Are Tooth Implants Better Than Dentures?

If you’re exploring your tooth replacement options in Elroy, WI, then you’re probably wondering which one will offer you the best results.

In this article, you can learn about the differences between two of the most popular types of tooth replacements, from how they work to their unique pros and cons.

Get all your questions about dentures and implants answered below. 

What Are Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are artificial teeth that mimic the look, function, and structure of natural ones. 

They’re made from a metal post, abutment, and dental crown. The metal post is surgically inserted into the jaw bone, and following a 3-6 month healing period, patients can complete their restoration by getting the abutment and crown attached. 

What Are Dentures? 

Dentures are a type of dental prosthetic that can replace either part or the entire arch of teeth. They are a removable type of tooth replacement designed for patients with severe damage or tooth loss.

Like implants, dentures can provide natural results and restore confidence in your smile. 

Differences Between Dentures and Implants 

Dentures and implants work extremely differently. Here are the main things that set them apart:

• Eligibility factors: Dentures have a lower bar in terms of eligibility, and most patients are good candidates for them. On the other hand, to get implants, you’ll first need to be screened. Some of the factors that will determine if you can get implants include a healthy jawbone and gums and no allergy to titanium.
• Restoration extent: A dental implant will replace one missing tooth, so patients with severe missing ones will need to opt for more implants to fully restore their smile. Dentures can replace multiple missing teeth at once.
• Treatment timeline: Dentures are much faster to restore your smile, and the process could be over in just a few weeks. Implants will need at least 6 months of healing before you can get the abutment and crown.
• Oral health support: Dental implants play a much bigger role in your overall oral health by preventing jawbone loss and preventing the other natural teeth from migrating, which dentures don’t do;
• Cost: In terms of the initial investment, it costs a lot less to get dentures than implants. However, considering the long-term benefits, implants are a more cost-effective restoration solution.

Which One Is Better?

Both dentures and implants are fantastic ways to restore someone’s smile, but given the amount of oral health support they provide, the scale is tipping in favor of implants. 

Even so, the answer also depends on your specific case, specifically which type of tooth replacement procedure will offer you the best results.

To learn this, you should see Dr. Emily for a short consultation to discover your options.

To get started, request an appointment at Wojtowicz Dental online or call our office at (608) 462-8282 if you have more questions about our services.