Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Dentures
When you’ve lost a tooth or multiple teeth, there are many treatment options worth considering. Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen may recommend dental bridges if you’re missing just one tooth, or dentures for major tooth loss. There’s also a question of a person’s eligibility for dental implants, which can offer a high level of stability for false teeth.
The team at our Fountain Valley, CA dental care center would like to compare tractional/removable dentures to implant-supported dentures so you have a good idea of your treatment options.
How Traditional Dentures Work
A traditional denture is a set of false teeth that is designed to be aesthetically convincing as well as sturdy and functional. The denture is custom crafted, and it is held in place by bracing around the gum tissue and jawbone of the dental arch. Denture creams or dental adhesives can be used to improve the stability of the denture and prevent it from falling out.
With a denture in place, a patient can bite, chew, smile, and speak with renewed confidence.
How Implant-Supported Dentures Work
Implant-supported dentures are dentures that are snapped into place with dental implants. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically anchored into the jawbone and gum tissue. Following oral surgery, the implant posts fuse with the bone structure in a process known as osseointegration. Only once osseointegration is completed can the dental implants properly support a denture.
The exact number of dental implants to support a denture can vary. During your consultation at our Fountain Valley center, we can discuss the treatment plan and implant placement with you in much greater detail.
The Pros and Cons of Traditional Dentures
The primary advantages of traditional dentures are as follows:
- Removable dentures are affordable
- Removable dentures can be durable
- Removable dentures are easy to care for
- Anyone can get removable dentures fitted and crafted
The primary disadvantages of traditional dentures are as follows:
- Removable dentures could fall out
- The fit of removable dentures can change with time
- Traditional dentures will not prevent bone loss or gum recession
The Pros and Cons of Implant-Supported Dentures
The primary advantages of implant-supported dentures are as follows:
- Stability comparable to natural tooth roots
- Low likelihood of the denture coming loose or falling out
- The dental implants prevent bone loss and gum recession
The primary disadvantages of implant-supported dentures are as follows:
- Much more expensive than traditional dentures
- Oral surgery required to place the implants
- Months of healing time required for implants to fuse with the bone tissue
- Risk of implant failure in the surgical recovery period and afterward
Helping You Make the Ideal Choice for Your Dental Health
As you can see, there are important differences between removable dentures and implant-supported dentures. Weighing the pros and cons is essential for getting the treatment you need and making sure you’re confident in your decision.
During the consultation process, we will be more than happy to answer your questions and address your concerns about denture options and which one might be most ideal for you and your needs.
Learn More About Restorative Dental Care
For more information about the benefits of dental implants in replacing missing teeth, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. Dr. Mortensen and his team can be reached in Fountain Valley by phone at (888) 471-3735.