Unsure if you should get dental implants or dentures? It can be challenging to smile, eat, and talk confidently after tooth loss, affecting your overall oral health.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a routine dental procedure with a lasting, positive impact on your health and smile. If you are missing one or more teeth, or looking for implant-supported dentures(mini-implants), talk with Dr. Kesteven about comfortable replacements that look natural and feel secure.
A dental implant is a titanium metal replacement for the root of a tooth, surgically implanted in the jawbone. Highly trained and qualified, Dr. Kesteven conducts the entire procedure from surgery to restoration. Once the implant device is inserted, the bone around the implant fuses to the implant; this process is called osseointegration. For implants to be successful, you need enough bone in the jawbone. However, if you only have minimal bone, mini-implants may be the answer for you.
What are Mini-Implants?
Mini-implants are a fantastic help to denture wearers. They stabilize dentures, making them solid, secure, and functional. They are a good option if you are not a candidate for full mouth implant restoration (perhaps because of insufficient bone) or need a more cost-effective alternative. Dentures simply snap into place, eliminating the need for denture creams and powders.
Mini-implants are a smaller version of regular implants. As mentioned, you must first have sufficient bone mass in your jaw for implants. However, tooth loss causes bone loss, a vicious cycle. Mini implants require less bone, which may help you avoid a bone graft. As Mini-Implants are smaller, fitting into smaller areas with less invasive surgery, the result is less “downtime” for the patient.
Dentures
Dentures are an oral appliance appearing and functioning like natural teeth, being either partial or complete dentures.
Full dentures are placed over the gums and used when all teeth are missing. Partials use metal clasps or precision attachments to connect to your remaining natural teeth.
Dentures do not require any surgery, though you may need to have teeth extracted before getting your dentures.
There are some disadvantages to dentures:
- It takes time to adjust to wearing dentures. At first, it may be hard to eat and talk normally, as they are prone to shifting or falling out, which can be uncomfortable and embarrass the wearer.
- It is less likely for dentures to fall out if you avoid hard and chewy foods. These limitations are inconvenient and can prevent you from receiving a balanced diet. Food can get stuck under the denture. It takes approximately 30 days to grow accustomed to eating with dentures.
- One way to keep dentures in is by using specially made adhesives, but these products often have an unpleasant taste and texture.
- Dentures must be removed and cleaned nightly.
- Though they are not permanent, dentures last an average of six years with proper care before needing replacement. You need to be extremely careful, as dentures are fragile and can break if dropped or mishandled.
Dr. Kesteven will determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants and will explore other tooth replacement options. Call Kesteven Dental Care at 604-826-8087 or fill out our intake form at kestevendentalcare.com.
By Lorelei Kesteven
