Implants Versus Dentures

August 3, 2022


At Lakeside we offer both dental implants and dentures and these days, there are more options than ever before when it comes to replacing missing teeth. The truth is that tooth replacement options you may have available to you will ultimately depend on your oral health, budget, and personal preference.

A mini dental implant procedure is very often your best solution, provided you have sufficient bone density. Implants and mini implants are really an evolution in tooth replacement and in denture stability over traditional denture solutions that once were the singular choice available to most individuals.

Dentures are an oral appliance made to look and function like natural teeth. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, a full or partial denture could be recommended. Dentures sit on top of your gums are often removed before you go to sleep, so your gums have a chance to rest. There are different types of regular dentures available, including partial, complete, and immediate dentures. For many, dentures can be retained by implants. Implant retained dentures snap in and represent a more recent and vastly superior denture option.

Dental Implants are a prosthetic tooth placed atop an implant (made of titanium) that’s placed in your jaw to support a crown. Implant crowns look and function like natural teeth. This means that you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods without worrying about slipping dentures. And, like real teeth, take care of your dental implants much like you would natural teeth brushing twice daily, flossing and using a Water Pik type appliance daily.

Should You Get Dentures or Dental Implants?

While dentures can represent an affordable option, they don’t solve the problem of jawbone deterioration after the loss of natural teeth, plus, dentures may also damage the anchor teeth. As soon as your body detects a missing tooth, it starts 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 often can weaken and deteriorate. Bones resorb and become smaller which can cause patients to potentially experience some facial support collapse, that in turn alters the shape of the face making it more difficult to continue wearing dentures.

The best way to prevent further tooth loss and jawbone deterioration is to talk with our implant team and find out if you’re a candidate for a minimally invasive dental implant. You’re a candidate for this implant procedure provided you have healthy gum tissue and sufficient bone in your jaw to place the implant.

Lakeside’s consultation team will be able to determine if you’re a likely candidate for a dental implant procedure. And, even if you’re not a candidate for implants, we can help you explore your other tooth replacement options. Contact Lakeside today!