If you are missing teeth or your dentist recommends tooth extraction, you have several options to replace them. Two of the most popular are dental implants and dentures. Both have advantages and are useful in different situations, but you may not know which is better. Below is more information about each option to help you decide.

Dental Implants

When receiving dental implants, a dentist will insert a small metal rod into your jawbone to replace the tooth root. It’s made of titanium because bone can grow and fuse with this substance. After the rod fuses in place, your dentist will attach an artificial tooth that looks and feels like a real one. The rods can also support bridges to replace multiple adjacent teeth. Implants are popular because they’re stable, permanent, natural-looking, and healthy. Normally, the jaw surrounding the missing tooth deteriorates over time; however, implants are the only tooth replacement option that prevents this bone loss. They’re ideal if you lose one or two teeth and want to protect the surrounding ones.

Dentures

These are dental appliances that can replace many teeth, even a full row or the entire mouth. Unlike implants, they’re removable. There are several different styles that fasten to the roof of your mouth in different ways, including ones that use small suction cups and those that rely on spring pressure to push them upward. Dentures are the tooth replacement of choice when implants are too expensive, or you need to replace many teeth. They’re also beneficial if you cannot have minor surgery or don’t have enough bone for implants.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Another option to consider is a combination of the two treatments. This can replace a full row of teeth and offers some of the benefits of the individual procedures. With implant-supported dentures, you’ll receive two to four implants per row of teeth. Then, instead of a single tooth, your dentist will provide a bridge that snaps onto the implants. This is the most secure, comfortable way to fasten them while still being more affordable than replacing teeth individually.

If you need dental implants or dentures in Pearl City, HI, choose Oahu Dental Care. For 30 years, this locally-owned family business has been offering comprehensive care to patients of all ages. They’re a small office of three dentists, so you’ll always work with someone who’s familiar with your case. Call (808) 456-5005 to schedule an appointment. Visit them online for more information about their services.