subject: Should You Choose Dentures Or Implants? [print this page] Dental implants are revolutionizing the way dentists restore healthy smiles to mouths. They are artificial, screw-like roots made from human-friendly titanium, and are surgically placed into the jawbone. A crown, or false tooth, attaches to the implant and functions just like a real tooth to improve appearance and bite.
Implants can be used for a single lost tooth, several lost teeth, or as replacement for an entire set of teeth. For single tooth replacement, implants are performed by a cosmetic dentist to bridge unsightly gaps. The end result is a perfect replacement that improves appearance and function.
When several teeth are missing, dental implants are also a great remedy. Essentially, grouped implants offer a fixed bridge. But instead of the traditional bridge that has to be removed, cleaned, and can damage adjacent teeth, the implants are permanently inserted. Bridge implants are independent of unaffected, normal teeth and cause them no stress.
It is even possible to use dental implants for full upper and lower teeth replacement. In other words, instead of traditional removable dentures, full mouth implants can replace all teeth permanently. It allows the person to eat anything normally, and there is never a worry about slippage.
There are many other advantages to using implants over traditional dentures. Full and partial dental implants are custom made. Unlike old fashioned, over the gum impressions, dental implant impressions are made directly over the jaw bone itself after the gum tissue has been surgically pushed aside. When a dental lab goes on to recreate life-like implants, the results are perfect. The implants fit precisely.
With dental implants, the jawbone does not deteriorate. Traditional dentures press on the bone underneath, causing it to wear down over time. Unlike dentures, implants replicate natural biting force. Food choice is no longer a worry. While traditional bridges and dentures need replacement every 7 to 15 years, implants, if cared for, can probably last a lifetime.
Implants offer strong and durable support. Through a process of healing and adaptation, the titanium root undergoes a process called osseointegration. After 3-6 months, the titanium screw has fused with the bone. Together they offer real stability to the crowns above.
Full dental implants avoid the sore gums and irritation caused by traditional dentures. Because they are embedded in the bone, nothing on top of the gum acts as a constant irritant. Also dental implants provide the ability to bite, chew, and swallow food naturally avoiding increasingly difficult digestive problems that can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
As in anything, dental implants do have some negatives. Dental implants are very expensive. Because they require surgery and multiple visits to the dentist, the cost is higher than the traditional method. The time required for the complete procedure takes longer than traditional treatment. For example, there is a wait time of about 3-6 months for osseointegration to occur.
Dental implants are not recommended for smokers or those who have diabetes. but for the majority of those who need teeth replacement, dental implants open up options that didn't exist before. Dental health care has certainly come a long way.
