If you have at least one missing tooth, odds are that you’ve been weighing your options to repair your smile. Selecting the right replacement doesn’t have to be complicated, but you do have several options available to you, most notably – dental implants vs dentures. Which repair method is right for you? 
To begin answering that question, it may first be helpful to understand exactly what each procedure entails, how they are different, and where each method excels. And once you do, you’ll have that missing tooth fixed in no time.
Dental Implants Vs Dentures – What’s the Difference?
While both dental implants provide a permanent solution for a missing tooth or teeth, each offers their own benefits and challenges. At their most basic, the biggest difference between the two is permanence – dentures are removable platforms used to replace one or more missing teeth, while implants are permanent prosthetics that are embedded in the jawbone.
Implants are typically used to replace a single missing tooth, while dentures can replace multiple or even all of your teeth. There are other differences between the two methods, as well.
How Implants Work
A dental implant is placed through a surgical procedure, in which a titanium post is fitted into an opening your dentist makes in the jawbone. Once the bone and surrounding tissue is given a chance to heal, they fuse to the post, which becomes a permanent fixture.
A restoration, or crown, is then fixed to this abutment, usually made from porcelain and shaded to perfectly match your adjacent teeth.
How Dentures Work
Dentures typically come in the full or partial variety, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. Both forms, however, are able to be removed from your mouth. Dentures are custom-made from molds taken of your mouth, to ensure as perfect of a fit as possible.
Full dentures are placed after problematic teeth are removed and surrounding tissue has a chance to heal. Alternatively, partial dentures are secured to a metal framework that is attached to your remaining natural teeth for stability.
How to Choose What’s Right for You
You and your dentist should work together to reach a decision that will ultimately work best for your dental health. He or she will be able to give you an accurate assessment of your dental needs, starting health level, and measure of success.
You will need to factor comfort into your decision – while the ability to take your dentures out can be a relief, they also need to be realigned or refitted every so often. Implants are more invasive initially, but require less care in the long run.
Expediency will be a part of your decision, as well – while dentures can usually be fitted in a relatively short amount of time, a dental implant takes at least five or six months, or longer, for the bone tissue to fuse to the abutment.
Schedule Your First Appointment at Herrick Family Dental Today
Repairing a missing tooth might seem daunting at first, but you will be truly glad you took the necessary steps to improve your oral health. At Herrick Family Dental, our team of professionals provides a gentle touch and flexible options to make sure your smile looks and feels its best.
To learn more about our restorative dentistry options, visit us online. Then schedule your first appointment by calling 614-891-0440 or filling out our online contact sheet.
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