When choosing a tooth replacement option, you want to find a treatment that fits you, specifically. Patients have different needs and preferences, so the best thing that you can do is to gather information about many different treatments and then work with a dentist to determine which is best for you.
Our Saint Louis dental office offers both dentures and dental implants for patients who have missing teeth. Today I’m going to explain some of the differences between dental implants and dentures. I hope that at the end of this blog entry you’ll feel better informed about your tooth replacement options, and comfortably discussing them with your dentist.
Now both dentures and dental implants allow you to resume natural functioning after tooth loss. But there are some key differences….
Fit and Stability
Dentures sit on top of the gum line and held in place with dental adhesive. Some patients may experience some slippage when they speak, eat, or drink. Dental implants, on the other hand, are actually surgically implanted into the jawbone. Consequently they are not removable, and they won’t shift during the day.
Dental implants can actually be used—placed in a few strategic spots—to anchor existing dentures. If you find that your dentures are not as stable as you’d like, talk to your dentist about the possibility of adding a few dental implants to secure them.
Keeping Them Clean
Because dentures are removable, you’ll actually take them out to clean them. During the night you’ll soak your dentures in a special solution to keep them clean and fresh. Because dental implants are embedded in the jawbone, patients clean dental implants as they’d clean natural teeth. You’ll need to brush and floss your dental implants to maintain them.
Our Saint Louis dental office can help you decide what kind of tooth replacement option works best for you. When you come in for your consultation we’ll review the options in greater detail and walk you through the treatment process—just give us a call!