Dentures and implants are two common dental services that help to replace missing teeth. Lost teeth or decayed teeth that are not remedied can cause jaw deterioration and further infection in your mouth. Many patients benefit from either service, but choosing the best option for you can be overwhelming. Both procedures will have pros and cons, depending on your unique circumstances, but our dental practice wants to help provide more information on each one to help patients make an informed decision. 

Pros And Cons Of Dentures

In our older age, dentures are often the common solution for lost teeth or tooth sensitivity. Those who are losing multiple teeth often flock to dentures because the process is much easier than implants. 

Pros

The biggest benefit of dentures is that they don’t require surgery. For example, if you have already lost all of your teeth, dentures will be molded to your gums and don’t require pulling teeth or drilling into a jawbone. If you have some teeth, you may need to have them removed, but not always. Some strong remaining teeth can be left in place while dentures are placed over or around them.

The fitting and creation of dentures is a super fast process, especially because there is no healing time needed. This faster process may be needed for those with absolutely no teeth who need to prevent severe bone loss or are unable to eat without them. 

Cons

With everything in life, something may not work for you the same way it works for someone else. Dentures may not be the best option for all patients, especially if their jaw bones are deteriorating or they struggle with other health issues.

Dentures rest on top of your gums, meaning they don’t stimulate the jaw bone, leading to severe deterioration. When you lose jaw durability, it can change your face shape and reduce your ability to eat or talk normally. 

Another con of dentures is that they can be unstable as they rely on adhesives and suction. Some dentures may slip or click, causing gum irritation or trouble chewing certain foods. Long-term instability can lead to further issues and irritation in your mouth, leading to other dental procedures. 

Pros And Cons Of Dental Implants 

Implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone with a tooth cap placed on top to better mimic the look of natural teeth. However, dentists will need the patient to have the perfect set of circumstances before completing the procedure.

Pros

The natural feel and look of implants are what draws most patients to choose them. When done correctly, implants will provide a stronger jawbone and allow you to eat completely normal foods. The natural look of implants also helps patients love the look of their smile again, helping to boost their confidence. Especially if you are younger or have multiple missing teeth, implants can help you feel more like yourself. 

Because the implants are placed directly into the jawbone, similar to the natural tooth, patients have a better chance of keeping their jaw intact. Dentists place a large screw into the gums and jawbone to keep the implant in place. A porcelain tooth will then be secured on top to look like a natural adult tooth.

Dental implants also require lower maintenance than dentures. Dentures need to be removed in order to be cleaned and to clean underneath the dentures. They can also experience damage during eating if there is an improper fit. Implants will be secure in your jaw and can be brushed and flossed just like your other teeth. 

Cons

Implants do require drilling, which means you will need to be numb or put under anesthesia to receive the procedure. After your implant or implants are placed, you will need time to recover, either from swelling, inflammation, or stitches. This will push off the time when you can start to use your mouth normally again or eat certain foods.

The perfect conditions are also needed in order for a patient to qualify for implants. If you have lost too much bone density or have underlying health issues, implants may not work for you. Implants need a sturdy foundation in order to serve you like normal teeth, so having healthy gums and surrounding teeth is necessary if you don’t want to waste money on more dental work in the future.

Costs Of Each Dental Service

The cost of dental implants is much higher upfront than dentures, because they are projected to last longer and provide more quality use. If implants are done on a patient with strong bone and gum health, they can last for 20-30 years if properly cared for. Dentures, on the other hand, require more maintenance and are typically lower quality, meaning that their cost is lower. Permanent dentures are more expensive than ones that can be removed at night. Traditional dentures range from $1,000 to 3,000 per arch, while single tooth implants can range from $3,000 to 5,000.

Dental Implants And Dentures From Jenson Dental

Our team at Jenson Dental offers both dentures and implants for patients who need a confidence boost or are struggling to eat. Missing teeth are a major dental issue that needs to be addressed promptly. Our team can help you avoid further deterioration by helping you navigate which option is best for your situation. With a caring dental team, comprehensive care plans, and trusted dental techniques, you can have peace of mind when working with Jenson Dental. Reach out to us to learn more or schedule a consultation today.