Once you lose a tooth, it can be difficult to determine what treatment option is best for your smile. For this reason, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our Grand Rapids, MI, dental implant dentist. Dr. Elias would be more than happy to help you weigh the pros and cons of single-tooth dental implants versus removable dentures.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about both restorative dental procedures.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A is a prosthetic tooth root made out of a titanium alloy. This form of permanent tooth replacement is biocompatible, which means it’s designed to fuse with your jawbone over the course of several months during a natural process called osseointegration. Because of this, tooth implants do not rely on adhesives or clasps for stability.
Once osseointegration is complete, our local dental implant dentist will be able to place the abutment (connector piece) and dental crown over top. Together, the implant, abutment, and crown all work together to give you the full appearance and function of a natural tooth.
While dental implants provide numerous benefits, it is important to acknowledge certain considerations. For one, surgery is involved, and some individuals may have concerns about this aspect. Additionally, the dental implant procedure is more of an investment than dentures. However, many individuals find that the long-term advantages, including the longevity of implants and their positive impact on oral health, outweigh the “cons”.
What Are Dentures?
Inside our Grand Rapids, MI, dental office, our dentist offers both full and partial dentures. While a partial denture replaces one or several teeth, full dentures replace all of the teeth in the upper and/or lower arch. Unlike dental implants, dentures are removable. This means that you’ll need to remove them at night to allow your gums proper time to rest. The healthier your gums, the more support they’ll provide for your dentures.
How Are Dental Implants & Dentures Different?
Single-tooth implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to provide you with the ultimate stability as you eat, talk, laugh, and smile. Dentures, on the other hand, rest on top of your gums. This means that your dentures may slip on occasion when you make a sudden movement, such as sneeze or smile.
In addition to being stable, dental implants are also the only tooth replacement option that stops bone loss in the jaw. Once you lose a tooth, your body starts to absorb the minerals in the jaw to use elsewhere. A tooth implant, however, exerts pressure on the jaw which lets the body know that the bone surrounding the empty socket is still in use.
How Should I Replace Missing Teeth?
When considering your treatment options, it’s important that you schedule a dentures or dental implant consultation with our dentist. Dr. Elias will be able to determine the best course of action to restore the full function and appearance of your smile.
During the consultation, we’ll assess:
- Jawbone density (whether dental bone grafting is needed)
- Commitment to oral hygiene
- Medical conditions that may interfere with proper healing
- Number of teeth missing
- Habits like smoking or use of other tobacco products
Be sure to also consider your diet, social activities, maintenance commitment, and how you want your teeth to look and feel. might offer the most natural experience, but the initial cost and surgery are significant things to keep in mind. Dentures provide a quick and cost-effective solution but might not meet the needs of an active lifestyle.
Request a Dental Implant Consultation
Our , is accepting new patients. To schedule a consultation and explore your tooth replacement options, please call (616) 458-2048. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
