Stats show that tooth loss has been steadily declining among Americans, mostly thanks to good dental care habits and regular visits to the dentist. 

However, even if you have been taking good care of your teeth, there’s always a chance that one or more teeth have to be taken out completely. Have you lost a tooth—or are facing imminent tooth removal?

If so, you will need to decide whether you want to get dental implants or opt for dentures. This is an important decision, and there are a lot of pros and cons to consider. 

Before you google “dentist near me” and book an appointment, it’s a good idea to get clued up on what the differences are between dentures and implants, so you can be fully informed. 

Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about the differences between implant dentistry and dentures. 

What are Implants?

Dental implants are permanent replacement teeth, also known in implant dentistry terms as prosthetic teeth. 

To attach the prosthetic tooth, a dentist will implant a metal post into your jaw where the root of your original tooth was. This serves as an anchor, onto which comes the abutment. The abutment acts as a connector for the prosthetic tooth or crown to hold onto.

Before you get an implant done, your dentist will need to evaluate the integrity of your jaw. If your jawbone is compromised, they may need to first do a bone graft to fortify the jaw.

If you have experienced extreme bone loss in your jaw, this might eliminate you as a candidate for implant dentistry. 

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are also prosthetic teeth, but they are not anchored individually into the jaw. Instead, they are placed onto a plate or mold with fits to your gums. Most dentures are removable. 

Some dentures sit “freely”, with no anchor points. These types of dentures usually require you to use specific gum adhesives to hold them in place during the day. 

Some patients also opt for snap-in dentures. These types of dentures usually require one or more implants to adhere to. Instead of having crowns placed on them, these implants have special kinds of snap studs at the top, which the dentures can attach to. 

Snap-in dentures are more secure than regular dentures. 

Finally, you can also get permanently fixed dentures. These also use implant anchors to attach onto, but they are not removable. Here at Awesome Smiles, we offer a revolutionary fixed denture process called All-On-4 Dental Implants which occurs within one day.  

How Implants and Dentures Compare

As you can see, dentures and implants differ widely. Although they do the same job, dentures and implants differ in cost, longevity, maintenance, and more. 

Cost

Because implants are more involved procedures, they cost more than dentures. 

The average cost for a full set of dentures usually clocks in at between $5,000 to $7,000. Implant-supported dentures cost considerably more than this. 

Dentures also involve some ongoing costs and will likely need to be replaced. 

Implants can vary in cost, but average costs hover around $4,800. Costs can vary widely, however, as no two procedures are the same. If you opt to go with the best dentist in your area, you can expect to pay more, but you can also rest assured you are getting the highest level of care. 

This reduces the risk of post-procedure complications and helps ensure the success of implant surgery. Therefore, look for someone who specializes in implant dentistry, and don’t simply search “dentist near me” and pick the first emergency dentist you find. 

Longevity

Another area where implants and dentures differ is around longevity. Implants last for around 25 years on average, whereas dentures typically need replacing every 7-15 years. 

This can be an important factor to think about when weighing up whether to go for dentures or implants. If you are below the age of 60, then you will be able to enjoy the convenience of your implants for many years to come.

Also, because dentures need replacement, they aren’t necessarily as low-cost as they seem. 

Maintenance

Because implants mimic natural teeth, they are very low maintenance. All you have to do is brush and floss like you usually would and go for your dental checkups. 

On the other hand, dentures require a fair bit of maintenance. It’s very important to be meticulous about cleaning dentures, as they can trap plaque and bacteria against your gums. 

Comfort

Besides being more work to clean, dentures also aren’t as comfortable as implants. Dentures can cause initial discomfort, and feel foreign in the mouth at first. Over time, a lot of people get used to them, but they can also cause further discomfort. 

For instance, the pressure of the dentures on your gums can cause swelling and soreness. If your gums shrink, which is common after tooth removal, this can cause the dentures to be loose and ill-fitting. 

In contrast, implants function and feel the same as regular teeth. This is one of the reasons why implants have become increasingly popular.

Once you have healed from the https://elcarwash.com/ surgery, there should be no discomfort or pain. 

Implants also sit sturdily in your jaw which means you can enjoy hard or chewy foods without worrying about your prosthetic tooth. 

Jaw Integrity

One of the biggest advantages of implant dentistry is it can help maintain the integrity of your jaw bone. When teeth are removed it’s very common for the jaw bone in the area to lose mass. 

This is disadvantageous for your jaw and dental health. It can also be a cosmetic concern. As the jaw bone shrinks, this can give the face a “sunken in” look that is aging and unflattering. 

Implants help to stave off and reverse bone loss in the jaw. Implant anchors stimulate bone growth in the jaw as it works to fuse with the pins. 

Recovery Time

The recovery time for dentures depends entirely on what type of dentures you get and the procedures involved. Most snap-in and fixed dentures have the same recovery time as implants because they require implants for the anchor.

Regular dentures involve little-to-no downtime and are typically non-invasive. 

Traditionally, implants were a lengthy process that could span a number of months. Many dentists still space out the process and require you to make multiple visits before the implant process is complete. 

Here at Awesome Smiles, we know how inconvenient that can be for patients. This is why we employ revolutionary methods that minimize downtime. We are one of the few dental practices that offer same-day implants. 

Are You About to Google “Dentist Near Me”?

Whether you want to get implants or dentures done, it’s essential that you go with the best dentist in your area. Are you about to google “dentist near me” to compare your options?

If you’re located in Pompano Beach, we invite you to check out our services. 

Our aim is to transform the dental experience for our patients by combining the feel of a high-end spa or private practice with the efficiency of a corporate dental group.