In this guide from Smile Drs, we explain 7 advantages to dental implants over traditional dentures.
What Are 7 Advantages of Dental Implants Over Traditional Dentures?
- Prevents further degradation of the gums and bone following tooth extraction
- Convenient
- Often more comfortable than dentures
- Make eating easier
- Feels natural
- Can improve your self-esteem
- Dental implants can last a lifetime
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made of titanium and other materials that are both safe and strong. They are surgically implanted in the jawbone, which is extremely advantageous. When you lose a tooth your jawbone begins to deteriorate. If left without an implant you will be left with a small stump where the tooth used to be. This can cause sensitivity and is also considered unsightly. As you can imagine, it additionally impairs your chewing and biting abilities. Getting an implant involves three main steps:
First, the removal of the broken or damaged tooth.
Second, getting the titanium implant placed into your jawbone.
Third, matching the color of the crown that will be screwed onto the implant to restore a natural and healthy smile.
When you have implants placed, your jawbone actually heals around the implant, making it as strong as the roots of your other teeth. You care for implants like any other tooth. You should brush and floss twice a day and have checkups twice a year to make sure your teeth, including your implants, are healthy. As long as you take good care of your implant, it can last a lifetime. Dental implants are convenient because caring for them is as easy as caring for other teeth.
What Are Traditional Dentures?
There are two types of dentures. The first is partial and the second, a full set. Partial dentures replace one or more teeth that are usually placed on a bridge. Complete dentures replace all your teeth. Then you can either get an immediate set of dentures, which can be prepared before the tooth extraction then placed immediately after your teeth are removed.
Traditional dentures take a bit longer to obtain as you should wait for your gums to heal after the extraction process before being able to wear your new dentures. After a tooth extraction, severe swelling can occur, and the gums and bone can shrink or dissolve. It could take months for everything to settle into where it now will be. Once that has taken place, you can be fitted for your dentures. Depending on where you get your dentures and their capabilities you could get your dentures the same day or a few weeks later. Dentures should be replaced every 5 to 7 years.
When considering dentures, keep the following in mind:
- You have to remove them to clean them.
- Usually made of acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal cleaning dentures thus you need a specific denture cleaning chemical. Brushing your dentures with toothpaste could cause abrasions.
- You should also be very careful not to drop them as they could break or chip.
- Additionally, you should give your gums a break from the dentures. When not wearing your dentures, they must be soaked in water or a denture cleaning chemical when you are not wearing them so they don’t dry out.
- You shouldn’t put them in hot water as this can warp the dentures.
- You need to brush your gums, tongue, and mouth, in general, to keep your mouth healthy.
- When eating or drinking small particles may get under dentures causing pain. Some products can be applied to dentures to keep them from slipping around when eating or chewing.
- It can take a bit of time to get your mouth used to dentures.
Whatever your dental needs, the Smiles Drs of Fedorciw, Massoumi, and Kolbig will analyze your dental and oral health and help you make an informed decision and work with you to achieve your desired results. If you’re seeking dental care in Cromwell, CT and the surrounding communities, call our office today at 860-635-4666 to schedule a consultation.
