When faced with tooth loss, your dentist will bring up two solutions: dental implants and dentures. Without knowing much about either, however, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Here’s a quick guide to dental implants and dentures.

How to Choose Between Dental Implants and Dentures

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a surgical implant that is attached and supported by the jaw bone, and surrounding tissue and teeth. It acts as an anchor that supports a dental prosthesis. Because a dentist surgically implants one, you don’t have to worry about it slipping around and causing discomfort, and it looks like your natural teeth. Additionally, it will be useful in preserving bone and nearby tissue and lasts longer than a pair of dentures. However, the cost upfront will be anywhere from $1000-30,000, and the process involves 1-2 surgeries, which is something to consider. 

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are a removable device that is used to replace missing teeth and gums. While the cost is substantially less than dental implants, they tend not to last nearly as long and will have to be replaced every 15 years or so. They also need to be regularly cleaned and have the potential to slip around and cause discomfort while being used. Dentures may feel uncomfortable and take some time to get used to, but there are no invasive surgeries involved. Therefore, if you’re looking for something that costs less and doesn’t include the hassle of oral surgery, dentures may be the better option for you.

Which Is Better?

While it’s up to yourself and your dentist to ultimately decide, there are a few situations that will help point you in the right direction in the meantime. For instance, if your jaw has deteriorated too much, or your dentist thinks it will not be able to support a dental implant, you may need dentures. Dental implants work best when they fuse with the jaw bone, so you must have healthy bone and tissue. Dentures, on the other hand, will interfere with your speech and have more maintenance, meaning implants could be worth their initial investment. Talk to your dentist to determine which is right for you.

 

Are you still wondering what’s best for you? Let the experienced dentists at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska, LLC help you. Located in Anchorage, AK, they offer a variety of services, from oral and jaw surgery by their skilled oral surgeons, to cosmetic dental care, and oral pathology. You can learn more about their services on their website, or by calling them at (907) 561-1430 to schedule an appointment.