When a person loses one or more teeth, they don’t only lose the functionality that comes with those teeth. Tooth loss makes the sites of the missing teeth, remaining teeth, the surrounding gums, and the jawbone susceptible to certain complications. Today we’re examining the pros and cons of two common and popular tooth replacement solutions: dental implants and dentures.
The Pluses and Minuses of Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium pegs that are surgically implanted into the jawbone following tooth loss and allowed to fuse with the bone. Implants serve as artificial roots in the aftermath of tooth loss and act as anchoring points for replacements like dental crowns. Dental implants are distinct from other tooth replacement solutions in that they are allowed to fuse permanently with the jawbone. As a result, dental implants offer the most natural look, feel, and longevity of all tooth replacement solutions. The benefits of dental implants include:
- Preventing the jawbone from losing density after tooth loss
- Preventing remaining teeth from shifting
- Providing the look, feel, and function of natural teeth
- Improving self-confidence by restoring a person’s smile and facilitating clear and comfortable speaking
- Incredibly longevity, as, with proper care, implants can last a lifetime without the need for retreatment
Unfortunately, implants aren’t right for every patient. Individuals who are not at least 18 years of age, with healthy gum and a jawbone that’s both full-formed and sufficient density, are not good candidates for dental implants.
Additionally, dental implants are among the pricier tooth replacement options. Complicating matters is the fact that they are often not covered by insurance. Thus, dental implants do not fit within every budget.
The Pluses and Minuses of Dentures
Dentures are another popular solution for individuals who’ve lost some or all of their teeth. Dentures offer several benefits of their own:
- As each set of dentures is custom-made, they comfortably fit the precise contours of a wearer’s mouth
- Dentures provide fully restored biting and chewing functions and support for facial muscles and bones
- Dentures restore a person’s natural-looking smile
- As they are removable, dentures are very easy to clean and maintain
There are, of course, some drawbacks to dentures as well. First and foremost, as they’re not fixed in place, dentures can shift in the mouth, causing slurring or difficulty with pronunciation. Additionally, dentures do not stimulate the jawbone the way implants do and are thus unable to similarly prevent bone density loss.
Tooth Replacement Solutions in Wilmington, DE
If you’re in the Wilmington area and would like to learn more about the tooth replacement options available to you, contact dentist Dr. Jason Justison and the team at Justison & Gladnick Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation.
