Whether you are already missing teeth or need to have one or more teeth pulled, you have several options to replace those teeth. Included in those options will typically be dental implants and a removable denture. Dentures can be partial, replacing only a few teeth, or full, replacing all the teeth in an arch.
So why choose dental implants instead of dentures? This blog will detail seven reasons that implants are often a better choice than dentures for teeth replacement.
Dental implants are directly connected to the jaw bone, and they are not removable. Dentures rest on the gums and any remaining teeth. They must be removed at night for health of the teeth and gums. This can be a source of embarrassment for many people. With dental implants, there is nothing to “take out”. They simply become a part of your mouth.
The upper and lower jaw bones have one purpose only, and that is to support teeth. When teeth are missing, the jaw bone begins to shrink and weaken. An implant “tricks” the bone into thinking a tooth is present. This stimulates the bone to stay healthy and strong. Dental implants prevent shrinking and loss of the bone over time.
Because dental implants replace a tooth root in the jaw bone, they enable the dentist to make fake teeth that come out of the gums, just like a natural tooth. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that have this ability. Allowing for individual teeth that are not connected to each other, dental implants are the most natural and esthetic tooth replacement option.
Dental implants derive their strength from the jaw bone. Being directly connected to the bone makes them as strong as, if not even stronger than, a natural tooth. Removable partial dentures rest on the gums and any remaining teeth. Removable full dentures rest, and receive support, solely from the gums. People with dentures often complain that they cannot chew their food as well and have to avoid certain foods. Not so with dental implants. You can chew and eat anything you desire.
The worst problem with dentures that causes embarrassment and even avoidance of social interaction is their loosening or falling out while you eat or speak. Because the jaw bones shrink over time, the fit of the denture changes and becomes looser. The more the jaw bone shrinks, the looser the denture becomes, and the less support the denture has for chewing. Dental implants preserve the jaw bone and prevent this shrinking. Not only that, they have a stable connection to the jaw bone, so the new teeth will not move. They cannot loosen or fall out.
A dental implant is as close as we, in dentistry, can possibly get to a natural tooth. The implant replaces the root and connects the “fake tooth” to the jaw bone. The new tooth does not require any support from neighboring teeth and is not connected to them in any way. This not only looks more natural; it is healthier for those neighboring teeth. There is no damage or preparation of adjacent teeth when a dental implant is placed.
Scientific research studies show that dental implants have the highest 10 year success rate of all dental restorations. This means they last longer than most fillings and crowns. At 10 years, more than 90% of implants are still in place and functioning well. Dental implants cannot get cavities, so they are a wonderful restoration for people who have a high risk for tooth decay. They can have periodontal (gum) disease, but with proper follow-up care with your dentist, this is easily prevented.
Dental implants are an investment in your health, your ability to chew, your appearance, and the long-term success of your dental work. Unlike other significant investments, dental implants will not become obsolete in 10 or 20 years. Their value is much higher than their cost.
Are you ready to invest in your future? Call your nearest Premier Dental of Ohio location today to schedule a consultation with our implant experts. We will answer all of your questions and help you choose the best treatment option.
