Dr. Thomas Prendergast offers many options for replacement if you are missing teeth at his Fox Lake, IL dentist office. Whenever possible, he will recommend dental implants because the benefits of dental implants far outweigh those of dentures. Dental implants are the closest solution to your natural teeth if you are missing teeth.
Although, the best treatment for you will depend on your personal oral health needs and cosmetic goals. Dr. Prendergast will evaluate your gums and teeth and present you with all of your treatment options.
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically implanted into your jaw bone. After a period of healing, the dental restoration is attached to the post at our Fox Lake, IL dentist office. Dentures are custom made artificial teeth that are not permanent. They must be removed in order to be cared for.
There are many pros and cons that must be considered for each option.
Dental Implants vs Dentures
Care & Maintenance
It is harder to care for dentures compared to dental implants. Dentures must be brushed every day and can possibly break if dropped. You can never let your dentures dry out and that can be a constant worry especially when not wearing them. Dental implants require the same care as your other teeth and that eliminates all the extra work. You can brush them and floss them without worry of damaging them.
Facial Appearance
A face without teeth will appear sunken and can add years to your appearance. Both dentures and dental implants will help keep the natural shape of your face and lower jaw area. But dental implants look more like natural teeth when compared to dentures. Dental Implants can be colored matched to your natural teeth as well.
Eating
Dentures will deliver about a 30-40% normal chewing function. Dental implants will deliver a perfectly normal chewing function. The constant worry that your teeth may fall out while eating is not an issue with dental implants. Sometimes dentures may slip around or may not fit correctly leaving you with the worry of them falling out.
Cost
Dentures cost significantly less than dental implants up front. But dentures will also need replaced, realigned, or rebased over time. This cost can add up depending on the wear and tear. Dental implants cost more but are a permanent solution. If cared for properly, they will last forever.
Fit and Comfort
With dentures, you may need to apply adhesive when you wear them to hold them in your mouth. With Dental implants, you won’t need to do this step because they are surgically implanted and can be treated like a normal tooth. Also, dentures may be a bit uncomfortable because they may cover a large portion of your mouth with plastic depending on the type of dentures you need. They may feel weird in your mouth and take some time to get used to because they are bulky.
Bone loss associated with tooth loss
If you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth, that void can cause bone loss and deterioration in your jawbone. Fox Lake, IL dentist Dr. Prendergast will recommend dental implants over dentures because they are the only option for missing teeth that stimulates the jaw bone which helps stimulate bone growth. This will prevent bone loss.
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