Dental Implants vs. Dentures

DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE

Dental implants can replace one or more teeth. And because it’s replacing the root of the tooth, the stability provides a strong foundation for fixed, permanent teeth or removable teeth. The procedure involves:

1. After examining your teeth, your New Orleans dentist assesses your condition and develops a custom treatment plan.
2. Any remaining tooth root is removed.
3. If your jaw is weak or the location of the tooth requires it, your dentist recommends a bone graft. This surgery requires two to six months for healing.
4. A small titanium post is placed in the bone socket of the missing tooth or teeth, replacing the previous root. Your bone heals and grows around the post, usually in about three months.
5. After you’ve healed, your cosmetic dentist places an abutment, or connector post, onto the titanium post in your jaw.
6. Your dentist makes impressions of your teeth to make a model of your bite.
7. If you’re receiving removable teeth, attachments are placed on the abutment to hold and support them.
8. Your crown is custom-crafted in the lab and cemented in place on the abutment.

Because there’s no root or root nerve, many patients say they experience less pain than a tooth extraction. Any residual discomfort is easily controlled by over-the-counter pain relievers. You care for your new implant as you would your natural teeth with normal brushing, flossing and mouthwash, as well as regular dental cleanings at your NOLA Dental Clinic.

ADVANTAGES OF IMPLANTS VS. DENTURES

While your individual dental health is the most important consideration, many prefer the advantages of dental implants vs. dentures for a number of reasons, including:

• Implants mimic your natural tooth and tooth root, so your appearance remains unchanged or may even improve. Because the post fuses with the bone and becomes permanent, most people can’t tell the difference between their natural teeth and an implant.
• Dentures slip and become ill-fitting over time as your mouth changes. Slipping and concern over the denture’s movement causes mumbling or slurred speech. Dental implants are either permanent or securely attached so you stop worrying about movement. Speech returns to normal.
• Dental implants are specially designed for your bite and their secure attachment eliminates the discomfort of slipping or ill-fitting dentures.
• Because of their instability, denture wearers must avoid certain foods. Even those with full denture implants find they can return to a normal diet without concerns.
• Bridges require adjacent teeth to be altered. Implants don’t affect other teeth, improving your overall oral health.
• Because dental implants provide a stable and durable platform, implants can last a lifetime.
• Fixed implants eliminate the need for messy adhesives. Convenient and natural-appearing, even full dental implants result in a return to your previous quality of life.

CONCERNS REGARDING IMPLANTS VS. DENTURES

You should always discuss any concerns about disadvantages with your New Orleans cosmetic dentist before your procedure. You need healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant in place. You should be able to handle a dental surgery, whereas dentures are a nonsurgical procedure.

The entire process for implants can take three to six months to complete while dentures are usually ready in weeks. Costs for dentures range from $700 to $2,000 with 15 to 50 percent coverage by insurance. Cost for a single tooth implant including the crown averages around $4,000 per tooth, and it’s not usually covered by insurance. Dentures must usually be replaced every three to six years, while implants can last 15 years or longer.

Knowing all the details and choices available to you makes your decision process easier. Comfort Smiles Dentistry strives for your satisfaction and great oral health while helping you decide between implants vs. dentures.

Do you have any questions about Dental Implants vs. Dentures? Would you like to schedule an appointment with a top rated dental implant dentist in New Orleans? Please contact our office.