Dentures vs. Dental Implants: Which Tooth Replacement Option Is The Better Choice?

When patients visit Dr. Loc Tong or Dr. Angela Rasmussen at Gentle Dentistry in Tampa, Florida, seeking tooth replacement, several options are available. When presented with this information, patients are often curious to hear the professional opinions of Dr. Tong and Dr. Rasmussen regarding which options are best. Both dentures and dental implants offer specific benefits that could be more important to some patients than others. Let’s take a look at some comparisons between the two.

Cost

Upfront cost when comparing dentures and dental implants shows that dentures are less expensive. So, if you are a patient looking for a tooth replacement option you can immediately afford, dentures may be a better option for you. But how about the long-term affordability of dentures vs. implants? 

Your dentures will likely need to be replaced several times throughout your lifetime. Dental implants, however, are surgically implanted into the jawbone, resulting in a restoration option that should last you a lifetime. The only thing needing replacement with a dental implant is the crown, which is attached. In the long term, this makes dental implants the more affordable and cost-efficient option.

Function

One of the most significant disadvantages of dentures is that chewing certain foods, like steak, can be difficult. In addition, dentures can slip and slide around on top of your gumline, leading to discomfort and even the development of sores.

Dental implants do not present such issues. When you see your dental professional for dental implants, the implant post will be surgically implanted into the jawbone, where it will fuse with your jaw. This provides a strong and sturdy anchor to which a dental crown can be attached. Patients who choose dental implants report that they function on par with their natural teeth, presenting minimal to zero issues.

Root Replacement

One area where dental implants stand completely above the rest is in root replacement. Both dentures and dental bridges are suitable tooth replacement options, but they simply rest on the gumline: They do not replace the missing tooth’s root. A dental implant is the only option for replacing the tooth above and below the gumline. This is important for several reasons, but the biggest benefit is jawbone preservation.

When an individual has a mouth full of healthy teeth, stimulation passes through the teeth, down the roots, and into the jawbone. This stimulation is vital to preserving the health of your jaw. When you lose even a single tooth and do not replace the root, this loss of stimulation can result in jawbone degradation in that area. This stimulation source is replaced because dental implants are inserted into the jawbone. Via a process called osseointegration, the jawbone fuses to the implant. Once the implant process is complete and you are using it like a normal tooth, it will provide the necessary stimulation for a healthy jawbone.

So, Are Implants or Dentures Better?

Many dentists will consider dental implants the supreme tooth replacement option. Not only are they more affordable, provide full functionality, and save the health of your jawbone, but they also look completely natural.

To learn more about dental implants, please get in touch with Gentle Dentistry today at (813) 734-7102.