Dental Implants or Permanent Dentures: Which Is Right for You?

Dental Implants or Permanent Dentures: Which Is Right for You?

If you need one or more of your teeth replaced, you can choose between dental implants and permanent dentures. Your choice will depend on your preference, cost, the state of your jawbone, and the teeth you have. 

The two dental solutions have significant contrasting characteristics. Below is more information to help you decide what option suits you.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are posts that replace teeth roots and help give a strong foundation for replacement teeth. The dental implant procedure starts when your dentist extracts the damaged tooth root. Once that happens, they drill a hole into your jawbone.

The dentist will then implant a post that serves as your prosthetic root into the jawbone. They will finish the process by fitting the top part of the post with a crown once the bone starts growing around the implant to secure it.

What Are Permanent Dentures?

Permanent dentures are alternatives to the removable teeth used to replace missing teeth. They are different from conventional dentures as dental implants hold them in place. As a result, they become stable and allow you to talk, smile, and chew without the need to remove the dentures.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Studies show that maintaining good oral hygiene helps dental implants last for many decades. Their failure rate is low, as they have a 98 percent success rate. They also mimic natural teeth as their size and shape are like the tooth they are to replace. They support your facial tissues and bone to give you a youthful and healthy appearance. 

The dental restoration placed on the implant post can wear out with time. You may need to replace your crown or bridge due to the porcelain wearing out after years. Dental implants also require enough bone, or you may need to go through bone grafting. Your bone shrinks whenever you lose a tooth. Also, tooth loss caused by gum disease can lead to bone loss.

Getting dental implants entails consultation, examination, surgical placement, healing phase, and restorative dental visits. You may end up spending up to six months to complete the process.

Pros and Cons of Permanent Dentures

Most individuals find permanent dentures to be comfortable. You do not have to worry about the artificial teeth slipping out while smiling or speaking. You also do not need to remove them for cleaning. 

Permanent dentures make your face look youthful because of the support they get from implants. Removable dentures can change your face shape with time because the jawbone gradually shrinks whenever you remove them.

One of the biggest cons about getting permanent dentures is surgery risks, such as inflammation or infections. You need to be careful when cleaning them and ensure you go for regular dental checkups. 

Permanent dentures can also be very costly than removable ones. They require a surgical procedure, implants, and prosthetics that your dentist and dental laboratory need to make. However, they last for a long time if you take proper care of them. 

Deciding Between Dental Implants or Permanent Dentures

Ultimately, you need to consider your personal needs and situation when choosing between dental implants and permanent dentures. It is essential to select the option that suits you and what your dentist may recommend as the best for you during consultation.

For more about dental implants and permanent dentures, visit Progressive Dental & Associates at our office in Matteson, Illinois. You can call 708-980-0110 today to schedule an appointment.