Difference Between Dental Implants and Dentures
Dental implants are surgically inserted into your mouth, whereas removable dentures only sit on top of the bony ridge. Whether you are missing a single tooth or all of your teeth, we can tailor your dental implant treatment to match your exact needs.
One dental implant, including the post, abutment, and crown, can replace a tooth anywhere you need it. They are strong and durable, allowing you to eat your favorite foods again without discomfort or moving parts. You care for a dental implant just like a natural tooth with brushing and flossing. There are no special rinses or cleaning products required.
Removable dentures often cost less money than dental implants upfront. However, they do not fuse to the jaw bone or protect your oral health. You must replace dentures every few years and if they are not fitted properly, they can cause oral sores.
Removable dentures should be taken out when you eat and brush your teeth, something many patients find embarrassing. While removable dentures do cosmetically restore smiles, complete dentures are inconvenient and do not serve as long-term solutions.
Once the implant post fuses to the jaw bone, your dental implant becomes a permanent part of your smile. Once your implant has healed, it will feel just like your other natural teeth. The crown is designed to blend in, making your implant indistinguishable from the rest of your smile. With their high success rates and longevity, it’s no wonder that dental implants remain the most popular and healthiest option for replacing one or more missing teeth.
Prevent Jaw Bone Loss
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in implant dentistry and our board-certified specialists have helped countless patients achieve healthier, complete smiles. A popular alternative to dentures, dental implants replicate the appearance and function of healthy, natural teeth. This includes the root, which stimulates the jaw bone during chewing and keeps it strong. Full or partial dentures do not offer this health benefit.
When tooth loss occurs, the jaw does not receive proper stimulation and begins to deteriorate. As time progresses, the bone could atrophy to the point where facial features begin to sag and adjacent teeth shift out of position. Complex bone repair surgery may be required, which can be more expensive than dental implants and requires serious downtime. You can prevent these problems by keeping your jaw bone healthy with dental implants, the only tooth restoration option that prevents bone loss.
In addition to easier eating and speaking, dental implants are easier to clean around than fixed partials or bridges. Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and infections. Your teeth implants improve your oral health now and protect it for many years to come.
Replace Missing Teeth in Los Angeles, CA
Your replacement teeth should feel comfortable and look natural. When you visit Los Angeles Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, you will receive exceptional care and tooth replacement results you can be proud of for years to come. As long as you have enough healthy jaw bone, you are likely a candidate to receive dental implants.
If your jaw bone has atrophied, your surgeon can place a bone graft to stimulate the growth of new jaw bone. Once healed, you will be able to restore your smile and confidence with dental implants. Contact our office in Los Angeles to schedule an appointment with our board-certified oral surgeons today.
