As a dental practice that offers both dental implants and dentures, we’re often asked about the best ways to replace missing teeth. The tooth replacement options you explore with our dentist will ultimately depend on your oral health, budget, and personal preference. For example, our dentist may recommend you for the dental implant procedure if you have sufficient bone density in your jaw and a healthy immune system. Continue reading to learn what our Wyoming, MI dental implant dentist might recommend for your smile.
Dental Implants VS Dentures
Dentures
are an oral appliance made to look and function like natural teeth. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, our dentist may recommend a full or partial denture. While a full denture replaces an entire arch of teeth, a partial denture only replaces a few teeth. We can help you explore the different types of dentures available, including partial, complete, conventional, and immediate dentures.
Dentures sit on top of your gums and must be removed before you go to sleep so your gums have a chance to recover. When you’re not wearing your dentures, they’ll need to be submerged in a glass of water or denture cleanser so they don’t dry out, crack, and warp.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) that’s placed in your jaw to later support a crown. Many patients appreciate that dental implants look and function like natural teeth. This means that you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods without worrying about slipping dentures. Take care of your like you would natural teeth by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily.
Should I Get Dentures or Dental Implants?
While dentures are more affordable than , they don’t solve the problem of jawbone deterioration. As soon as your body detects a missing tooth, it’ll start to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. Once this happens, the area of the jaw where the tooth root used to be weakens and deteriorates. Teeth adjacent to the gap will also start to tilt toward the open space. Eventually, the patient may experience facial collapse, which alters the shape of the face and makes it difficult to wear dentures.
The best way to prevent further tooth loss and jawbone deterioration is to ask our dentist if you’re a candidate for the . In general, we recommend dental implants whenever possible so patients can avoid long-term health issues caused by missing teeth.
Am I a Candidate for the Dental Implant Procedure?
You’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure if you have healthy gum tissue and sufficient bone density in your jaw to place the implant. For successful osseointegration, there has to be enough jawbone tissue to support the titanium dental implant that’s placed in your jawbone. Our dental implant dentist will be able to determine if you’re a likely candidate for the dental implant procedure. Even if you’re not a candidate for dental implants, we can help you explore your other tooth replacement options.
Dr. Jeff Helmus is proud to offer tooth replacement options, such as dental implants and dentures, to help patients smile with confidence. To request an appointment with our Wyoming, MI dental implant dentist, call River Ridge Family Dentistry at (616) 538-7320.