In the event of tooth loss, it's important that the site of the lost teeth be treated to prevent further damage and restore the structure of the mouth. Two popular long-term tooth replacement options are dentures and dental implants.
Today, we're looking at what dentures and dental implants are, why they're effective, and when dentures are the preferred option.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a slender post made out of titanium that is implanted into the jawbone at the site of a lost tooth. Implants are placed in the hole left by the lost tooth, covered with a protective material, and allowed to fuse permanently through "osteointegration." Once this process is complete, the implant creates an anchoring point for a dental crown, which restores the form and function of the mouth.
Dental implants differ from other tooth replacement options in that they replace not only a tooth's crown above the gumline but also its root.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable, custom-made (typically of porcelain) mouthpiece-like devices designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. Dentures are a popular solution for patients who, due to accident, decay, or age, have lost some or all of their teeth. Dentures come in two main forms:
- Complete – for when all of the teeth from the upper or lower jaw, or both, are missing
- Partial – for cases in which a few teeth are missing; partial dentures, which attach to remaining teeth via clasps, can fill in gaps between natural teeth
When Are Dentures a Better Solution Than Dental Implants?
Though implants are generally considered the most effective long-term tooth replacement option, they're not appropriate for everyone.
First, as dental implants can be quite pricy, they're often not cost-effective for patients requiring replacements for several teeth. Additionally, some patients' jawbones and gums are not healthy enough to support implants. In these instances, dentures can be the most effective option.
Dentures in Elk Grove Village, IL
If you're in the Elk Grove Village area and would like to learn more about dentures and whether they're right for you, contact dentist Dr. Vishal Advani and the team at Elk Grove Smiles to schedule a consultation appointment!