If your dentist has offered you the option of dental implants or regular dentures. You may be wondering how they compare? Each has their own benefits and challenges, so which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll talk about what you need to know about dental implants and regular dentures so that you can make an informed decision that you feel comfortable with.
How are Dental Implants Different from Regular Dentures?
Dental implants are permanent replacements for a tooth or group of teeth that, like the name suggests, is permanently implanted beneath your gum line, while regular dentures are removable and fit over your gums with an adhesive material or solution to help hold them in place. When searching for what you need to know about dental implants compared to regular dentures, what you probably want to know is what advantages there are to implants.
There are many advantages to dental implants, most of which are that they behave like regular teeth. With implants your dental care routine will be much the same as before, you simply need to brush and floss them just like regular teeth. No need to worry about removing them after meals or overnight and soaking them in special cleaning solutions. There are also few dietary restrictions with dental implants compared to dentures, no need to worry about them falling out or having to give up your favorite foods just because the food is sticky or hard. Dental implants also benefit from longevity, in comparison to dentures which aren’t as secure or as close to natural teeth function and experience as implants may be.
Protecting Your Other Teeth
It’s also important to discuss the health and future of your whole mouth when considering what you need to know about dental implants. If you’re facing a tooth extraction, or several, the last thing you want to worry about is more tooth extractions in the future. Dental implants can actually help to protect the surrounding teeth by retaining the place of the extracted tooth in your jaw to prevent bone loss and so that your other healthy teeth are less likely to shift out of place or become loose which could lead to the need for other extractions.
How Long do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants usually last for the rest of a patient’s life. The crown, or the top part of an implant which looks like a regular tooth, can last 10 to 15 years depending on the quality of a patient’s home care routine.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
It is best if you are in good health and if you have good oral health, generally. It is important to have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant as well as healthy gums that are free of gum disease. It’s advantageous to talk to a dentist as soon as possible if there’s a possibility that you are facing tooth decay and extraction to ensure the best chance of candidacy for dental implants. If you are concerned about your oral health, talk with your dentist about what you need to know about dental implants and how you can implement a good home care routine to help improve your oral health and candidacy for implants.
Call our Sun City West Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.
