleans every six months.
If you choose to get dentures, it is important to know that they require daily maintenance — this includes overnight soaking and daily cleaning. Your dentures will also need to be adjusted, relined, and refitted every now and then as your bite may change over time. If you feel them loosen or become uncomfortable, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible. Dental implants, however, are permanent fixtures in the mouth and don’t require as much maintenance.
What factors should you consider?
When choosing between dental implants, there are a few factors worth thinking about and discussing with your dentist. These include how much jawbone you have and dense it is; how much time you are willing and able to commit to daily hygiene and maintenance; and your personal preference when it comes to the look, function and feel of your restoration.
If you are not sure which treatment is best for you, be sure to discuss your questions and concerns with your dentist.
How can we help?
At City Smiles, we offer a range of restorative dental treatments designed to replace missing teeth and improve one’s overall oral health.
We offer dental implants for suitable candidates. Dental implants are considered a permanent solution to tooth loss and function just like natural teeth — to find out more about the treatment, please have a look here.
We also offer all-on-4 dental implants, which are often a good option for those who would like a quick and minimally invasive solution. With the help of this treatment, it is possible to restore your teeth in between just one and three days. Find out more about what the process involves here.
To make an appointment at City Smiles in Melbourne, please contact us.
