Losing your teeth may prove quite uncomfortable for your oral health and even psychologically. You might find it quite overwhelming to live with gaps in your smile, and it does feel right if you give proper consideration to all of your restoration options.

Two of the most prevalent options include dental implants or dentures – which one is in your best interest? As oral surgeons at Nevada OMS, it’s our goal to give you the facts regarding both procedures so you can make the right decision for your individual situation.

First up, let’s talk about the dental implants. An implant is essentially a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root of your missing tooth, and it has an anchor within your jawbone. So, you now have a small post above the gum line so your crowns or bridges can sit atop that. It would be as close to a natural tooth as possible. Several advantages of doing implants are:

Permanence – Once healed, implants won’t have to be taken in and out at night or for cleaning such as you would a denture. They become part of your jaw for long-term solid function.

Comfort – Because implants are fixed into place, they won’t rub or slide when you eat. You can enjoy any food with the greatest of ease.

Aesthetics – Implants and crowns replicate the appearance of your teeth to their natural state so that you can once again smile fully.

Bones Preservation – The implants help in keeping the density of the jawbone where there are missing teeth by holding up the jawbone. Future complication is reduced.

Of course, implants do require an upfront investment—typically in the realm of $3,000 to $4,000 per tooth. You also must be prepared for at least two to six months of healing time after the inserts have been placed. Another potential drawback: your current bone density at implant sites must be sufficient. Some patients will require a bone graft for some sites.

Meanwhile, traditional dentures are a very inexpensive stopgap to address the problem of missing teeth. Dentures are a plastic base on which artificial teeth are attached and are placed over your gums.

Some of the advantages are:
Low Cost – Whole dentures typically range between $1,000-$2,000, which is much more affordable than implants.

Quick Results – Dentures can be fabricated and fitted in only one or two visits, unlike implants, which take months.

Removability – Dentures slide in and out for cleaning and storage, which allows your gums to “rest.”

But dentures also entail compromises like this:

Instability – Even the most perfectly fitting dentures can slide or create sore spots and need to be readjusted often.

Appearance – Dentures won’t look exactly like natural teeth, nor will they fit snugly over time as the bone recedes.

Dietary Restrictions – Wearing dentures makes it difficult to consume sticky or hard foods without losing them sometimes.

Who is the better candidate for dental implants vs dentures, then?

As your general oral surgeons, here are a few things to consider:

Bone Density in the Jaw: Implants tend to do better when your bone is dense enough, while on the other hand dentures are sometimes the only option with thin bone.

Age – Patients who are younger tolerate their implants better in the long term, as their bone density is higher. This seems to be the best choice for dentures when temporary or late-life use is involved.

Lifestyle – Do you work at a job that exposes your dentures to physical risks? Do you want to eat anything? Implants may provide better function and comfort.

Cost – Know the lifetime costs of each treatment option. Dentures are very affordable but implants typically pay off in the long run. Payment plans can be set up.

Time Commitment – Implants can not be completed in one office visit. Will you be able to commit to healing and follow-up appointments?

At Nevada OMS, our team can analyze your specific case factors, study X-rays, and perform any additional exam necessary to help answer any concerns that may be on your mind in an extensive consultation so that we may assist you in selecting the optimum restoration for achieving both oral and general wellness. With either of these options, repossessing the confidence and functionality of your smile is now within reach. Simply give us a call today to get started.