Implants vs Dentures

Both dentures and implants are incredibly beneficial dental options for men and women living in Franklin Square and Long Island, New York. Both options work to enhance and correct missing dentition and are suitable for all types of patients. Understanding the differences between an implant and a denture can help you to decide which one is best suited to your oral health needs.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are typically made out of surgical-grade titanium, which has been found to be safe when used in the human body. Implants typically involve three different components: the post, the screw or connector, and the dental crown. The post is surgically placed underneath the gum line and into the bone. Implants rely on a process that is known as osseointegration. Osseointegration generally involves the natural bone of your jaw fusing with the titanium implant post. This can take anywhere from three to six months, where you’ll require routine dental checkups to ensure the implant is healing successfully.

Once the implant has become fully osseointegrated, you’ll come back into the office and have a dental crown made for the actual implant. The crown is placed onto the connector that is then attached to the implant. The final result is a gorgeous, natural-looking tooth and an implant that is permanent. Once bonded, the implant post will never need to be repaired or replaced and can last a lifetime. The dental crown that is placed on the implant may need to be replaced anywhere between seven to 15 years. Taking good care of your implant crown and preventing damage to the tooth can greatly affect the life of the restoration.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are removable prosthetic appliances that replace many missing teeth at once. There are two types of dentures: partial and full. Partial dentures are worn in order to replace several missing teeth where a full denture is worn to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Dentures are made out of realistic-looking materials and custom created to fit comfortably and securely. Dentures can last for up to seven years and provide patients with a full, youthful smile. Dentures should be soaked and cleaned at night while they’re not being worn to prevent odors and staining. The prosthetic is created by taking impressions of the mouth and then using these impressions to custom make the appliance. You’ll come into the office once the prosthetic has been completed so that it can be fitted and adjusted.

What is the Difference Between Dentures and Implants?

Implants typically replace just one tooth at a time, though multiple implants can be placed at once and fixed bridges or several crowns can be placed after the implants have healed. Unlike implants, dentures do not require surgery prior to being fitted for the prosthetic unless decayed or loose teeth have to be extracted. You may not be a good candidate for implants if you have poor bone density or if you have a medical condition that prevents your body from healing naturally. Both implants and dentures have benefits that are suitable for all types of patients.

How Can Dentures and Implants Work Together?

Implants and dentures can actually work together to create a full, flawless smile. When implants are placed and have been given some time to heal, a new denture plate can be specially made to clip onto these new implants. This is often referred to as an implant-supported denture. Implant-supported dentures offer a more secure fit and are often suitable for patients who wear ill-fitting appliances or who are tired of having a plate slip and fall out throughout the day. Implants allow you to securely snap the denture into place without the need for adhesives and bonding gels. The procedure requires that several implants be placed on one arch to fully support the prosthetic.
Both dentures and implants are beneficial in their own ways. Some patients would rather be fitted with a prosthetic than go for surgery, while others want the security in knowing they have a permanent implant and can enhance their smile individually. Others may choose implant-supported dentures that combine the best of both worlds. With the help of a consultation with Island Dental, you can choose the dental option that best suits your needs. Island Dental has same day service as well as technicians onsite that will work with you to find the tooth replacement procedure that fits your budget as well as your dental health. The consultation is the perfect time for you to ask any questions regarding the procedure that you’ll be having done.