Our dentist in Waterford, MI offers both dentures and dental implants. Yet, it can be difficult choosing between these tooth replacement options. While dentures cost less than dental implants, they don't prevent jawbone deterioration. If you schedule a consultation, our dentist can help you find the best solution for your smile. Continue reading to learn more about dentures and dental implants.
Dentures are an oral appliance made to look and function like natural teeth. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, our dentist may recommend a full or partial denture. While a full denture replaces an entire arch of teeth, a partial denture only replaces a few teeth. We can help you explore the different types of dentures available, including partial, complete, conventional, and immediate dentures.
Dentures sit on top of your gums and must be removed before you go to sleep so your gums have a chance to recover. When you’re not wearing your dentures, they’ll need to be submerged in a glass of water or denture cleanser so they don’t dry out, crack, and warp.
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) that’s placed in your jaw to later support a crown. Many patients appreciate that dental implants look and function like natural teeth. This means that you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods without worrying about slipping dentures. Take care of your dental implants like you would natural teeth by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily.
While dentures are more affordable than dental implants, they don’t solve the problem of jawbone deterioration. As soon as your body detects a missing tooth, it’ll start to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. Once this happens, the area of the jaw where the tooth root used to be weakens and deteriorates. Teeth adjacent to the gap will also start to tilt toward the open space. Eventually, the patient may experience facial collapse, which alters the shape of the face and makes it difficult to wear dentures.
The best way to prevent further tooth loss and jawbone deterioration is to ask our dentist if you’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure. In general, we recommend dental implants whenever possible so patients can avoid long-term health issues caused by missing teeth.
You’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure if you have healthy gum tissue and sufficient bone density in your jaw to place the implant. For successful osseointegration, there has to be enough jawbone tissue to support the titanium dental implant that’s placed in your jawbone.
Don’t have enough bone density in your jaw? Ask our dentist if you’re a candidate for a bone graft. A bone graft can restore the bone density in your jaw needed for dental implants.
Our dental implant dentist will be able to determine if you’re a likely candidate for the dental implant procedure. Even if you’re not a candidate for dental implants, we can help you explore your other tooth replacement options.
Dr. Marvin Taylor is a reputable dental implant dentist in Waterford, MI. To request an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for dental implants, call Dr. Taylor’s Family Dental Center at (248) 681-8100.
