Dental Implants vs. Dentures: What's the Right Option
Jun 01, 2022
Suppose you’re searching for a prosthodontist near you for options and information about dental implants and dentures to decide which treatment method is suitable for you. In that case, Northwest Prosthodontists are here to help. As much as we’d love to write one concise sentence that declares that one protocol is superior to the other, we can’t. That’s because so many variables influence each patient’s personal decision. What we can do, however, is detail some of the pros and cons of each treatment as a general overview. If you still have questions after reading the information we provide below, we invite you to book an appointment with our prosthodontist in Calgary to answers your specific questions.
Treatment Time is a Major Consideration
One of the first things a patient needs to decide is how much time they have to devote to their tooth replacement treatment. Dental implants typically require several months of treatment time, whereas dentures can require less time. The variations in this time factor are because healing time variables such as those listed below are in a treatment plan:
- Whether any teeth need removal in preparation for dentures
- Whether you need a bone graft in connection with a dental implant near you
When you visit us for your tooth replacement consultation, Dr. Adatia and her team can provide you with a customized treatment plan that outlines your procedure and anticipated timeline for completion. Every member of our team is committed to helping patients enjoy the benefits of every treatment option they select by providing them with helpful information to make the best decision for their lifestyle and timeline.
Durability, Natural Appearance, and Comfort are Other Considerations
If you’re looking for the most durable tooth replacement option, it’s a dental implant. Dentures will need replacing every five to seven years. Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. While the treatment time for a dental implant may be lengthier than for dentures, patients often tell us that the additional upfront treatment time was worth the long-term peace of mind.
Dental implants are also the most natural-looking tooth replacement that a patient can select to achieve a healthier smile. Indeed, dentures are now more natural-looking than in past decades, but now dental implants are the gold standard for durability and appearance.
Another factor to consider is comfort. Dental implants are embed into a patient’s jawbone versus dentures that sit on top of the gums. Once a patient has healed from their dental implant procedure, the tooth performs like a natural tooth regarding bite force. By contrast, dentures reduce chewing ability to about 30% of natural teeth or implants, restricting the foods that can be eaten. Comfort also extends to how the two treatments vary regarding oral hygiene. A dental implant can be treated like a natural tooth when brushing and flossing, whereas dentures need to be removed from the mouth and cleansed overnight in a soaking solution.
The Greatest Benefit of Prosthodontics Near You
Whichever tooth replacement choice you decide upon, the most significant benefit patients report is increased confidence and self-esteem. Dr. Adatia has successfully transformed countless smiles in our Calgary dental clinic, and she’d love to do the same for you. We use digital comprehensive treatment planning in all treatment protocols to ensure that your restoration is beautiful, functional, and precisely placed. Those are the three qualities that contribute to patient satisfaction equates to increased confidence and self-esteem.
One Final Consideration
We’ve talked about the pros and cons of dental implants and dentures, but dental bridges are a third option that patients might want to consider. Although we didn’t cover the pros and cons of dental bridges in this article, we will include that information when you visit us. Our goal is to ensure you have all the information you need. Please book an appointment today to learn more.