Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Once you lose a tooth, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with Robinson Dental as soon as possible.
Our dental implant dentists in Cascade, Coopersville, and Wayland, are ready to help you determine the best treatment plan for your smile.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several teeth, our dentists and their dedicated team will help you on your journey to a healthier smile.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know.
How Dental Implants and Dentures Work
Both dental implants and dentures have the ability to . However, your experience with dental implants will be different from that with dentures. That’s because of how both of these tooth replacement options work.
In the case of the dental implant procedure, the doctor inserts a titanium alloy post into the jawbone. Over the course of several months, this implant fuses to the jawbone tissue during a process called osseointegration. At that point, the implant becomes the perfect foundation for an abutment and crown.
Since a dental implant is embedded in the jawbone, your replacement tooth will remain stable as you eat, talk, smile, and laugh. With dentures, you may experience occasional slippage due to the fact that the appliance rests on top of your gums. To discreetly correct slipping dentures, you’ll need to bite down gently and swallow. This will discreetly move your back in place.
Bone Loss in the Jaw
As soon as you lose a tooth, your body starts to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. If left untreated, jawbone deterioration can lead to a condition called facial collapse. Facial collapse can alter the appearance of your face so it looks more sunken. It can also make it more uncomfortable or difficult to continue wearing dentures.
Dentures don’t prevent bone loss in the jaw because they sit on top of the gums. However, since dental implants replace the function of a natural tooth root, it can trick your body into thinking your tooth is still there.
Expected Lifespan
A dental implant can last for a lifetime with proper care. However, you’ll need to replace the dental crown that sits on top as needed. In general, a dental crown that’s kept in good condition may last between 10 and 15 years. To get the full use of your dental crown, you should continue to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth every day.
In comparison, full dentures tend to last between 5 and 10 years. Partial dentures may last up to 15 years with proper maintenance and dental hygiene. Keep in mind that you may need our dentists to adjust the fit of your dentures as your jaw naturally shrinks over time.
Call Robinson Dental for an Appointment
Our , are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment and learn more about your tooth replacement options, please call Robinson Dental at 1-888-WE-C-U-NOW. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.