Missing teeth can have a serious impact on your oral health and your overall well-being, but when it comes to replacing those missing teeth, you have options.
Dental implants and dentures are the two most common ways to replace missing teeth. Both options can restore function and aesthetics, but dental implants are quickly becoming the preferred choice.
Board-certified periodontal surgeons J. Paul Fuentes, DDS, DABP, and Andrew Peterson, DMD, MS, and our team at Arcadia Perio offer dental implants in Arcadia, California. In this blog, we're exploring the reasons dental implants are so popular and whether they might be right for you.
First, let's differentiate between dental implants and dentures. Both are common dental restorations to replace missing teeth, but they work very differently.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that we surgically place into your jawbone. Implants are designed to fuse with the bone, providing a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. Because they’re permanent, they mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth.
Dentures, on the other hand, are removable prosthetic devices. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored base. Partial dentures replace a few missing teeth, and complete dentures replace an entire arch of teeth. Because they’re removable, dentures can feel uncomfortable or awkward in your mouth.
Dental implants and dentures both have their benefits, but for many of our patients, dental implants are a superior choice. Here’s why.
Dental implants involve surgically implanting an artificial tooth root into your jawbone. And although this process comes with an initial healing period, the payoff includes enhanced comfort and functionality compared to dentures.
Dentures can slip or shift when you try to talk or eat, but implants remain securely in place. You can enjoy your favorite foods and speak confidently without fear of embarrassment. There's no need for messy adhesives, and you don’t have to worry about your implants becoming loose or uncomfortable.
Another advantage of dental implants is that they look like your natural teeth. Dentures often appear artificial or bulky, but dental implants blend imperceptibly into your smile.
We custom-design implant-supported crowns and bridges to match the shape, size, and color of your existing natural teeth to create a harmonious look. That means you can regain your confidence and smile with pride, knowing that your replacement teeth look and function just like real ones.
One of the most compelling reasons to choose dental implants over dentures is their longevity and durability. Dentures typically need to be adjusted and replaced regularly, but dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care.
Once your implant integrates with your jawbone, you care for it just like you do your natural teeth. With routine dental checkups and good oral hygiene practices, dental implants offer a permanent solution for tooth replacement.
Finally, dental implants preserve jawbone health — something dentures just can’t do. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate over time. This can cause changes in your facial structure and oral health issues, but dental implants stimulate bone growth to fight these changes.
Implants lower your risk of further deterioration by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots. This helps maintain facial contours and prevents the sunken appearance often associated with tooth loss and traditional dentures.
If you need to replace missing teeth, it’s time to find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Schedule a consultation with our team by calling 626-600-2009, or book an appointment online now.
