Deciding between Dental Implants and Dentures
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you should be considering your restoration options. You don’t want to leave a gap in your smile, but what’s more, you want to ensure your long-term oral health. The good news is that you have several great choices—including dentures and dental implants—that can give you full function of your teeth again. They each have advantages and disadvantages that you can weigh and discuss with your dentist to determine which is right for you. To help you decide, check out this information about dental implants and dentures in Bend.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures have been around for centuries, and they are still a popular option for restoring lost teeth. These days, dentures are held in place using clasps or suction to provide better security.
Dentures have many advantages, including the following:
- They cost less than dental implants.
- They last for several years before needing to be replaced.
- They appear natural, thanks for advancements in materials and technology.
- No surgery is required for the restoration.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants, on the other hand, are titanium screws that are surgically placed in a missing tooth’s socket. The jaw bone then grows around the implant, keeping it firmly in place. Then a prosthetic crown or implant-retained denture is placed on top.
There are many benefits of dental implants in Bend, such as:
- Stability: because dental implants are anchored to the jaw bone, you don’t have to worry about them coming loose or slipping. You can bite, chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
- Longevity: dental implants can last for 30 or more years with the proper care, unlike dentures, which typically last six years.
- Improved oral health: dental implants stimulate growth in the jaw bone, preventing density loss and promoting your long-term oral health.
- Potential long-term cost efficiency: although dental implants have a higher upfront cost, over many years, they may cost less compared replacing multiple sets of dentures.
Candidacy for Tooth Restoration
Everyone is unique—that’s why there is more than just one restoration option available. Some may not qualify for dental implants. For example, someone who has lost density in the jaw bone and doesn’t have sufficient for an implant to anchor to probably isn’t a good candidate for dental implants. To know which option you best qualify for, contact your dentist in Bend. They will be able to explain your options and provide more information about pricing and other questions you may have.
In the end, you have two different, but equally valid, restoration choices available to you in dentures and dental implants. Just because you’ve lost one or more teeth, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get your smile back. You can improve your quality of life with one of these options and enjoy your teeth for years to come. For more information about tooth restoration and to get started on restoring your smile, contact your dentist in Bend today!
