A missing tooth can put you in a lot of trouble. First, it poses several risks to your dental health. Next, it also gives a big hit to your self-confidence. Modern dentistry provides you with a solution to restore your teeth with the help of dental implants. If you go down memory lane, you will remember that most dentists recommend getting traditional dentures to restore a lost tooth.
Both of these tooth replacement options are well-suited for an individual looking for a dental treatment. However, when it comes to choosing between one of these two tooth replacement options, it can get quite overwhelming. After all, both of the options have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Here, we will throw light on why you should opt for dental implants over traditional dentures to help you choose the right option.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that the dentist places into the jawbone beneath the gums with the help of surgery. The titanium posts serve as a sturdy anchor for the artificial teeth and provide you with a permanent solution for a lost tooth. Dental implants can mimic the root structure of your natural teeth. They provide you with more stability and durability.
The Process Of Dental Implants
Getting dental implants involves several steps. First of all, your dentist will start with a comprehensive dental examination. He will assess whether or not you are a suitable candidate for the dental implant surgery.
Then, the dentist would carry on with the below-mentioned steps.
- The dentist will insert the titanium post into your jawbone surgically.
- After a few months have passed, the jawbone will grow around the implant and secure it firmly.
- Once the implant becomes stable, the dentist will attach the abutment to hold the new tooth.
- Finally, you will have a custom-made crown attached to the abutment. This final step will complete your tooth replacement surgery.
What Are Traditional Dentures?
Before we move on to discuss the benefits of dental implants over traditional dentures, let us first acquaint you with traditional dentures. Dentures are removable prosthetic devices specially designed to replace the missing teeth. They rest on your gums. Traditional dentures are made of acrylic resin or metal.
The process of getting traditional dentures also starts with a consultation. If the treatment is appropriate for you, the dentist will fit the dentures in the place of missing teeth. He will also make a few adjustments to ensure your comfort and the proper functioning of the dentures.
Benefits Of Dental Implants Over Traditional Dentures
The below-mentioned are a few reasons why dental implants can be a better option compared to traditional dentures.
1. Cost
Undoubtedly, dental implants have a higher upfront cost compared to dentures. However, their long-term benefits justify the investment that you make to get the tooth replacement. Dentures might be less expensive in the beginning. stages. But you might need to visit the dental clinic every once in a while for frequent adjustments and replacements.
2. Longevity And Durability
Dental implants are designed in a way that they can be a permanent solution to your missing teeth. Most people often ask how long dental implants will last. Well, if you care for your implants, they might even last a lifetime. On the other hand, you will need to replace the traditional dentures every 5 to 10 years.
3. Maintenance And Care
Dental implants require regular brushing and flossing. You might also need to go for dental check-ups as with your natural teeth. However, the benefit of dental implants is that you don’t need to remove them every night to maintain their best shape. Dentures require regular cleaning. You also need to soak them overnight to maintain their shape and fit.
4. Natural Appearance And Comfort
Dental implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. They can blend seamlessly with your existing teeth and offer the same appearance and comfort as your natural teeth. Dentures might not feel as comfortable as dental implants.
5. Improved Oral Health
When you get dentures, the dentist might have to make some alterations to your adjacent teeth. However, implants do not require any alteration to the adjacent teeth. So, your natural teeth structure stays the same.
Also, it is much easier to do the cleaning between teeth. It ensures that your oral hygiene stays on point. When you have good oral hygiene, your overall health does not suffer. After all, there’s a deep connection between oral health and overall health.
6. Bone Preservation
Another benefit of dental implants is their ability to preserve the jawbone density. Implants stimulate the bone and prevent any bone loss that might occur with missing teeth. Dentures might not be able to offer this benefit to the patients.
7. Boosts Your Confidence
Implants give you stability. The natural feeling can boost your confidence and make your self-esteem higher. On the other hand, the discomfort that comes with dentures might affect your quality of life.
Conclusion
Both dental implants and traditional dentures have their benefits when it comes to replacing missing teeth. However, dental implants will have to provide you with a more comfortable and permanent solution. Dental implants support your whole oral health and also preserve bone density. They give you a more natural look and improve the quality of your life.
However, it is important to consult the dentist to get the best advice regarding which option to choose. He will be able to assess your dental health and suggest you the perfect treatment plan for a missing tooth.