Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Good oral hygiene habits and preventive dental care help preserve the health and strength of the smile. Still, tooth loss is a common oral health problem, especially as individuals age. Tooth loss compromises oral functions and detracts from the beauty of the smile.
Dental implants and dentures are effective solutions for extensive tooth loss. Dr. Alex Hecht and Dr. Jason Hecht of Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist help their Staten Island, NY, patients consider the key differences regarding dental implants vs. dentures. Understanding these two missing tooth treatments allows patients to choose the restorative dentistry option best suited to their individual needs and desires.
Addressing Tooth Loss With Dentures
Individuals who have suffered the loss of a large set of teeth or an entire arch of teeth are suitable candidates for dentures. Traditional dentures are removable restorations that sit over the gum line to fill gaps left by tooth loss. Dentures consist of a pink plastic base that resembles the gums and a set of artificial teeth.
Dentures improve oral functions and restore the aesthetics of the smile. Unfortunately, traditional dentures have some drawbacks to consider. Dentures are secured with small metal hooks or dentures adhesive, neither of which provide complete stability. Traditional dentures may slip or shift out of place while a person eats. Removable dentures also require special care and cleaning, which many consider to be an inconvenience.
Addressing Tooth Loss With Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium screws that are placed in the jaw during an oral surgery procedure. Implants fuse with bone tissues and act as artificial tooth roots. Implants are attached to small metal posts that protrude from the gum line to secure dental restorations. Dental implants act as anchors for dental crowns, bridges, or permanent dentures. Of all the available tooth loss treatments, dental implants are the closest replica to natural teeth.
Dental Implant Benefits
Patients who come to our Staten Island dental practice for dentures treatment should consider the benefits of dental implants. Dental implants make dentures a permanent and non-removable replacement for lost teeth. Dental implants offer many advantages over traditional dentures, including:
- Superior stability - Dental implants bond to dentures or other dental restorations so they never slip or shift out of place.
- Superior comfort - Dental implants feel just like natural teeth, making oral functions comfortable.
- Bone preservation - Dental implants are the only dental restoration that stimulates the jaw bone to encourage tissue growth and prevent degeneration
- Ease of care - Dental implants can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth.
- Durability - With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Dental Implant Candidacy
Dental implants offer several advantages that make them the tooth loss treatment of choice for many of our dental patients. However, dental implant success depends on some key factors. Ideal dental implant candidates must have sufficient bone density to support dental implants (or be willing to undergo bone graft treatment), have good oral health, be non-smokers (or willing to refrain from smoking in the weeks before and after treatment), and be free of health problems that increase the risk of dental implant failure.
Contact Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist
If you have suffered extensive tooth loss, Dr. Alex Hecht and Dr. Jason Hecht can help you consider the benefits of implant-supported dentures. To learn more about dental implant candidacy, send us a message online or call (718) 705-4434 and schedule an appointment at Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist.