Losing a tooth (or teeth) can be severely debilitating, impairing your ability to chew and eat properly, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. At The Town Dentist, our professionals have been serving patients from all over the area – including Englewood, Paramus, Teaneck and Hackensack – for years. We are dedicated to providing top-notch care with the utmost compassion and concern for our patients and their individual needs.
Two solutions for tooth loss that many patients consider are dentures and dental implants. To help you decide between them, our team has prepared the following overview of the two treatments, with a list of some of their pros and cons, and things you may want to consider.
Understanding How Dentures Work
Dentures, which can be removed, are made to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. There are two different types of dentures: complete dentures and partial dentures.
Partial dentures are an effective solution when you still have natural teeth. Partials are replacement teeth, adhered to a gum-colored base, with metal frames to hold them in place.
Complete dentures are for patients with no natural teeth. They rest directly on your gums just as your natural teeth do.
Benefits of Dentures
- Dentures have a lower upfront cost than dental implants.
- You do not need surgery to fit dentures, making them a more feasible or palatable choice for many people.
- Dentures are also a quick solution, as it does not take long to make and fit them. This makes dentures a particularly good option for patients who need to quickly restore their teeth’s appearance and functioning.
Drawbacks of Dentures
- Because dentures are removable, they can slip and move. This can be uncomfortable and affect your speech.
- Dentures do not treat or prevent deterioration of your jawbone, a condition which if untreated can lead to changes in your facial structure.
- Patients can find the need to regularly remove and clean dentures, and using adhesive to keep them in place, to be an inconvenience.
Considering Dental Implants
The number one alternative to dentures is dental implants, a more long-lasting option that features titanium posts, surgically installed into your jawbone. The posts serve as artificial roots for your teeth, and once they are integrated with the rest of your mouth, they serve as the foundation for removable or fixed replacement teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental implants are durable, lasting for up to two decades when they are cared for properly.
- Because dental implants stimulate your jawbone, they can prevent bone loss, which often accompanies tooth loss.
- Implants both look and feel like natural teeth, giving you full functionality and confidence.
Drawbacks of Dental Implants
- Compared to dentures, implants have a higher initial cost.
- Implants necessitate surgery and require more healing time.
- Because they require sufficient bone density, not everyone can get implants. For some, they may only be possible with additional procedures.
After You Receive Dental Implants
It is typical for there to be swelling and inflammation at the implant site. Some patients will experience bleeding and bruising of the skin and gums around the area, too. Antibiotics and pain medication (typically over the counter is fine) are typically enough to treat these conditions, which should go away after a few days.
While stitches are installed, we typically use disposable ones, so patients do not have to come back to have them removed. Remember to avoid hard or sticky foods for the first few days after treatment, to facilitate the healing process and prevent unnecessary pain.
Dentures vs. Implants: Pros & Cons
In terms of cost, dentures are cheaper initially, but implants could save you more money over the long-term, as they are long-lasting and can prevent bone loss and future infections.
Closely modeled on your natural teeth, implants look and feel more realistic than dentures and offer superior functionality. You also care for your implants as you do your natural teeth, whereas dentures must be removed daily and cleaned.
Are Implants Better Than Dentures?
This is more a question of which choice is best for you. It is true that implants, aside from their cost and the necessity of surgery, are more stable, functional, and long-lasting than dentures. So, many may consider them to be the superior choice.
However, if cost is your number one concern, or if your jaw lacks sufficient bone density for implants, then dentures might be the better choice.
When it comes to maintenance, implants are easier to care for than dentures. You only need to brush and floss them regularly, as you already do with your natural teeth. Dentures are not permanent or fixed in place and need to be removed daily for cleaning and care.
Why You Should Choose The Town Dentist
Our practice, which serves the entire Bergen County area – from Paramus to Englewood, from Teaneck to Hackensack – is committed to providing you with personalized care. Our consultations are collaborative, ensuring your concerns are incorporated into your care plan.
Our team is also committed to making aftercare and the maintenance of your dental implants or dentures a pleasant and stress-free experience. Each patient will be given their own individualized aftercare plan, with instructions for cleaning, maintenance, and follow-up visits.
When you choose The Town Dentist for your dental implant or denture work, you are choosing the very best. We use only the very latest in dental treatments and technologies at our practice, ensuring you the very best – and friendliest – in dental care.
Call The Town Dentist Today to Schedule an Appointment or Discuss Your Treatment Options
No matter what dental work you need done, or where in Bergen County you live, our team is ready to provide you with excellent dental care. Patients from Hackensack, Englewood, and Teaneck have come to us for all their dental work for decades – because we deliver quality care with a compassionate touch.
Call today to discuss treatment options, financing, insurance, or to schedule appointment. Our team is standing by and ready to get you on the road to good oral health and a beautiful smile.