Gum disease, tooth decay, and injuries are all possible reasons for losing a tooth. But no matter how you lost your tooth, the important thing is to get it replaced right away. Here at Copper Creek Dental, we can help you decide what is the best route for you to take out of the three ways to replace missing teeth: dental implants, dentures, and bridges. Now, we will explain the benefits of dental implants and how they compare to dentures or a bridge.
Understanding Dental Implants, Dentures, and Bridges
Dental Implants
With dental implants, we will surgically place a titanium post in the jaw under the gums. Once the implant site has healed completely, our dentists will install a crown on the titanium post. Implants are stronger than dentures or bridges because the jaw supports the implant post. Patients with dental implants never have to worry about breaking their bridge or about their dentures slipping or shifting.
Dentures
If you are looking for a removable, non-surgical option, dentures could suit you. Partial dentures are a set of false teeth with a gum-colored base that fits snugly between your natural teeth. Some types of partial dentures attach by snapping onto the natural teeth on either side, but others will need a special denture adhesive. Dentures need to be removed, cleaned, and soaked every night, so they require a little extra care. Dentures are not as sturdy as dental implants and tend to move around and shift in your mouth. Dentures also fail to stimulate the underlying bone and will often lead to more bone resorption.
Bridges
Bridges are prosthetic teeth that are permanently joined to the teeth on either side of the gap. There are three types of bridges: traditional, cantilever, and Maryland. Our dentists will help you decide which type of bridge would be best if you choose this option. Then we will fit the abutment teeth on either side of the gap with crowns and cement the bridge to those crowns. Getting a bridge usually requires at least two appointments.
Five Benefits of Dental Implants Over Dentures and a Bridge
1: Longevity and Durability
Dental implants are known to have high success rates when it comes to longevity and durability. A study by ProMed Central was conducted on 10,871 implants over 22 years. They found survival rates of implants as follows:
- 98.9% after three years
- 98.5% after five years
- 96.8% after ten years
- 94% after 15 years
In short, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. Dentures, on the other hand, tend to last an average of 10 years, while dental bridges need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years.
2: Bone Health
When a tooth is missing, the alveolar ridge (the part of the jaw with the tooth socket) starts to degenerate because there is no stress on it. In fact, up to 30% of the alveolar ridge is lost within the first six months after losing a tooth, which is why it’s so important to replace a missing tooth right away. Dental implants, however, help to prevent bone loss because the implant post acts like the root of a tooth and applies pressure to the jawbone.
3: Aesthetic and Functional Advantages
The crown on a dental implant looks and feels more like a natural tooth than dentures. Dental implants are also more comfortable than dentures or bridges because they don’t slip or shift, causing gum irritation. Since dental implants mimic your natural teeth, they restore normal speech patterns and chewing ability. They also prevent your teeth from shifting, making more gaps, and prevent bone loss that causes changes to the shape of the face.
4: Maintenance and Care
Dental implants need regular cleaning and maintenance, much like your natural teeth. Good brushing and flossing habits are essential to the longevity of dental implants. Our dentists will talk with you about proper implant care techniques and the best oral hygiene products to use. You’ll also need to schedule appointments regularly, so our dentists can remove plaque and tartar from your implant posts.
5: Improved Quality of Life
Dental implants can help restore your confidence and self-esteem. When you have missing teeth, social interactions can be miserable. However, dental implants look and feel natural, so being miserable in social situations will be a thing of the past. And unlike dentures, you can eat whatever you want without concern and speak comfortably with no worries about your dentures getting loose or falling out.
Dental implants help you chew better, so you will be able to enjoy a healthy, balanced diet. Your speech and communication skills will be improved with dental implants. They also help to improve your oral health resulting in better overall health. All of which leads to a better quality of life.
Dental Implant Considerations
- Although dental implants may be more expensive upfront than dentures or a bridge, they last much longer than other tooth replacement options, so they’re more cost-efficient in the long term. If your dental insurance doesn’t cover dental implants, we can help you find a way to get the dental implants you need, including financing through Care Credit.
- You need to be in good overall health and good dental health to withstand oral surgery. You also need to have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant post. If not, you may need bone grafts prior to implant placement. Our dentists will assess your jaw using advanced CBCT radiography and discuss with you any issues that need to be addressed.
Consult Copper Creek Dental for Your Dental Implant Options
In most cases, the benefits of dental implants over dentures or a bridge are numerous. They improve your overall health and wellness. They help to prevent jawbone loss and improve your speech and chewing capabilities. If you have questions about replacing a missing tooth or about getting a dental implant, contact Copper Creek Dental. We will let you know if you are a good candidate for dental implants and help you decide which tooth replacement option is best for you. Schedule an appointment with us today!
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