Traditional Dentures vs. Implant-Supported Dentures
Patients of Dr. Bruce Wilderman can count on him and his team to provide exceptional dental care. This is what makes his practice one of the leaders in comprehensive dentistry in the greater Philadelphia area, offering advanced restorative dentistry to improve general wellness and state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry to enhance smile aesthetics.
We've received a number of questions from patients about dentures and whether or not dentures supported by dental implants are the best option. Let's compare traditional removable dentures to implant-supported ones right now.
About Removable Dentures
Removable dentures are a common option for people who are missing many teeth in a row. The dentures brace around the patient's gum and jawbone structure, and dentists can use special materials and impression techniques to help make the appliance as comfortable as possible. Patients can remove the denture for bed and cleaning as needed.
The Benefits of Removable Dentures
Removable dentures restore a patient's ability to bite and chew, allowing people to eat their favorite foods again. The denture also allows patients to smile and laugh with confidence, avoiding the self-consciousness that is sometimes attached to having major gaps between teeth. For major tooth loss, the denture also restores the fullness of the cheek and lip area.
About Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are dentures that are held in place through implant dentistry. This involves oral surgery, placing posts into the jawbone and gum tissue of the mouth. After a period of healing, these implant posts fuse with the living tissues of the mouth. The dental implants are as strong as natural tooth roots. A configuration of multiple implants are able to support a full denture, which snaps into place atop the posts.
The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are extremely secure and stable, and are unlikely to slip out of place unlike removable dentures. The dental implants themselves help prevent bone loss along the jaw and gum recession since the hard and soft tissues have something to support. This means fewer dental health issues down the road.
How do these two options compare?
While removable dentures are effective, implant-supported dentures are superior given the stability that is afforded by the dental implants as well as the prevention of further bone loss and gum recession.
With that said, implant-supported dentures are more expensive, and dental implants do require oral surgery to place. Patients who have health issues that would make oral surgery a potential health risk would not be able to get implant-supported dentures. In addition, there is a months-long healing period that follows the oral surgery to allow the implants to fuse with the bone and gums.
Which option is most ideal for me?
No two patients are alike, so we want to make sure that patients can weight their options carefully when it comes to treatment. If the cost of dental care is a concern, we have a number of financing options to consider that can put implant-supported dentures within financial reach. Our goal is to provide patients with enough viable options for care that they can make choices with which they are comfortable.
Speak with a Dentist About Your Options for Treatment
If you would like to learn more about your treatment options for tooth loss, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Bruce Wilderman and the entire team here look forward to your visit and helping you have the healthiest and most beautiful smile possible.
