Preserving the Jawbone: Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Dental implants and dentures can replace anywhere from one missing tooth to full arches of missing teeth. However, they accomplish this in different ways, each offering their own unique benefits. Implants preserve the jawbone, while dentures do not require surgery. Knowing more about each option’s unique benefits can help you decide between implants and dentures.

How dental implants preserve the jawbone

Dental implants replace natural tooth roots. They resemble metal screws, which the general dentist will place into the jawbone. The goal is to have them fuse with the bone and later support tooth replacements. Usually, the tooth replacement is a dental crown placed on top of the implant via an abutment. However, it could also be a full set of permanent false teeth. With both, the placement of the implants will continue to engage the jawbone as the patient chews, talks, and goes about their daily life.

Implants are unique in that they are the only tooth replacements that also offer jawbone preservation. The tooth replacement restores the smile’s functionality, while jawbone preservation reinforces bite force and prevents facial shrinking and sagging. The overall result is an enhanced quality of life.

Other benefits of dental implants

Another benefit is that dental implants serve as a foundation for natural-looking tooth replacements. No one will be able to notice that they are not natural teeth because they look just like them. Since they are permanent and irremovable, implants also feel natural. They cannot slip out of the mouth.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dental implants also offer the following benefits:

• Restores chewing function
• Stabilizes surrounding teeth
• Helps maintain gum health

A general dentist can discuss other ways in which implants can benefit the patient’s dental condition. They can also determine candidacy through an oral exam and dental X-rays.

How dentures work

Dentures are removable tooth replacements. There are full and partial dentures designed to replace any number of teeth. However, each option sits atop the gum line to achieve this. Suction and denture shape should keep the appliance in place. For additional security, dental adhesives are sometimes necessary. No surgery is required, however. Thus, the unique benefit of this nonsurgical tooth replacement is how most patients qualify for it.

A general dentist will likely recommend dentures for patients who want a cost-effective, nonsurgical tooth replacement. However, patients should keep the disadvantages in mind. Dentures can take a while to adjust to, and they do not preserve the jawbone.

The convenient process behind dentures

The general dentist will take dental impressions to create a model for the denture. They will send this to a dental laboratory to create the customized denture. Once finished, the patient can return to the dentist’s office for a fitting. The general dentist can make adjustments right then and there, polish it, and send it home with the patient.