With so many different restorative and cosmetic procedures available, it can be hard to know which procedure is best for you. Two of the most popular procedures for replacing missing teeth are dentures and dental implants. This post is to help you understand what each is, the pros and cons of each treatment, and give you more clarity of what option is best for you.
Dentures Vs. Dental Implants
Dentures
Traditional dentures are made of artificial teeth and gums that are anchored into your mouth. Dentures allow your mouth to fully function once again after tooth loss. The artificial teeth and gums are customized to help you reach the desired shape, shade, and length. Dentures are removable, which makes practicing good oral hygiene easier.
Dentures are a good option if you are missing the majority of your teeth. There are a variety of dentures available, including permanent dentures and partial dentures that can be used to replace multiple teeth close together. Dentures help retain the shape of your face and maintain jaw bone function.
With dentures, not all foods can be eaten, as the artificial teeth have the potential to break if not cared for properly. Dentures need to be thoroughly cleaned every day to avoid bacteria build up and gum problems. Dentures may not look as natural as dental implants, and can take some time to get used to.
Dental Implants
A dental implant consists of three different parts: the post, the abutment, and the crown. The post is surgically placed into your jaw bone to act as the new root of your tooth. The crown will be made to match your tooth anatomy and resemble a real and natural tooth.
When you get a dental implant, your jaw will take some time to fully heal. The surgery should, however, permanently restore the function of your jaw bone as well as your missing tooth. A dental implant should be treated like a normal tooth, and thorough brushing and flossing should be practiced daily.
Dental implants procedures can be timely and costly. Between each placement of the post, abutment, and the crown, there is a designated rest time for your mouth to heal. Not all three can be placed at once. They are also more expensive options, depending on the time necessary to complete the implant and the material that the pieces are made with. Each piece is custom made to fit your specific tooth anatomy.
If you are trying to decide between dentures and dental implants, Morgan Dental is the best place to learn more. We offer both services to our patients. We are dedicated to helping each patient gain a smile that they are proud of. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about each procedure. Call us with any questions you may have or come into our office in Morgan, Utah today.