Pros and Cons of Dentures vs. Dental Implants

We understand that it can be difficult to smile, eat, and talk with confidence after tooth loss. Not to mention, missing teeth can affect your overall oral health. This is why our Bloomfield Hills, MI dentist offers both dentures and dental implants.

Continue reading to learn the pros and cons of both of these tooth replacement options. We’ll also tell you if you’re a likely candidate for the dental implant procedure.

Dentures

Dentures are an oral appliance made to look and function like natural teeth. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, our dentist may recommend a full or partial denture. While a full denture replaces an entire arch of teeth, a partial denture only replaces a few teeth. We can help you explore the different types of dentures available, including partial, complete, conventional, and immediate dentures.

Dentures sit on top of your gums and must be removed before you go to sleep so your gums have a chance to recover. When you’re not wearing your dentures, they’ll need to be submerged in a glass of water or denture cleanser so they don’t dry out, crack, and warp.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) that’s placed in your jaw to later support a crown. Many patients appreciate that dental implants look and function like natural teeth. This means that you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods without worrying about slipping dentures. Take care of your dental implants like you would natural teeth by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily.

Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?

While dentures are more affordable than dental implants, they don’t solve the problem of jawbone deterioration. As soon as your body detects a missing tooth, it’ll start to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. Once this happens, the area of the jaw where the tooth root used to be weakens and deteriorates. Teeth adjacent to the gap will also start to tilt toward the open space. Eventually, the patient may experience facial collapse, which alters the shape of the face and makes it difficult to wear dentures.

The best way to prevent further tooth loss and jawbone deterioration is to ask our dentist if you’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure. In general, we recommend dental implants whenever possible so patients can avoid long-term health issues caused by missing teeth.

Can I Get Dental Implants?

You’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure if you have healthy gum tissue and sufficient bone density in your jaw to place the implant. For successful osseointegration, there has to be enough jawbone tissue to support the titanium dental implant that’s placed in your jawbone. Our dental implant dentist will be able to determine if you’re a likely candidate for the dental implant procedure. Even if you’re not a candidate for dental implants, we can help you explore your other tooth replacement options.

Dr. Timothy Steimel is a dental implant dentist in Bloomfield Hills, MI. He offers a range of tooth replacement options, including dentures and dental implants. To request an appointment, call Bloomfield Hills Dental Group of Bloomfield Hills at (248) 335-4427.