When you’re missing teeth, two primary options for tooth replacement exist:
- Dentures
- Dental implants
It is best to consult your dentists in Maple Ridge about which solution is best suited for you before making a final decision. However, from our research, is shows that most dentists will recommend full mouth dental implants. Nonetheless, dentures are a cost-effective option, but they are not the primary recommended option.
Implants provide a long-term solution to tooth loss, offering several advantages over dentures. Not only do they look and feel like your natural teeth, but they can also prevent bone loss, restore your bite, and improve your oral health!
The Difference Between Full Mouth Dental Implants & Dentures
Dental implants are an increasingly popular solution for replacing missing teeth. As an added benefit, they can also restore both your smile and self-confidence.
A full mouth dental implant begins with the implant post. During the process, a dentist inserts a titanium post into your jawbone, which bonds with it. Afterward, they attach a crown on top of it to replicate your tooth’s natural structure. Consequently, most dentist will recommend porcelain or ceramic crowns for a more natural look. Even so, there are other options available for those that want a gold or silver crown placement.
Dentures are a traditional tooth replacement option that looks very much like natural teeth. However, it lacks the roots necessary for stability and strength. This may result in an altered eating experience. Moreover, if bone grafting is not taken under consideration, the patient may be more susceptible to bone loss. Over the course of 2 decades, this can present more problems than the patient may anticipate.
Implants Prevent Bone Loss
Losing a tooth can cause bone loss in the surrounding area. As a result, this loss of mass can give your face an unflattering slant. In addition, it may result in sagging skin, wrinkles, or other changes to its structure. This is usually attributed to the lack of bone grafting and implant post. Dentures cannot replace what artificial tooth structures can provide such as an implant post.
Bone loss can also cause temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ). Dental implants are the only solution that preserves jawbone deterioration by stimulating it through Osseo integration, or bone fusion. Dentures lack the ability to prevent such a degenerative medical condition.
Preventing bone loss is a process than can be exercised today with current dental methods and technology. A titanium post is implanted into the jawbone for over 3-6 months. As a result, bone will grow around it and fuse together, becoming one with the jawbone. This prevents further bone loss and guarantees a successful implant procedure.
Dental Implants Restore Your Bite
Full mouth dental implants offer a revolutionary alternative to conventional tooth replacement options. It does this by restoring your bite back to its original strength and function. Thereby, allowing you to enjoy all the foods you love with confidence!
Since the implants mimic the roots of natural teeth, it promotes stimulating abilities to your jawbone when you chew. They send signals to the body that it needs nutrients, keeping your jawbone healthy and strong.
After several months of healing, your oral surgeon will uncover the implants and attach abutments that hold your new prosthetic (artificial) teeth. These abutments connect to either a full bridge or full denture made from high-quality, durable materials that intend to look and feel just like your natural teeth.
Limit or Prevent TMJ Jaw Pain
The possibilities of a full arch dental implant procedure create benefits that go beyond a perfect smile. The ability for your jawbone to regenerate and fuse to the implant post is essential to preventing TMJ disorder. While it does not guarantee the complete absence of TMJ disorder, it does decrease the possibilities of having TMJ.
The procedure itself is minimally invasive and painless. The surgery should be performed by a specialist (orthodontist, periodontist or oral surgeon) with advanced training in implant placement and restoration techniques.
In some patients, TMJ disorder can create a painful experience for many months. Leading to more money spent on procedures or treatments such as TMJ injections. It is wise to speak with your dentist to find out how you can best prevent this in the first place.
5. Dental Implant Cost and Affordability
Traditionally, dental implants can cost between $3,000 to $5,000 per implant. The difference depends on the location and overhead of your dental office. In general, because full arch dental implants offer a more permanent solution to missing teeth than dentures, they may be more expensive. However, with proper care and maintenance, these teeth will last you a lifetime.
The cost for a full arch dental implant procedure can come at a hefty price. If one implant can cost your between $3,000 to $5,000, you can simply image that a full arch dental implant procedure can run you upwards of $20,000 or more.
Unfortunately, implants may not be suitable for everyone. People with weak jawbone structure and gum tissue may not be eligible for implants. Consequently, some opt for dentures instead. Even so, weak jawbones are not the only reason why full arch dental implants may not be suitable for everyone. The cost of the procedure in itself, is one reason many cannot undertake such a treatment.
Find A Dental Implant Dentist Near You
In summary, full mouth dental implants offer several advantages over dentures for tooth replacement. They not only look and feel like natural teeth, but also prevent bone loss, restore your bite, and prevent jaw pain. Though dental implants may be more expensive than dentures, they offer a more permanent solution that can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine which option is best suited for you based on your individual needs and circumstances. People with weak jawbone structure and gum tissue may not be eligible for implants, and may need to consider alternative solutions such as dentures.
